Joy. It’s listed as one of the “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22-23. That means it’s something God grows in you when you become a Christian... “love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” For some, joy grows quickly. For others, not so much. But is there anything you can do to … Continue reading Fertilizing joy
daily devo
Standing out and blending in
I’m a Christian who is also trying to be a Christian. Does that sound strange? What I mean is that I am a Christian because I have professed my loyalty to Jesus as the Lord of my life. But I’m also trying to be a Christian because I know there’s still a lot of work … Continue reading Standing out and blending in
Faith isn’t about convenience
Years ago my brother Deric told me a story that has always stuck with me. In an effort to be financially disciplined he used an “envelope system” for his money. When he did his monthly budget, he put different amounts of money into different envelopes. One for groceries, one for gas, one for entertainment—that sort … Continue reading Faith isn’t about convenience
Greed is living like God is a liar
In the book “Money: A User’s Manual” Bob and Rusty Russell report that in 1900 the average person wanted 72 different things and considered 18 of them essential. Someone repeated the study more recently. The average person wanted 500 things and considered 100 of them essential! And do you know what? I get it. I’m … Continue reading Greed is living like God is a liar
Less is more
Welcome to the world of Bigger-Better-More! "You want it! You deserve it! Go for it!" (Even if you can't afford it.) It's easy to get sucked in, isn't it? But unfortunately, drinking the Kool-Aid of instant gratification draws us into a lifestyle of living beyond our means... which actually COMPLICATES our lives. Here’s why. As … Continue reading Less is more
I want to do something small…
Albert Schweitzer had a more “impressive” life than I ever will. He was a writer and influential theologian; he was an amazing and accomplished organ player; and he became a medical missionary and doctor to French Equatorial Africa. He was also awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1953. A biography by James Bentley reveals a … Continue reading I want to do something small…
Reactivity skews reality
In high school science class we learned one of Newton’s laws: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” I think this can teach us something about relationships as well. Imagine a time when someone said something that really upset you. You probably had an emotional reaction. …it may have been really powerful. … Continue reading Reactivity skews reality
A rest… from screens
Writer Lettie Cowman tells about a traveler who visited Africa and used a group of guides and carriers to carry their supplies as they hiked and explored. On the first day she was impressed because they went a huge distance. But the next day the carriers refused to move. The leader said that on the … Continue reading A rest… from screens
Things that renew you (not drain you)
Learning how to rest. That’s something I’ve been teaching and talking about lately. Why? Because of what it says in Exodus 20:8: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” But this can be hard. Many of us know rest is important, but we don’t do it as much as we should. Life gets busy, … Continue reading Things that renew you (not drain you)
Tirritated
Every once in a while people feel compelled to invent a new word. One of them is “Hangry.” Have you heard of it? It’s a combination of “hungry” and “angry.” As you may very well know from personal experience, when you’re hungry you’re not at your best—and sometimes angry. Hence, hangry! Lol So recently I … Continue reading Tirritated
