We’ve often heard from overseas missionaries that sometimes when they go into a new area they’re excited by the readiness of the people to accept Christ as their Savior. And you and I would agree, that it’s awesome! But then, as they spend more time with these new “Christians” they start to realize in addition…
“I can’t believe you messed up again!” “You just keep making the same stupid mistakes!” “Why won’t you ever learn?” “Why can’t you be more like ________?” “You simply don’t belong and you never will!” Have you ever had something similar said to you? Or maybe, you have a voice in your head that repeats…
What if you could stop worrying? How much more peace and happiness would you enjoy if you could replace your negative thoughts with positive ones? I know, you’re probably thinking . . . “that would be awesome but how in the world am I supposed to make that happen?!” Remember as you read the following,…
I did a Google search for “Productivity Helps” and links to 338,000,000 articles popped up. Then I searched for “Time Management Helps” and there were so many they asked me to narrow down my group to – “self, student, employment, parent,” or several others. The same is true of time management seminars and books –…
If the King or Queen were about to visit a city near you, there would be a frenzy of preparations to be sure they received the treatment that should be bestowed on them. After all, they are called “royal visits.” Even when celebrities gather for an award event they “roll out the red carpet!” It’s…
Don’t you just love it when a friend calls or writes just to spread a little joy and gratitude over your life! Paul’s letter to the Philippians is often called the “Joy Letter.” It’s one of the reasons, Philippians is one of my favorite books in the Bible . . . joy is the theme…
It was one of Rev’s earliest sermons as a seminary student. And I should add that we were serving at a very traditional congregation. Rev began by reading the text for his message from Ephesians chapter 6. Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you…
I’ve learned there’s a word that is a notorious lightning rod known for inflaming emotions and prompting strong verbal reactions. What’s the word? Submission! I once brought it up with a group of individuals who were half my age and I thought their heads were going to explode. Many think it’s an archaic idea that…
Have you ever said or done something to someone that you immediately wished you could undo or take back? And to make it even worse . . . this person is someone you really care about. You pause anticipating the reaction you’re going to get but much to your surprise something marvelous happens. This gentle…
I love trees! There is just something about watching trees reach higher into the heavens each and every year. I love the bright green and occasional blossoms of spring, the rich deep green of summer, and the reds, oranges, and yellows that paint the leaves in the fall. And I’m always a little sad to…
Two of my favorite words in the Bible are, “But God…” You and I are sinners “but God’s” love is faithful and unfailing. You and I are weak “but God” is our strength. You and I are disappointed and discouraged “but God” is our helper. People will let us down “but God” is always with…
Do you ever find yourself joining the Psalmist in wondering… “So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is!”? Psalm 73:16 Why does God allow His people to suffer while the wicked appear to prosper? How often have you heard someone ask . . . Why did God?…
I talk to more and more people all the time who say they just can’t watch the news anymore. They simply find themselves too discouraged by the steady message of things that are wrong . . . with crime, protests, riots, and illness. It often feels like the goal is to keep us fearful and…
Do you have something you’ve lifted to God for what seems like forever? You have prayed and prayed and waited and waited . . . but God still hasn’t answered your prayer. Although the desire of your heart is Godly, you’re starting to wonder if it will ever happen. You’re starting to lose hope as…
I wonder how well these words were received when they were read aloud to the congregation: Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. Galatians 3:1…
Are you a good person who does “good works”? Are your good works good enough? Even if salvation was based 99.9% on grace, you and I would find ourselves in a terrifying place. How would we ever know for sure that we had done our 0.1%? There would always be a bit of doubt as…
It is often much easier to identify an outright lie than a twisted truth. A twisted truth sounds true . . . almost. But that “almost” can result in a terrible distortion of the complete truth. It was a twisted truth that caused the Apostle Paul to write his letter to the Christians in Galatia….
If you’re like me, when you feel good and your aches and pains aren’t lasting or severe . . . it can be hard to push yourself to go to the doctor for your annual check-up. Although practically every doctor in the universe recommends that we show up for our regular poking and prodding and…
I trimmed our rose bushes this morning and even though I wore gardening gloves, the thorns poked and scratched my hands and arms. So, as I sat down to take a closer look at 2 Corinthians 12, I couldn’t help but think about what it meant for Paul to have some struggle that he referred…
According to an article written in Psychology Today, almost 10 years ago, more than 417,000 self-help books had been published at that time. And that number has skyrocketed since then. Everyone is fighting some kind of battle. Relationship conflicts, work challenges, financial problems, health struggles, and self-defeating thoughts and behaviors . . . top the…
When I learned the four personality types, the Apostle Paul was given as an example of the Choleric Personality. Choleric individuals are often described as bossy-born leaders, dynamic and confident hard workers with independent confident attitudes that refuse to give up. We get that description of Paul from his letters but what about the people…
