In the fourth and final chapter of Philippians, we come to several well-known, popular “coffee cup” verses. The problem with “coffee cup” verses is that they are divorced from their context and setting. And this is often a recipe for misapplication. These verses from Philippians 4:1-9 might at first glance appear disconnected and disjointed, … [Read More…] The Basics of Peace
People sometimes ask me what I love most about being a pastor. I think my answer sometimes catches them by surprise: “Worship.” My favorite thing is to hear God’s people worshipping together. I think people expect me to say “preaching” or something along those lines. Please don’t get me wrong, I love preaching God’s … [Read More…] November 14, 2021
Who do you want to be when you grow up? It’s not just a question for children, it’s a question for all of us. Because, if God has given us new birth by grace through faith in Jesus’ life substituted for ours on the cross, and if God has then filled us with his Holy … [Read More…] The Basics of Maturity
Thursday is going to be tough for me this year. Veterans’ Day just won’t seem right without a phone call with my Grandpa Miller. He retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel and was a patriot through and through. I’d call him each year on Veterans Day and thank him for his … [Read More…] November 7, 2021
“We get to go to college!” Our kids have been saying that phrase with growing excitement over the past few weeks because on Wednesday and Thursday of this week I’ll be speaking in chapel at Cedarville University, and the kids are coming with us. It’ll be special for Krista and I to be … [Read More…] October 24, 2021
“Let’s do that again!” Last Sunday was our family’s first ever Chicago Marathon. To be frank, we had no idea what to expect. From the way everyone talked about it, we knew it was a big deal and would complicate everything. But we weren’t expecting what happened. All six of us showed … [Read More…] October 17, 2021
Who is the greatest person you’ve had the privilege of knowing? Not the most glamorous, but the greatest. You see, there’s a difference between glamor and greatness. Glamor impresses from a distance; greatness impacts up close. Glamor is on the outside; greatness is on the inside. Glamor draws attention to itself; greatness focuses attention on … [Read More…] The Basics of Service
Autumn is my favorite season. I love the beautiful leaves, crisp air, apple cider, and bundling up. I’m struck by the paradox of how much beauty there is in dying leaves. There’s profound glory as the botanical world lets everything go and hunkers down for the winter. In many ways autumn reminds me … [Read More…] October 10, 2021
Can you see the Apostle Paul in your minds’ eye? He’s under house arrest in Rome and manacled to an Imperial Guard. He’d appealed to Caesar, but now he’s wasting away, stuck in an endless line of bureaucratic delays. He has no idea how Caesar will rule on his case. He might be set free, … [Read More…] The Basics of Life
