Sometimes itâs easy to feel alone. We serve a God who is not seen with human eyes, so during troubling times our faith is prone to waver (John 1:18; Hebrews 11:1). This was the situation for the Israelites when they were in slavery down in Egypt. As their lives grew increasingly difficult they cried out to God. From their perspective … Read More
Heard an insightful statement the other day. When you help dig someone out of a hole you find a place to bury your own problems. Mel Johnston gave the counsel years ago, but it’s really good if your challenges seem great and your burdens seem heavy. Rather than always looking for help, try looking to help. This seems to be one … Read More
So much is misunderstood about faith. Sometimes we tend to think that faith is about boldly going where no one has gone before. But recently I began to examine those precious lives in the Scriptures who practiced their faith through submission. In fact one writer said, âTrue faith always involves surrender to the will of God.â When Jesus went to … Read More
“Never stop praying for hopeless cases. The example of Howard Cadle teaches us there are none.” That’s the way Robert J. Morgan begins one of his stories in his very helpful book Moments for Families with Prodigals. If you are a parent or spouse living with the ever-present pain of a prodigal reading one to two pages in this book a day … Read More
One Sunday morning I took a chance. I did something Iâd never done before, and that Iâd never seen done before. We took the morning teaching time and studied church history. I confess I was a little nervous. History isnât known as a subject that inspires most of us. After all the dates, places, and names of the past may … Read More
I struggle with anger. Perhaps you do too. When I succumb to my anger it feels like I don’t have control over my emotions, thoughts, and choices. It seems like decisions are being made for me. It feels like I’m in a box. But is that reality? The following video illustration helps to clarify. If you are receiving this via email or Facebook … Read More
Perhaps youâve heard God described as âJehovah-Jirah.â That name means âThe-Lord-Will-Provide.â The Old Testament Israelites should have learned that lesson well. For forty years they roamed the wilderness, while the Lord wonderfully provided precisely what they needed. However, they soon forgot that the Lord was daily providing their needs. Every morning God dropped the equivalency of 240 freight cars of … Read More
It is a simple verse, but I wonder what young Timothy would have thought the first time he read it? Timothy was an aspiring young pastor. While some go to seminary to prepare for the ministry, Timothy had the privilege of traveling with the Apostle Paul. And instead of an internship Paul would send him directly to spend time at … Read More
I recognize life has grown increasingly difficult for many of us. Perhaps you are among those who enter this season without a job. You may be wondering where your next meal is coming from. Maybe itâs your health thatâs uncertain. While you feel OK the doctor is telling you thatâs not what the tests say. Iâve been thinking that this season … Read More
If you have pastored at the same place for any length of time you know firsthand some of the hardships in ministry. The unexpected criticism. The weariness of soul. Trying to serve faithfully when your heart may not be in it. Investing countless hours in a life only to have them turn their back on the Lord.  I call those forks in … Read More
