Tomorrow, March 28, marks two years since Nanci entered the presence of Jesus, after a four-year battle with cancer. I’ve been reflecting on what God has been teaching me since her death and its first-year anniversary. Google “Grief recovery,” and there are over one million hits. It’s an interesting term. You recover from a cold, a virus, or a broken arm. I don’t think you really recover from the huge loss—the amputation, so to speak—of someone central to your life. There is... Read more
At the end of Peter Jackson’s film adaptation of Tolkien’s The Return of the King, Bilbo Baggins—extremely old and decrepit—is invited to board an Elven ship to sail from Middle-earth to Valinor (a sort of Heaven). He smiles, and a youthful energy returns to his eyes as he says, “I think I’m quite ready for another adventure.” For the Christian, death is not the end of our adventure. Rather, it’s our exit from a world where dreams and adventures shrink, and... Read more
A political commentator on MSNBC made the claim that if you believe human rights come from God, you aren’t just a Christian; you are a Christian nationalist. This is an amazing statement because if human rights don’t come from God, they can only come from people. Who else is left? Giraffes? Aliens? Nothing comes from nowhere. Apparently, she trusts that people who don’t believe in God can somehow formulate a proper view of human rights. Ivan the Terrible, Genghis Khan, Hitler, Stalin, Mao,... Read more
Reader Aaron Fullan (who’s an actor, composer, and content creator) tagged me in an Instagram reel sharing why he appreciated my Heaven book after reading just one page into the preface. I was surprised: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aaron Fullan (@aaronfullan) Honestly, if you would’ve asked me if someone could recommend a book before he’s done with page one, I would’ve said that’s just crazy. But I think Aaron makes a great point with it! � What a memorable... Read more
Jesus said to His disciples, “When you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done’” (Luke 17:10, NASB). He’s saying, in effect, “Lower your sense of what you deserve.” God told Adam and Eve what would happen to them when they turned from Him and chose sin: “You will surely die” (Genesis 2:17, NASB). Based on that text alone, all we deserve and should... Read more
When something’s a legitimate need, God will provide it. But how often do we take matters into our own hands and spend impulsively before asking God to furnish it for us? How often do we go buy something—whether we consider it a “want” or a “need”—a week or a month before God would have provided it for free or at minimal cost, if only we’d asked him? Years ago, my friend wanted a good exercise bicycle. He even picked the... Read more
In this excerpt from my novel Dominion, the elderly character Obadiah shares his life memories, including about the Old Negro League. Researching these players was both fascinating and inspiring. (Here’s a video with a brief history of the Negro Leagues.) “What’s up?” Clarence asked, surprised to see Ollie at his door Saturday afternoon. “Something happen?” “No. I’m here to see your father. I brought him my Hank Aaron autograph.” Ollie lifted up an old Milwaukee Braves program, Aaron’s autograph dark and prominent.... Read more
Kevin DeYoung is a pastor and an excellent writer and thinker, and his resources can be found at the ministry Clearly Reformed. Kevin has started an explainer video series on God’s attributes. I’ve listened to the two he’s done so far and love them. The first one on the doctrine of divine simplicity is pretty unique. I have probably only heard the term used of God a few times in all the books on God’s attributes that I’ve read. As Kevin says, simplicity doesn’t... Read more
Our society holds on to youthfulness with a white-knuckled grip. We worship youth and consider the elderly at best, useless; and at worst, disposable. God’s perspective is very different: “Gray hair is a glorious crown; it is found in the ways of righteousness” (Proverbs 16:31). Titus 2 encourages both older men and women to be examples to those who are younger, and to teach them God’s ways. I love to be around older people—that is, older people who have sweetened... Read more
A friend who lives in Calico Rock, Arkansas wrote me, “Calico Rock has been preparing for the TOTAL ECLIPSE on April 8, 2024—we are in the direct totality path. Since all of this ‘just happened,’ we are hoping it does not get stuck and freeze us all to death!” I looked it up, and the Calico Rock tourist department must be going crazy. It seems like the Ozark Total Eclipse 2024 is everywhere online. This brings back memories of when Nanci and... Read more
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