IÂ fell in love with another Bible verse recently. Probably because it awakened me to a subtle error I had been participating in. The book of Colossians tells us to âSeek those which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.â (Col. 3:2-3). The Spirit … Read More
My mind has a tendency to wander. Perhaps yours does too. So when I silence my cell phone in a service I want to attempt to shut off my mental day-timer too. Letting the dayâs events run through my mind is not conducive to hearing what God desires for me to learn. It often doesnât feel like Iâm in control of my … Read More
The Bible says a great deal about listening to God’s voice. When we read his Word we need to be attentive listeners. When we hear his Word taught we need to be asking “How can I change because of what I have heard?” Author Ken Ramey captures this truth well, Listening is hard work because application is inherent in it. … Read More
God said it first so we know it must be true. But as Westerners we somehow think we’re exempt. He said, “It is not good that man should be alone” (Gen. 2:18). So he created Eve for Adam, and gave the two of them a command, “Be fruitful, and multiply and fill the earth…” (Gen. 1:28). Sounds like the Lord … Read More
The first week of January is filled with hope. Past struggles and personal failures seem to be fading with our final singing of Auld Lang Syne. But I have found that my personal challenges don’t seem to disappear with the new calendar year. They stubbornly refuse to leave without a fight, and before long the facade of hope begins to crumble as … Read More
When having an effective quiet time, itâs important to have the right heart, time, place and plan. If your time with the Lord is lacking, consider which of these four elements could stand a little improvement. Several years ago now I came upon an excellent article by pastor Zach Schlegel on the importance of all four elements. He granted me permission … 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
Sometimes the simplest verses seem to be the hardest to live out. Consider this one, “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (1 John 2:6). The Bible teaches that Jesus was fully God. But if your portrait of Jesus is void of his humanity, his teaching and example will seem to … Read More
When it comes to understanding ministry there is no limit to what you can find. Walk into any Christian bookstore and you will find more publications on ministry than you can possibly count. There are different means, different ways, different ends, different groups, and different publishers. Ministry in the 21st century is like the ultimate all-you-can-eat buffet. Pick and choose … Read More
