When it comes to our communication with others our words are to be gracious and forgiving. Note Paulâs admonition in Ephesians 4:29, 32 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. . . Be kind to one … Read More
Jesus gives a strong admonition, that before we talk to another about how they sinned against us; we ought to first consider how we might have sinned against them. In Luke 17:3a he says, âBe concerned about yourselvesâŚâ But how do you go about this process of evaluating yourself? The Psalmist wrestled with this question, and came up with four … Read More
The question âHas anyone ever felt judged by another?â resonates with nearly all of us. Perhaps thatâs why most people are fond of quoting Jesusâ words: Judge not, that you be not judged (Matt. 7:1). We donât want others to judge us, but we still want to maintain our own thoughts about others. Jesus is not giving a blanketed statement … Read More
Kelsey Bryson and her Dad, Jim, like to raise pumpkinsâ really BIG pumpkins. Because their Canadian home is so far north of the equator their garden receives additional hours of sunshine during the summer. This allowed the father-daughter duo to grow the worldâs largest pumpkin in 2011. Their pumpkin was heavier than two concert grand pianos, and outweighed the entire offensive … Read More
Whenever I begin a message on submission, I remind my audience that this a very simple message to preach. Itâs just a really hard message to live. I can preach it in ten minutes, but it will it take a lifetime of moment by moment surrender to learn it. If you could leave all of your preconceived ideas behind and … Read More
If you have ever taken a piano lesson you probably heard the statement practice makes perfect. I had a 9th grade basketball coach who disagreed. He used to say, âPractice doesnât make perfect, practice makes permanent.â Practice anything the wrong way long enough and before long it will seem only natural to do it the wrong way. This is really evident when … Read More
Way #1: God intentionally guides your steps by helping you recognize your ignorance. If we take the Bible at face value we immediately come to the conclusion that we donât know as much as God. It was this understanding that caused Job to say he wouldnât speak in Godâs presence, only listen (Job 50:3-5). When I was a student and I … Read More
Work. Sooner or later we all have to do it. But have you ever considered what gives work its inherent value? Perhaps you think of your paycheck. Many do. If you really love your job, you might think that your personal enjoyment gives your work value. But what if you’re not paid much, or you really don’t like your boss? … Read More
Years ago someone introduced me to the benefit of viewing my life through the letter “Y.” That singular image has helped me understand the desires of my heart (and the consequences of following those desires) more than any other image. I continue to use it in discipling, counseling, and with anyone who is willing to listen. Today’s devotional is simply … Read More
Serving others is not without its challenges. Three words describe our service to the Lord: faithful, joyful, and sacrificial. Serve Faithfully: Are you looking for every opportunity to serve the Lord? Jesus tells a parable about three servants. The master commends two of the three because they were faithful (Matt. 25:21, 23). They had actively looked for every opportunity to … Read More
