Friday, March 28, 2014
Hope is one of the most powerful and positive resources we can possess. Hope is one of three enduring, eternal qualities that desperately need to be a part of our lives: 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NLT) There are three things that will endure —faith, hope, and love— … The Bible is big on hope. Hope involves […]
Monday, December 30, 2013
New years are great. They’re an opportunity to start fresh. They’re moments in time when you get to say good-bye to the old and hello to the new. They’re the potential beginning of a whole new future, if you respond the right way to them. To experience the best of the new possibilities and potential […]
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
From time to time we all face dead ends, defeats or disappointments. When something ends suddenly and tragically or slowly and painfully we can hit a horrible wall. We’re often left with a heart shattered in a thousand pieces. Hopes are smashed and dreams crash against the hard rocks of life. Our future appears to […]
Friday, September 6, 2013
Life sometimes gets a bit dull and dry. It happens to marriages, friendships, work, and in our spiritual lives. What we need in times like these is a “refreshing.” This weekend @ Church of the Redeemer we’re beginning an important and exciting new message series called “Fresh!” We’re going to see what God has to […]
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Don't miss this weekend at Church of the Redeemer for our message series Gigantic. I'll be talking about “Conquering Your Pain.” It's great to know that God's able to turn our pain into progress — our miseries into ministries to others. This weekend we'll see how we can experience God's healing grace that transforms us […]
Monday, February 25, 2013
Have you ever been overdrawn? Not in your bank account, but in a relationship. Relationships work best when we live by the rule of deposits and withdrawals. A relationship deposit happens any time you put something into a relationship. When you give time, tenderness, forgiveness, understanding, kindness and attention to another person, you’re making a […]
Friday, October 26, 2012
Service is a big deal. Restaurants, hotels, companies and corporations are sometimes judged more by their service than by their products. Wise leaders work hard at “improving the serve” of their organization. Why? Because pleasant, responsive, thorough and gracious service is a key to building something great. And according to Jesus, it's one of the […]
Monday, October 22, 2012
There are times when we all need help finding our way. As we navigate life we're faced with decisions, choices, options and opportunities. The steps we take and the turns we make matter. We need to navigate life wisely, and carefully. To wisely navigate life we need the help of the right people. When we […]
Thursday, October 18, 2012
There's a big difference between knowing about someone and really knowing someone. The difference is a personal relationship. We all know lots of things about lots of people, but when it comes to the people we really “know,” our list is much shorter. Real relationships are something desired by most folks. Why? Because loyal, long-term […]
Monday, October 15, 2012
I suppose all of us have found ourselves in situations when we're running short, or perhaps have totally run out of something we desperately need. It could be limited financial resources to meet a pressing bill. It might be the loss of focus, inspiration, energy or motivation to get a job done. It could be […]
Friday, October 12, 2012
How's your faith? The Bible tells us that faith is the key to pleasing God (Hebrews 11:6). It's also one of the keys to a peaceful and productive life. Faith connects us to God and to all the gifts and blessings He wants to give us. One of the best ways to grow faith is […]
Monday, September 24, 2012
Every good teacher appreciates the value of tests. Unfortunately, students don't usually feel the same way about them. Most pupils see testing as something instructors do TO them, not FOR them. Actually tests are not for the benefit of the teacher only. Well-designed tests provide both the teacher and the student an opportunity to see […]
Monday, September 17, 2012
One of the greatest joys of my life is being a grandfather. Currently my wife and I have 5 precious and beautiful kids that call us “Papa and Gramma” — 2 boys and 3 girls. There's nothing like it! The 2 boys, now 5 and 3 years old, live nearby, so I'm able to see, […]
Monday, September 10, 2012
Maybe you've heard the old adage – ''Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present!'' Every day is a gift from God. This recognition prompted the psalmist to write these words: This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. — Psalm 118:24 (NLT) The writer […]
Friday, September 7, 2012
A quick look in the mirror reminds us of an important lesson. When we see one mouth and two ears, we get a clear message from God — listen twice as much as you talk! Listening is something we all struggle with. Our tendency is the opposite. All too often we talk much more than […]
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Language is fascinating. I love the history — the etymology — of words. Sadly, over time the meaning of certain words can change for the worse. Terms and phrases can be diluted or distorted by the way they’re used or abused. This has happened with a word we’re all familiar with — “Christian.” Have you […]