The Look of Love

Jesus looked at him and loved him.—Mark 10:21 (NIV)

As Jesus was wrapping up a visit to Judea, a young man commonly dubbed “the rich young ruler” ran up and knelt before Him to ask for the key to eternal life. Jesus cited some of the most common commandments—don’t murder, commit adultery, lie, cheat, or dishonor your parents—leaving the man feeling pretty (more…)

The Name Above All Names

Recently members of our church distributed school supplies at a back-to-school event in an underprivileged community. To our church’s credit, we had more volunteers than we needed to man the tables, so I decided to be on the lookout for families as they arrived or for people carrying empty backpacks. Then I would lead families to the tables where they would (more…)

When FOMO Matters

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him . . . ”—1 Corinthians 2:9

For a while, I kept hearing about FOMO, fear of missing out. (For the record, I was definitely missing out when it came to the meanings of our (more…)

Jesus Is the Cure

But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.—Isaiah 53:5

All of us seem to be waiting impatiently for society to reach herd immunity, for the spike in COVID-19 cases to ease up, for a vaccine to be developed—anything that allows us (more…)

The Power of the Cross

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.—1 Corinthians 1:18

As I was leaving the grocery store, a new bagger asked if she could carry out my groceries. I said yes, as I usually do, knowing it would give me an opportunity to begin (more…)