Picture Perfect

May 13, 2016

“he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.” Isaiah 53:2b These prophetic words constructed by the prophet Isaiah are scandalous.  As God breathed into the soul of Isaiah, these words become the projection of a father declaring that someday the son that would […]

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The Secret of Grace

May 9, 2016

For the love of Christ controls us, (2 Corinthians 5:14a) Roughly a quarter of a mile from Wheaton Central High School was 103 East Park. This address was home for 16 years of my life, including my high school years. The close proximity to the school property made it possible for me to eat many […]

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“With the first pick…”

May 2, 2016

“With the first pick in the 2016 NFL draft, the Los Angeles Rams select Jarod Goff, quarterback California.” These words rolled off the lips of Roger Goodell, the Commissioner of the National Football League, as he announced the first, and each subsequent player selected by the professional football teams in the United States. Pride swelled. […]

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Calling All Shepherds… Yes, All of You

April 22, 2016

I’m several weeks away from a Youth For Christ USA National Board meeting. It’s in this context that I will receive my performance review. The process started several weeks ago and included the candid feedback of my Cabinet, of the board members, along with my own perspective related to my job performance. It’s a part […]

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The Keys to the Kingdom

April 15, 2016

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.  (Matthew 16:19) Recently in the course of racing from a conference call to an appointment, I found myself digging in my pocket […]

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“I Need Help”

April 8, 2016

It was just about two weeks ago that our daughter and son-in-law welcomed a 10-month-old into their home. I’ll call him JB. In fact, JB was not only welcomed by Alli and Chris, but by Desmond (5) and Abe (1-1/2 ). JB joined us for Easter and a family birthday celebration, even as he merged into […]

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You Messed With the Wrong Person

April 1, 2016

On September 11, 2001… time stood still. Our country stopped. Planes quit flying. A hideous enemy struck with devastating force and wonderful, innocent, unsuspecting people died. But while the metal of the World Trade Center melted into a molten pool, so too the resolve and commitment of a disconnected and fragmented people came together. A […]

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Beyond a Hero

March 24, 2016

Against the backdrop of focused evil, heroes emerge. Names surface from the ashes. Individuals step in harms way on behalf of others. From Brussels, to Paris, to Columbine… heroes. Brave and strong. Courageous and committed. Raising a fist to injustice and prejudice and hatred. Standing in the gap. Blood- splattered photographs expose the risk. Funerals […]

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Cling to What is Good

March 18, 2016

This week Mary and I participated in a half-day marriage seminar. The presentation and conversation propelled me to a moment… to an instant… to an experience that took place in a hospital room on July 14, 2012. Mary was four days removed from a serious cycling accident. A skilled and seasoned Orthopedic surgeon had meticulously […]

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Squeezing the Gospel Out of Every Orange He Grows

March 11, 2016

I had never met Charles before, but his warmth and gentle kindness traversed the years with ease. We were seated next to each other at a Youth For Christ fundraising banquet in central Florida. The room was full. The energy was high. It was because of the generosity of Charles and his wife that 400 […]

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