Most people I know would like to know God’s plan for their life. They’d like to know that they’re in the center of his proverbial will. Often our peace with that truth is tied to whether we like the circumstances God has chosen for us or not. The apostle Paul’s life stands as a great reminder that God’s will for … Read More
Its not every day you get a chance to start a new decade. Three verses in Ephesians invoke three essential questions for the decade ahead. (1) Do I waste my time? âSo be careful how you live. Donât live like fools, but like those who are wiseâ (Eph. 5:15, NLT). Years ago, a wise counselor encouraged me to keep a … Read More
A musical Christmas card to remember Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection this Christmas. In all of our festivities, may we pause to commemorate the great sacrifice of Christmas.
One of my earliest childhood memories of Christmas was the nativity displays. The cardboard-punch-outs, the fragile ceramic figures, the hobbit-sized yard displays fueled my creativity as a child. Prior to i Pads and x boxes, I imagined what the Christmas characters thought. From the unspeakable joy of the shepherds to the camel-sore wise men, these figures represented real people in … Read More
December is a month when it seems like everyone is in a hurry. It’s easy for us to get caught up in the rush. Christmas concerts. Office parties. Last minute shopping. Suddenly, December’s over and we start the new year…exhausted. Have you noticed that God doesn’t seem to be in a hurry? He may take 40 days or 40 years. … Read More
So many friends. So much for which to be thankful.
One of the common themes Iâve observed as a pastor is that people often fail to do what they should do, because theyâre trying to do what only God can do. We are not equipped to carry out Godâs role, but that doesnât keep us from trying. Here are some examples: God sees the future; we canât see it, so we worry instead (Psalm … Read More
Procrastination is a man-made defense in response to fear. Perhaps you havenât stated it that boldly yet, but whether youâre putting off a difficult project or a potential confrontation, thereâs a good chance youâre afraid. Jesus reveals this truth when he tells the story of the three stewards. A steward is one who is given charge over certain assets by his master. … Read More
Contentment can sound like such a warm and inviting word, but the development of this valuable quality often grows out of the most difficult of circumstances. Consider two of Jesusâ most challenging times: his temptation in the wilderness and his submission in the garden of Gethsemane. He faces both, without even a whisper of complaint stirring across his soul. Sometimes … Read More
This lecture was given at the annual conference of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. I’ve attached the notes here.Value of Scripture Memory Blog
