Category Archives: Uncategorized

At age 8, I was in second grade, playing tag at recess and freezing popsicles to my tongue after lunch. At 8, Josiah was made king. Yes, I’m pulling the skin off my tongue with a popsicle and Josiah is … Continue reading →

“If everyone else jumped off a cliff, would you?” answered every mom to every kid who ever made the mistake of arguing for something because “everyone else is doing it.” The herd mentality is real. And not just with adolescents. … Continue reading →

Josiah “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the way of David his father, and he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.” (2 Kings 22:2) That was certainly … Continue reading →

The odds were stacked against him. Josiah’s great-grandfather, King Manasseh, had abandoned the spiritual reforms of his father. He built altars to false gods, used fortune-tellers, and sought counsel from mediums. Scripture says Manasseh “shed very much innocent blood.” (1 … Continue reading →

Josiah was born into a culture beset with idolatry, violence, and all manner of political intrigue. His grandfather was a murderous idolatrous king and his father followed in the same path. In the end, Josiah’s father was killed by his … Continue reading →

For Love Luke 14:25-35 Out of your top priorities in life, which one takes priority? Something does. One is loved and treasured more than the others. And whatever it is, you will serve. Don’t take my word for it. “No … Continue reading →

Follow the Leader Luke 9:57-62 Following the leader means following the leader. I know that sounds obvious, but when our attitude is that we’ll follow in our own way and our own time, are we actually following? They all wanted … Continue reading →

Calling the Crowd Mark 8:34-38 For months now, a lot of people have been following Jesus. Or at least hanging out around him. The miracles have been impressive and the teaching authoritative. His run-ins with the religious hot shots have … Continue reading →

Rebuking Jesus Mark 8:31-33 Jesus had clearly laid out what was around the corner. He was going to suffer, be rejected, and be killed. And then he was going to rise again. I don’t know that Peter heard the “rise … Continue reading →

Who do you say? Mark 8:27-30 People have opinions. Whether it’s politics, sports, or religion. And they don’t mind sharing them. Sometimes, you don’t even have to ask. They’ll just tell you. People had opinions about Jesus. Some thought he … Continue reading →