We make a big mistake when we conclude that the law is the answer to bad behavior. In fact, the law alone stirs up more of such behavior. People get worse, not better, when you lay down the law. To be sure, the Spirit does use both God's law and God's gospel in our sanctification. But the law and the gospel do very different things.

We don't need answers and explanations as much as we need God's presence in and through the suffering.

Every time we sin in thought, word, or deed, we're essentially saying in that moment that, "I don't need you God. I don't want you God. I like my way better than your way."

If the depths of everyone's sin was made public, we would all be much more gracious to each other.

Nothing makes me want to obey more than knowing that God unconditionally loves me and forgives me even when I disobey.

My job is not to show my children that I'm the man, but to show them that Christ is the man.

The people who tend to be the most gracious are those who know how badly they need grace