Daily Challenges Archive

I have always seen this as one of the most instructive verses in Proverbs—not just for business leaders, but for everyone. Where there is no vision or revelation, “the people are unrestrained” or “perish” are two of the most common translations of...

I just read the story of three elderly brothers swindled out of their home, farm, and bank accounts by a minister and a businessman. It’s a heartbreaking reminder that people who claim to be God’s chosen leaders are not always who they say they ar...

Recently I was with a group of men from around the South on a fly-fishing trip to Montana. On the trip, I watched carefully while most of them built relationships with one another that reached a depth only achieved with a common belief in God and ...

Now that is a ridiculous image. You get your sling ready. You put a stone in the projectile pocket. Then, right before firing it, you tie the stone in place. It makes no sense. I have a six-year-old grandson. I ran the idea of tying the stone into...

This is not the best verse for me to read as I sit here eating my second piece of ice dream cake. One of the reasons I have a lot of grace for people struggling with addiction is that I understand this verse. I live it. Thankfully, my battle is wi...

The verse prior tells us not to desire the company of the wicked. After having the privilege of being immersed 24/7 for about a week in the company of wise, fun, and godly men, I don’t know why anyone would willingly seek out time with the wicked ...

Gardner Mulloy is a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. He won 129 U.S. national titles. He also won five Grand Slam doubles titles, was ranked No. 1 in the United States in 1952, and started the University of Miami tennis program. He...

As someone prepared to replace me in a position I had served in for many years, they asked me what I wanted my legacy to be. I thought for just a moment and responded, “I don’t want any legacy other than that I loved Jesus and was kind. If they to...

I have an old friend who used to say, “You can never fully trust yourself.” Over the years, I’ve come to realize just how true that is. On my very best day, my opinion is still clouded; my understanding of the facts is still influenced by so many ...

I recently heard about a friend who is thinking about becoming a life coach. Over the past decade, this has become a very popular career move for counselors and a frequently sought-after resource for business leaders and others. I’m certainly a fa...

It’s amazing how often our own stupidity results in a less-than-desirable outcome—and we blame God. I once picked up a young man from the police department (read: jail) on behalf of his parents. As we talked on the way to his house, he mentioned t...

I was once asked how, after more than 15 years of writing a daily devotion from Proverbs, I can still find a fresh thought to share. That’s actually a very good question—one that has, more than once, made me wonder if it was time to stop or at lea...