Daily Challenges Archive

Over the years, the godliest men and women I know often surprise me when someone mentions the quality of their relationship with Christ. They would typically offer a somewhat demure smile, slightly shake their head, and quietly say, like Paul, “I ...

One of the key phrases in this passage is “sound learning.” It can be difficult these days to know what is truly “sound” and where to find it. First and foremost, it is essential to consider whether it is grounded in Scripture. Some might argue th...

I don’t believe there are any better words for marriage than these two. God’s interactions with us are best seen in these two worlds as well. I remember the days when divorce was rare and not seen as an option by most Christians. The old saying wa...

With apologies to my Calvinist friends, I find the word ‘if’ in this verse to be especially powerful. When my children knew the rules for their behavior, we expected them to follow them. The rules were set up for their benefit and safety. However,...

My daughter recently introduced me to the grammar correction powers of AI. Out of curiosity, I asked the app to identify the most important verse in Proverbs chapter 1, just to test its abilities. This was the response: “Proverbs 1:7 is often cons...

My Southern Baptist ordination tells me I have no idea. My other denomination childhood totally affirms it. Let’s say I’m not really sure, but as a non-drinker for social and physical reasons, I’m not sure my take is entirely fair. Jamison says, “...

When the prophets spoke God’s prophecies to the people of Israel, it carried a heavy burden for them. They felt a very real sense of whose words they were delivering and the necessity of getting them right. It also carried the weight that, since t...

I love seeing people thrive. I like, most of you, find it breaks my heart to see people struggle with finding their next meal or paying their next bill. Years in youth ministry taught me to notice those who may be on free or reduced lunch programs...

Fleeing doesn’t always mean running away, at least not physically. Sometimes, fleeing is avoiding the truth when you are living a lie. Sometimes, fleeing is deflecting or pushing blame elsewhere when it squarely belongs on you. And sometimes, flee...

He may be able to trust wounds from a friend, but that doesn’t mean he will necessarily like it. I’m preparing to be in a meeting with a group of people who really care about each other. For the meeting to be worthwhile and productive, there will ...

This may be one of the simplest yet hardest lessons to learn. Remember there was no social media or college football in Solomon’s day. What could fools possibly be taunting someone about? Plenty. At my age I remember long (depending what your defi...

I just asked a few of my grandkids what they think of that they hear me say often. They were pretty silly names I call them as well as some fun comments I make. Nothing particularly profound. A couple days ago on our weekly “Be The Edge” Challenge...