Encouragement & Inspiration

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) As residents of North Carolina for the last three decades, we’ve enjoyed some of the best college basketball in the country. Whether you wear the Carolina blue of the UNC Tar Heels or the darker blue of their rivals,...

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5) You probably recall the “Got Milk?” advertisements. Sponsored by the dairy industry, these clever commercials and print ads usually featured a smiling face wearing a classic milk mustache. The idea...

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) In a well-known passage from Psalm 139, David expresses his utmost admiration for the complexity of the human body. He reflects on the fact that God formed our bodies, intricately weaving frame and flesh into a beautiful form that...

Twenty-six years ago this summer, Rachael and I made our first family beach trip to Charleston, South Carolina. We had one infant son at the time, and we had no inkling of the long-standing family tradition we were starting. Since then, we’ve skipped the beach just once when we spent our vacation money to attend...

So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. (Romans 7:17) In chapter seven of Paul’s letter to the Romans, he discusses and explains an age-old issue: The problem of sin. Have you ever found yourself in Paul’s sandals? You know, those days when you feel prepared to...

“What I Did On My Summer Vacation.” As cliché as that sounds, I distinctly remember each September (back in the days when school started after Labor Day) writing an account of the most memorable events from the previous June through August. I typically discussed the family vacation, afternoons spent at the pool, and evenings playing...

Ah, the summer memories from my childhood! I  don’t ever remember ever wearing shoes during the summer months. I remember cool, foggy mornings with early birds heralding the dawn of a new day. I remember sleeping in, and I mean late. Nowadays that means 7:30 or 8 o’clock, but during my childhood, it meant pushing...

When Solomon had finished praying . . . the glory of the LORD filled the temple . . . and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD. (2 Chronicles 7:1-3) The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Son of God (John 16:14). Jesus deserves that glory, and indeed, at the final meal with His...

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Luke 5:21) The past is inescapable and irreversible. This is why it’s so important to be careful about what we say and do. You see, it is impossible to take back harsh...

Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day. . . . They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. (Deuteronomy 32:46-47) The fifth book of the Bible, the book of Deuteronomy, is based on a series of sermons delivered by Moses about God’s law. An early Greek...