Speaking Truth to Power

O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You discern my thoughts from afar.—Psalm 139:1-2 (ESV)

Our society has clung to the idea of speaking truth to power in an effort to effect change. The term often is used in the face of perceived oppression or powerlessness. What if the powers to (more…)

The Dark Side of Christian Nationalism

He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.—John 1:11

Our nation appears more divided than perhaps since the days of the Civil War. But some of God’s children, all of whom are called to be peacemakers, are instead fueling division with a push for Christian nationalism.

The idea is that force-feeding Christian principles at any price upon those (more…)

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…)

My Christmas Wish for You

I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and (more…)

Moving at the Speed of Life

What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.—James 4:14 ESV

I was 14 when I first experienced the death of someone in my circle. It was a 16-year-old tuba player in our high school band—a boy who had delivered our newspapers and on whom I had a serious crush. Just a few (more…)