The fall season often reminds me of the day when one of my daughters learned to ride her bike without training wheels. (The “fall” was an appropriate time for this event.) As she sped down a hill toward a huge ravine, I saw written all over her face the message: “I’m not in control!” So […]
Read MoreCategory Archives: Christian Living
Becoming Real
While driving to work today, my attitude wasn’t so great. More often than not, I’m a bit like Tigger from Winnie-the-Pooh, but today I felt like Eeyore. I know in my head that stress and demands exhaust my spirit, but the journey from my head to my heart is a long one. On days like […]
Read MoreWeeds
Imagine. Someone just offered you one of four ways to spend your day. Your choices are: Spa Day: Receive a massage, a facial, a manicure, and a pedicure; get lathered with lotion and cloaked with warm towels while listening to quiet music all day long. Sports Day: Spend the day with close friends watching sports; […]
Read MoreCultivating a Tender Heart and a Tough Hide
For as long as I have been in the ministry I have asked the Lord for a balance between a tender heart and a tough hide. It isn’t an easy balance. In fact, the latter is more difficult to cultivate than the former. In order to be fully engaged in ministry, job number one is […]
Read MoreAttitude Check
I’d like to encourage you (and myself) to toss out the idea of “New Year’s Resolutions” and instead cultivate four areas of character development. The first character trait was directed towards our attitudes. I determine to exhibit a persistent ATTITUDE of praise and to write down three examples each day. Now wait . . . […]
Read MoreSins That Stifle Love and Unity
The specific sins in 1 Peter 2:1 are the most frequent barriers to mutual support, so they deserve a closer look. Malice: The Greek word kakia is a general word for “evil.”1 In this passage, it characterizes those who are entrenched in the world system. Deceit: The Greek word dolos means “cunning” or “treachery.”2 It […]
Read MoreTwo Suggestions for Becoming Great
There’s something beautiful and innocent about the answers children give. Why? Children simply speak the truth—as best as they understand it. I love these answers that some kids gave to questions about the Bible. See if they don’t prompt a grin: “Noah’s wife was named Joan of Ark.” “The fifth commandment is, ‘Humour thy father […]
Read MoreIdol Time
Everyone of a certain age knows exactly where they were on the evening of the 22nd of November 1963…when it happened. That’s the day when heroes fell. A day to remember. You might naturally be recalling the assassination of President Kennedy, but I have a different man in mind. C. S. Lewis had died just […]
Read MoreJust Do It
Have you noticed that many of our churches have turned into extended Bible conferences, places where we love to sit and soak in the Word like sponges instead of being challenged and given opportunities to launch ourselves out into the world? Don’t get me wrong, the church is the right place to learn how to […]
Read MoreUnearthing Our Walk with Christ
On more than one occasion recently I’ve found myself pondering the words of Socrates: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” That statement rings true because things tend to get complicated over time. We begin our Christian life with utter delight and simplicity. But as tradition, religion, others’ expectations, and too many activities begin to […]
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