Monday, April 1, 2013
Fortitude. Endurance. Patience. “Stick-to-itiveness.” These words describe an under-rated power — a strong “something” — found in people who overcome adversities and triumph in the normal demands of everyday living. No one ever makes a deep impact in life and on others without these qualities. Sadly, these character traits are in short supply in our […]
Friday, March 1, 2013
Almost everybody knows the classic Bible story about David and Goliath, recorded in 1 Samuel 17. This chapter describes a time when Israel's army was challenged by the Philistines. Goliath, the giant Philistine champion, stopped Israel's army. For 40 days Goliath loomed over Israel's warriors, paralyzing them in fear. A “big man with a big […]
Friday, February 15, 2013
What do you do when you're “at the end of your rope?” As the old adage advises, you tie a knot and hang on! “Hanging on” is a phrase we use to describe a kind of determination, persistence, and “bull-doggedness” that just doesn't give up. It's what we all need when we're “at the end […]
Monday, January 21, 2013
Our greatest asset is our children. They are the future of our homes, the church, our nation and the world. The Bible tells adults what their job is when it comes to the next generation. It's spelled out clearly: Teach a child how to follow the right way; even when he is old, he will […]
Sunday, January 13, 2013
What are the most important decisions you'll ever make in life? If you believe the Bible, the answer to this question is an easy one. Choosing to develop a personal relationship with God is the most important thing you could and should do. It's the best choice you'll ever make. But there's another choice — […]
Monday, December 31, 2012
It's my prayer that God would do some incredible miracles in your life in 2013. God's miracles often start with our commitments. As we say “good-bye” to 2012 and “hello” 2013, what new commitments do you need to make? How can you get ready for the new? If 2013 is going to be a great […]
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
The other day I was reminded that it was winter. How? My hands notified me. They had taken on their winterized look and feel — dry, rough, irritated. I did something that I rarely do any other time of the year. I applied some moisturizer to them. And let the record reflect, it was moisturizer […]
Thursday, December 20, 2012
“I'm not happy with ____________________ . I'm not happy about ____________________ .” You fill in the blanks. It's highly likely that something readily comes to mind that completes the sentences. Your answers might be: “the weather, my job, my marriage, my boss, my children, my looks … “ There's no shortage of things that drag […]
Friday, December 14, 2012
We sometimes have needs that require us to ask someone for something. Making the “ask” for aid, assistance or advice isn’t easy for many folks. While there’re people whose first name should be “Ask,” because of the frequency and shamelessness of their requests, there’re many others for whom asking anyone for anything is absolutely excruciating. […]
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Attitudes are a big part of life. They affect our feelings, impact our productivity and determine the quality of our relationships. We should never underestimate their power. When attitudes are improved, all parts of our lives improve. What is an attitude? It's the way we think about something or someone, and the emotions that go […]
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
God has a unique plan and purpose for your life. There's a work He wants you to do that no one can do quite like you. Certain resources are essential for effectiveness and success in God's assignments for your life. You can't do what you need to do or accomplish what you need to accomplish […]
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
I will give thanks … — Psalm 7:17 Each year we’re reminded of a very important part of life — of something that should be deeply ingrained in our character — the value of gratitude. The Bible is full of exhortations to give thanks — to God and people — for the blessings and gifts […]
Sunday, November 11, 2012
The human heart is much like a container. Throughout life we accumulate experiences and emotions, some good and some not so good. The good times and relationships of life leave us with positive memories and pleasant feelings. They build trust in us, and bring us joy and positive expectations for the future. The painful experiences […]