Loyalty is a glorious, godly quality which is rightly to be celebrated. That’s why I’m glad it has taken a more prominent place in the minds of Americans today. Misconceptions about its true nature abound, however. Loyalty that is coerced or required is not loyalty but servitude. I’d like to use this brief post to identify the three things upon which loyalty must be built. Before I get to that, though, I want to point to three things that loyalty is not based upon. First, loyalty is not expressed in silent acquiescence. It’s bold enough to disagree with a leader and speak the truth when … READ MORE...
Three Reasons to Teach on the Fear of the Lord
What is the fear of the Lord? Consider this definition: A trembling zeal to obey every word of His mouth. It’s a treasure He gives His favorites (Isa 33:6). The fear of the Lord was a powerful … READ MORE...
22 WAYS TO FIND JESUS IN THE BOOK OF JOB
Some people struggle with the book of Job because, when they look at the life of Jesus, they can’t find anything in the ministry of Jesus that corresponds to Job’s story. They decide, therefore, that … READ MORE...
APOLOGIZING FOR GOD
The other day, as I was preparing to speak at a certain Christian event, I began to apologize to the Lord in a manner I had done several times before. I said things like, “I’m sorry, Lord, that I have so little to offer you. I have such a limited message. The … READ MORE...
BEEN BURNED BY SIN?
One day when I was a young child, I was standing by an outdoor bonfire and noticed a potato sack that was burned in the fire. The way it burned, the ashes had maintained the shape of the sack, and the sack appeared still to be intact. Because of my childlike … READ MORE...
THE KEY OF DAVID
Speaking to the apostle John, Jesus said that He “has the key of David” (Rev. 3:7). Other than Isaiah 22:22, this is the only place in the Bible that mentions “the key of David,” and therefore there is much speculation about what that key was and is. Some … READ MORE...
YOUR MISSION IS NOT MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR PEOPLE
God never calls you to a mission that is more important than the people on your team. Because no such mission exists. A leader might be tempted to think, “Good riddance, they never did have complete buy-in with our vision.” “They just couldn’t keep up.” “We … READ MORE...
THE EYES OF THE LORD
In this post I want to show how gloriously God responds to those who maintain their loyalty to Him. Here’s our text: “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. … READ MORE...
WE HAVE LAWS FOR THIS KIND OF BEHAVIOR
The following is an excerpt from my newest book, Illegal Prayers. Look closely at verse 5 of Luke 11. Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves.” Our parable is in black and white until … READ MORE...