I mentioned yesterday that I used to teach at a Christian school for special needs children. Many of the kids who came to us had known only failure and frustration. Most had suffered bullying and taunting in other places they had gone to school. Our school offered them an environment where they were loved and … Continue reading Focusing on the Endzone
Most fans of American football know the name Vince Lombardi. He coached the Green Bay Packers and won the first two Super Bowls, among other things. He is considered the greatest football coach of all time. So much so that in 1971 the NFL renamed the “Super Bowl Trophy” the “Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy.” … Continue reading Getting the Right Things Right
As a blessing to the Philippians, Paul sends to them two men whom he considers kindred spirits: Timothy and Epaphroditus. Timothy’s trip is short term. Paul sends him as a liaison to comfort the Philippians on Paul’s status and to report back to Paul on the Philippians’ status: But I trust in the Lord Jesus … Continue reading Kindred Spirits
Yesterday, our dog Dawson put himself to bed. Usually, when it gets late, I walk toward our bedroom and the routine is for Dawson to go to his kennel for the night. It used to be a tug-of-war to get him to do that. Then I started using treats as a reward every time I … Continue reading Put Legs on Your Faith
Have you ever noticed how much it affects you when someone you deeply respect rebukes, or encourages you? If they rebuke you, it shakes you to your core and convicts you to do some serious soul searching. If they encourage you, the words can impact your whole life. But when someone you don’t respect says … Continue reading Living the Mind of Christ
It’s funny how some things never change. The spokesman of a radical cause gets arrested and while many are glad to have him off the streets, his arrest makes his cause more popular and many others rally to his side. Even his critics, just by criticizing his cause “raise awareness” of it and that wins … Continue reading Paul: Radical on Trial
In his remembrance of the Philippians’ faith, Paul prays that their love would abound. Increased love in the world is something everyone wants to see. It’s also something everyone thinks they understand, but Paul’s understanding of what love is goes completely against how the world recognizes it. If you follow Hallmark’s or Hollywood’s description of … Continue reading If love were a profile on a dating site, would you recognize it?
People who restore old cars do it because they appreciate the craftsmanship and the story behind them. A classic car is like a work of art. A restored classic car is like a work of art you can drive. Try that with the Mona Lisa the next time you’re at the Louvre and see where … Continue reading Be remembered well
The church at Philippi began with the conversion of Lydia, the seller of purple (Acts 16:14), and the Philippian jailor. It is now 62 A.D., about 10 years after Paul’s first visit to Philippi and he is again in prison for his faith, most likely writing from Rome. Because of his failing eyesight, Timothy his … Continue reading Serving to Lead
You know those concrete barriers you see on the highway that divide one side from the other? The ones with the skid marks on them from people who got too close? And you know that guy who thinks he can drive in the fast lane until he sees how close the barriers seem to be? … Continue reading Keeping Your Life out of the Hay Bales
Grace in Waves 