Acts 4 is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. It is also one of the most convicting. The Book of Acts, as you might know, was written by Luke and gives an account of the early church. The events show the boldness of the apostles as they, buoyed by the Holy Spirit, fulfill … Continue reading Because He Lives…
God
Is the Lord Really My Shepherd?
"The Lord is my shepherd," Psalm 23 proclaims, "I have everything I need." Aside from John 3:16, this psalm may be one of the most famous passages of Scripture. It has been quoted in tv shows, poems, songs, books, and movies, to the part it has almost become a part of pop culture. Even most … Continue reading Is the Lord Really My Shepherd?
Stand Up And Fight
We have an enemy. I know people don't like to hear that or even to think that, but it's true. Especially if you are a Christian, you must learn to live with the fact that you (and I) have an enemy. But it's not who the world is trying to tell you it is. It's … Continue reading Stand Up And Fight
Work–Don’t Just Pray–for Success
Fred Smith was a leadership expert who worked as a former consultant to companies such Mobil, Caterpillar, and GENESCO. He was also a notable speaker, giving talks and speeches in all fifty states, and a best-selling author of four books, You and Your Network, Learning to Lead, Leading with Integrity, and Breakfast with Fred. More … Continue reading Work–Don’t Just Pray–for Success
Denying Joy
I love guinea pigs. If you've followed me for any amount of time, you won't be surprised by this. These little half-pound meat potatoes bring so much joy to my life, and I've had to exercise an insane amount of self-control to limit myself to only three. My retirement goal is to open a guinea … Continue reading Denying Joy
I Am No Painter
Lewis Smedes, the renowned Christian author, tells a remarkable story about Michelangelo in his book Standing on the Promises: "One early evening, as dusk darkened the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo, weary, sore, and doubtful, climbed down the ladder from his scaffolding where he had been lying on his back since dawn painting the chapel ceiling. After … Continue reading I Am No Painter
Who Are You?
Who are you? This used to be a simple question. But "identity" has become such a complex flashpoint in our culture that this once seemingly innocuous question has now become much more loaded. Who are you? Culture will try to give us many answers to this question. You are your name, your age, your social … Continue reading Who Are You?
The Choice of the Yoke
We've all been there. Your alarm goes off, and an immediate sense of dread overtakes you. Or maybe even tears. The thought of getting out of bed sends an ache into your stomach. You are exhausted. You are fed up. You simply can't do life today. You feel as if you have absolutely nothing left. … Continue reading The Choice of the Yoke
Spiritual Lessons in Graham Crackers
Like many parents, I had a hard time getting my children to eat when they were younger, although the timeline of their pickiness was reversed. My son refused to eat almost everything until he turned five; then, suddenly, he decided he wanted to eat EVERYTHING. (And, while I'm thankful, now that he's nearing the teenage … Continue reading Spiritual Lessons in Graham Crackers
When Love Hurts
Ahhh, Valentine's Day. The air is awash with the smell of overpriced roses, my dining room table is covered with glitter from my school-age children's card-making, and my waistline is telling me I absolutely do not need anymore of those delicious heart-shaped chocolates. Okay, yes, I sound a bit cynical. I'm not a huge fan … Continue reading When Love Hurts