Hidden Resentment

THE POISON OF RESENTMENT enters the soul imperceptibly after injury or personal insult. It can also come through the sting of misunderstanding, injustice, and betrayal. Left to itself, its insidious effects begin ever so slowly to eat away at a person’s life—eventually destroying all possibility of happiness or fulfillment. Allowed to fester through neglect, the poison of hatred foams to a boil . . . emitting feelings of anger that grow within the steam room of the soul.

Show Some Heart

WEBSTER DEFINES THE WORD “cordial” as of or relating to the heart: vital, tending to revive, cheer, or invigorate, heartfelt, gracious. That’s really a mouthful; in fact, that’s worth a few minutes of our time together. Being cordial starts from the heart, as I see it. How do we project cordiality? In answer to that question, allow me to offer four special ingredients: 1. Warm smiles. Now lest you try, let me warn you against faking this. You don’t learn to smile by practicing in front of a mirror.

Humility before Honor

IN A WORLD WHERE EVERYONE is out to serve self, it’s refreshing to read these ancient words from the pen of one of the most powerful men who ever lived: Solomon. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor. In different words, Jesus says virtually the same thing . . .

Confessions of a “Clutter-holic”

WHEN WE SUFFER FROM clutter-holic syndrome, our lives are marked by mediocrity, haphazardness, and putting out needless fires. Think you might have a mild case of that? Maybe a few questions will help prime the pump of self-analysis: Do you often lose things? Are you usually late for appointments and meetings? Do you put off doing your homework until late? Are you a time waster? Is your reading limited to only the essentials rather than heavier works?

Trusting with All Your Heart

AH, PREDICAMENTS . . . LIFE IS FULL OF THEM. Sometimes they are of our own making. Other times they mysteriously happen to us, apart from anything we caused. Occasionally they are comical and borderline crazy . . . then, on the other hand, they can be irritating and troublesome. One thing is for sure: they’re unexpected; we would never have guessed they would happen. Strangely, predicaments are unpredictable. And embarrassing. And confusing. And really weird.

Grace Unlimited

My plea is that we not limit grace to Christ. We, too, can learn to be just as gracious as He. And since we can, we must, not only in our words and in great acts of compassion and understanding but in small ways as well.

Being a Giver—Is Worth It?

Shortly after World War II came to a close, Europe began picking up the pieces. Much of the old country had been ravaged by war and was in ruins. Perhaps the saddest sight of all was that of little orphaned children . . .

Reach Out to Others

Close, open relationships are vital. A glib “Hi, how are ya” must be replaced with genuine concern. The key term is assimilation. When I use the word here, I’m referring to people reaching out to one another.

Money Can’t Buy Everything

Foolish indeed is the person who considers himself safe and sound because he has money. . . . And another reason it’s foolish to trust in riches for security is that money, in the final analysis, brings no lasting satisfaction.

Savor Satisfaction

The good life—the one that truly satisfies—exists only when we stop wanting a better one. It is the condition of savoring what is rather than longing for what might be.

Tag Archives: Proverbs