Author: jmarkfox

I heard a former NFL coach say that the most important thing about the scouting combine was that it gave the scouts and coaches an opportunity to look the players in the eye and see what kind of character they have. “Their speed in the 40 is highly overrated,” he said. “What is most important … Continue reading It’s not the legs that matter most

I worked at IBM for a summer when I was in grad school and had to be there at 4:45 a.m. I left my apartment in Chapel Hill at 4:00, and I can remember a few mornings when I was asleep at the wheel while I drove. It was God’s mercy that kept me alive. … Continue reading Don’t fall asleep at the wheel

Here’s a question for you: How is a slanderer like a spider? In his book, "Ragman and Other Cries of Faith," Walter Wangerin starts one story with a lesson about eight-legged arachnids. He explains that a female spider is often a widow for embarrassing reasons — she eats her spouse. In fact, the female spider … Continue reading Leave this spidery habit behind

You should not use James’ encouragement to “Submit yourselves to God and resist the devil, and he will flee from you,” as if it were a formula for exorcism. Some have tried, and missed the first part of the verse completely. Check out the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19. Their idea of “submitting … Continue reading This is how you resist the devil

It is so hard for us to disentangle our affections from this world system and transfer them to the One who created us and redeemed us. James writes in his “in your face” letter that too many followers of Jesus are adulterous — choosing daily to pursue intimacy with the world instead of him. And … Continue reading God gives more grace

Scene one: A boy walking home from school is cornered by a bully who forces him to his knees, throws his books in a mud puddle, and runs off as the boy whimpers with shame. Scene two: The boy takes a different path home, fearing another encounter with his tormenter. It doesn’t work. The bully … Continue reading As believers, we are called to this fight