“God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:5, NLT). Dwain and Lorie Hargis had fostered many children. One year they met Olivia, a young girl who had bounced from house to house. She had a tough life and had learned how to … Continue reading When God adopts us
child of God
A firm (not flimsy) identity no matter what
Hebrews 2:11 says that “Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.” I’m blown away by that. Jesus calls his followers brothers and sisters. Siblings. What’s more is that he is “not ashamed” to do so. Think of all the times we have gone against God’s teachings. Think about the wayward thoughts, decisions, … Continue reading A firm (not flimsy) identity no matter what
Who are you, really?
In the inspirational movie Overcomer, a basketball coach named John Harrison loses his team. Coaching basketball has become such a major part of his identity that it really shakes him. He’s also a part of his church’s visitation team. In one scene, he visits a man at the hospital. The man asks him who he … Continue reading Who are you, really?
Impossible to duplicate
I read about some mouth-watering sourdough bread made at a bakery in San Francisco. It hadn’t been replicated anywhere else. As it turns out, there was a secret to the taste that had nothing to do with the recipe. As Larry Osborne explains, “It’s a bacterium that thrives in the area. When the yeast ferments, … Continue reading Impossible to duplicate
An accurate view of yourself
Some people have too HIGH a view of themselves. They think they’re always right and others are always wrong. They think it’s a privilege for you just to be in their presence. They think they’re the best thing since sliced bread. Others have a too LOW a view of themselves. They think they’re good for … Continue reading An accurate view of yourself
On the days you feel most defeated
I think there can be a darkness within each one of us that loves to reach up, take hold of our confidence, and pull it down into an abyss of self-pity. Don't let it. Here's why -- and how.
Never trust your self-defeating thoughts
I think there can be a darkness within each one of us that loves to reach up, take hold of our confidence, and pull it down into an abyss of self-pity. You know the days. The bad thoughts or feelings start to steamroll. It’s the opposite of positive momentum. You feel deflated. Then you catch … Continue reading Never trust your self-defeating thoughts
Royal blood
After World War Two, fifty men came out of a camp in Indochina with amnesia. They didn’t know who they were. They simply didn’t remember, and there were no records. For those who were brought back to Paris, someone had the idea to advertise in the newspapers. The idea was to tell the public about … Continue reading Royal blood
You’ve never fled or fallen too far
“God couldn’t love me. Not after what I’ve done.” I hear this sometimes. Maybe not those exact words. But some form of them. Sure, we know the words to “Jesus loves me” and, on some level, mentally agree that they’re true. But then life goes on, things happen—sometimes terrible things, and we doubt God’s love. … Continue reading You’ve never fled or fallen too far
They were hiding in barn lofts
Genesis 1:27 “So God created human beings in his own image" (NLT) Today's Thought All week I've been suggesting practical things we can do to love one another more fully. So today I'd like to bring the week to a close with this suggestion: Acknowledge that every single person is made in the image of … Continue reading They were hiding in barn lofts
