father heart of God

50 Fictional Fathers

June 20, 2020 // 41 Comments

For many people around the world, but not me, this Sunday is Fathers’ Day. This gives me an opportunity to do something I enjoy: make a list. Below is a list of 50 fictional fathers. It wasn’t an easy list to make. Initially I wanted to list 50 great dads, men like Atticus Finch and John Walton. But I [...]

Become Like a Little Child?

April 28, 2016 // 68 Comments

Jesus said, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 18:3). What does that mean and how do you do that? “That’s easy. He’s talking about having the faith of a child.” I know that’s what you’ve heard and it’s not a bad answer, but it [...]

What Makes the New Covenant New?

April 29, 2015 // 67 Comments

There’s a classic scene in The Simpsons where 8-year-old Lisa is offered a large check. Monty Burns has made a $120 million from an idea that Lisa gave him, and he wants to thank her by giving her a ten percent cut. Since the money represents ill-gotten gains from harvesting the sea, Lisa says no. Lisa [...]

Conditional Acceptance?

February 26, 2015 // 65 Comments

“God loves you as you are and not as you should be.” That’s the gospel of grace in one sentence! Manmade religion says you have to clean yourself up before you approach the Lord, but grace shouts, “Come as you are!” So how do we explain this passage which seems to say something different: Therefore come [...]

Fatherless fiction

September 17, 2014 // 26 Comments

I have four children under the age of ten so I read a lot of children’s books. Sometimes I even read them to my kids! A recurring theme I have noticed in children’s literature is this: Moms and dads are usually absent. And if the parents are mentioned, they are often negligent kill-joys who hinder and [...]

How Does God Deal With Me When I Sin?

March 15, 2013 // 129 Comments

Lately I have been thinking a lot about my sin. Don’t panic. I haven’t done anything stupid. It’s just that I rarely think about my sin as sin. Let me explain. I know I am far from perfect. I make mistakes. I confess that occasionally, I sin. And when I sin, God corrects me. So why am I telling people God [...]

What is the Fear of the Lord?

January 24, 2013 // 28 Comments

What is the fear of the Lord? Your answer to this question reveals much about your faith and security. It reveals whether you are walking in grace or under condemnation. For instance, if you think God is judging your behavior to see whether you merit his unmerited favor, you’re basically saying, “I don’t [...]