Someone recently brought something to my attention. When you reverse the words “Do not fear” you get “Fear not, do.” Here’s why I like it. Some people get paralyzed with fear. They sense (or create) something to be afraid of in their minds—something invisible and possibly destructive—and, as a result, cease living their lives. What … Continue reading Fear not, do
daily devotional
You’ve ALREADY forgiven them, right?
Many of us have memorized the Lord’s Prayer, including this line: “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” The original Greek word for “trespasses” is epheilemata which could also be translated as debt, or sin. But what I want to emphasize today is how the entire sentence should actually … Continue reading You’ve ALREADY forgiven them, right?
Youth isn’t tethered to your age
A lot of people are concerned about looking young, staying young, or being youthful. This can be true for teenagers, middle-agers, or seniors—and for both women and men. And wow, there sure are a lot of books and blogs about it! I’m sure that, to a certain degree, people have always wanted to be at … Continue reading Youth isn’t tethered to your age
Confidence is contagious
Recently I was listening to a radio program called Hockey Central at Noon on 590 The Fan. Speaking about an athlete, one of the announcers said that “confidence is contagious.” It was a good point. When one person on a team is confident—not only in themselves but in the team—that attitude spreads to the other … Continue reading Confidence is contagious
Why it matters that God is good
Right now I’m in the midst of a jam-packed, high-energy Vacation Bible Camp. Our key verse is Psalm 106:1: “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” The main idea of the Camp is that God is good! Day 1: When life is unfair… God is good. Day 2: When … Continue reading Why it matters that God is good
Are all new ideas good, bad, or something else?
Some people think every new idea is a good idea. And others think that every new idea is a bad idea. But it’s not that simple. So let me share something that I think should make us both more humble and more hopeful about how we approach new ideas. Larry Osborne points out that virtually … Continue reading Are all new ideas good, bad, or something else?
A nicotine-tinged dog and spiritual progress
Being aware of your flaws can make you feel bad about your spiritual progress. But what if this awareness was actually a good thing? Let me explain. When Tim Chester was growing up he had a small, white dog. One day it snowed and the dog went outside. That’s when Tim noticed that his dog … Continue reading A nicotine-tinged dog and spiritual progress
Dealing with frustration
It’s easy to get frustrated. That’s why having a different attitude toward your frustrations can make them… well, less frustrating. So what is this “better approach”? Frustrations aren’t always final. They might just be calling your attention to something that needs to change. For example: -If you’re continually frustrated that there aren’t enough hours in the … Continue reading Dealing with frustration
The prayer list
I remember a cartoon that was really funny. An unnamed man sees someone named Bob walking toward him. That triggers in his mind that he had said he would pray for Bob. But he had forgotten! So, very quietly, and as Bob quickly approaches, he whispers, “Dear God, please help Bob.” Seconds later he calls … Continue reading The prayer list
Humility: He asked him to step on his neck
St. Francis is one of great heroes of the faith. He died in 1226. I’ve always been inspired by his example of humility, sincerity, love, poverty and charity. There’s a little known story about an interaction he had with someone named Friar Bernard. Apparently, Francis had a negative thought about the Friar. Upon realizing this, and … Continue reading Humility: He asked him to step on his neck
