I spent part of my twenties in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, just a block or two from Wrigley Field. After a childhood in rural Wisconsin, downtown city life seemed exciting, fast-paced, and a little bit dangerous. When my iPod disappeared from the outer pocket of my backpack, I learned to keep my valuables close and my…
“My command is this: Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12 NIV) A girlfriend of mine (let’s call her Jane) told me a story recently about how she and her family have basically gone kosher. They have a friend living with them who is kosher, and he was uncomfortable cooking in their…
How can we be here again? That was my thought when, for the third time in five years, the head coach my husband worked for was fired. For those unfamiliar with the world of big-time football, when the head coach is fired, it seldom bodes well for the rest of the staff. The incoming head…
Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites faced many adversaries. When Joshua was close to the end of his life, he warned the Israelites that the land of the Philistines was one of the areas they still needed to defeat (Josh. 13:1–3). Because the Philistines were not completely removed as God had commanded, Israel faced them…
“They are not a good person.” Regrettably, I have said these words on countless occasions. We all can probably admit we have let loose this phrase before. An atrocious criminal has committed a heinous act. They’re being showcased on the nightly news. We blurt this out in utter disgust. Or maybe something milder. Someone’s reputation…
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in Me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12 NLT) As I read this passage from the Book of John, I scratched my head, my brow furrowed in confusion, and exclaimed, “What’chu talkin’…