How good are you at dealing with criticism? Me neither! Lol When someone criticizes us we usually have an instinctual, impulse reaction (which is probably negative). We can immediately dismiss what the other person said, think ungenerous things about them, and go about the rest of our day with a proverbial storm cloud over our … Continue reading Dealing with criticism
Month: December 2019
Pessimism & Optimism vs. Reality
There was a family with two boys. One was an extreme pessimist. The other was an extreme optimist. The parents didn’t like their extreme attitudes, so they tried a gift-giving experiment at Christmas to try and correct them. They thought that if they gave the pessimist a gift that was so over-the-moon awesome, he would … Continue reading Pessimism & Optimism vs. Reality
Marana Tha
Today I’d love to share a short, special prayer with you so that you can include it in your daily arsenal. -When you’re on your knees, or not. -When you’re driving, or walking. -When you’re calm, or fed up. -When you’re composed, or frazzled. It’s biblical, easy to memorize, and powerful. “Marana Tha.” It’s Aramaic … Continue reading Marana Tha
Wild goose or tame geese?
Speaking to his fellow disciples, Peter wrote: “you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). They are chosen, royal, holy and special. Why? So that they can “declare … Continue reading Wild goose or tame geese?
Don’t shortchange your life
Talking about the return of Jesus, the apostle Peter wrote, “You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming” (2 Peter 3:11-12). But what does it mean to be holy? Something that is holy is set apart; it is made for a special, … Continue reading Don’t shortchange your life
How to memorize a Bible passage [with Video]
I’ve talked before about memorizing Bible verses as a way to grow spiritually. But I realize some people find it difficult. So I did a short video with some tips. [Click the link below to watch.] Here’s a summary. 1. Pick a passage For this example, let’s choose 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is God-breathed … Continue reading How to memorize a Bible passage [with Video]
Wasting time well spent
Maybe we should all get a bit better at wasting time sometimes. Now hear me out. I’m not saying we should be lazy. And I’m not saying we shouldn’t work hard. We should. Just not every second of every day of every year. We generally look down our noses at wasting time. After all, we’ve … Continue reading Wasting time well spent
Being persecuted for the right (not wrong) reasons
For a few days this week I’m sharing some thoughts about Matthew 24. It’s where Jesus answers a question about when the Jerusalem temple would be torn down, and also when he would return at the “end of the age” (v. 3). In response, he offers various insights about what to expect, including this: “Then … Continue reading Being persecuted for the right (not wrong) reasons
The darker it gets
In Matthew 24, Jesus answers a question from his disciples about when the Jerusalem temple would be torn down, and also when he would return one day in glory at the “end of the age” (v. 3). In response, he offers various insights about things that are going to take place, including this: “Because lawlessness … Continue reading The darker it gets
Grafted to the hub of his heart
Jesus’ words in Matthew 24 are often cited when looking for ‘signs’ that the world as we know it is coming to an end. Fair enough. Among other things he talks about false Messiahs (v. 5), “wars and rumours of wars” (v. 6), “famines and earthquakes” (v. 7), and persecution (v. 9). But more specifically, … Continue reading Grafted to the hub of his heart
