Let’s face it: “you can’t believe everything you see or hear.” You have to have DISCERNMENT.
“The simple believes everything” (Prov. 14:15).
Let’s face it: “you can’t believe everything you see or hear.” You have to have DISCERNMENT.
“The simple believes everything” (Prov. 14:15).
A “quick temper” is one of my biggest struggles. I like it speedy, convenient and easy. Studies show that the time people are willing to wait in line has gone from four minutes to…twenty seconds!
Is there someone in your life who has become your greatest challenge? Does it seem their character is in concrete and nothing will change them?
When Moses was gone for 40 days up the mountain, it turned into a “free for all” down below. People usually behave correctly until their leader is not around. THEN…it is up to their inner character.
The terrible violence in Christchurch, New Zealand, is a bell that tolls worldwide. It raises questions of who we are and where we are.
When Christ met a Samaritan woman at a well, those questions were answered.
I recently saw a bombed out home in Syria that was rebuilt by generosity and given back over to a widow and her children. The thrill of seeing this devastated, war-ravaged family dancing for joy was an amazing experience.
Why is it that when it is time to give to others we usually think, “Oh, brother…” instead of “Oh, boy!”?
“The heart of the issue is an issue of the heart.”
Somebody’s heart has gotten hard. Somebody’s heart has become selfish or impure. It may be MINE.
Have you ever gotten all revved up to make a change, charged forward, and hit a major wall? Most people stop right there. How do you survive the FIRST WALL?
Do you ever wonder why some leaders are magnetic and others are not? Is the “it” factor something you can learn? Is it a skill that can be developed? I believe it is.
Let’s face it: people are way too serious right now. The weight of the world is dampening the bravest spirit. Sometimes, laughing is the last thing you think of.
I was on the inside seat of an airplane recently. It’s my least favorite place. On top of that, I tried in vain to pull my sweater off. I felt trapped, really trapped, in a “tight place.”
Are you in a tight place financially, emotionally, or relationally?
Everyone is petrified of getting “old.” Instead, the Bible says, “Abraham died in a GOOD OLD AGE, an old man and full of years…” (Gen. 25:8)
In other words, getting older is not a bad thing…it’s a GOOD thing!
“Communication.” It’s the hardest work you will ever do.
Do you ever wake up in the morning and feel like, “Today, I will bring my “B” or “C" game. Yesterday was great but today will only be average”?
NOT THIS YEAR.
This is not an original statement with me. However, it has shaped my life greatly.
As you start into a new year, have you discovered the “why” behind all of your goals, planning, and purposes?
This subtle, simple shift can mean the difference between total life change and miserable failure.
“New” is not just a position on a calendar. It is a total frame of mind. It clears out all your mistakes. It opens up new possibilities for you and can reset your relationships.
During this holiday season, I like to spend time with the “5 F’s”: “friends, family, food, fishing, and football!”
I also like to take time to give thanks to God for one other “F”: Fellowship.
I’ve pastored long enough to know the mood swings of the holidays: cheer, euphoria, laughter and loneliness, regret, and depression.
Intentionality is so critical. Reactionary life never goes anywhere.
Why not be intentional about your plan for next year? I like to put a plan in place to have the best year ever.
How’s it going in your marriage? Are you drifting? Losing ground? Fearful of your future together?
We all love to evaluate.