When you drive through a construction zone you’re bound to see this sign: “Slow Down” But what if instead of referring to the speed of your vehicle it was referring to the speed of your life? What if it was a message from God? 'Hey you, yes YOU: Slow Down.' The problem with speed, hyper-busyness … Continue reading The art of slowing down
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Imperfect people
What I’m about to tell you is terrible. But I’m going to tell you anyway! I heard about some people who started a Bible study group. They called it “Owl.” At first, people thought the name was based on the bird. Since owls are symbols of wisdom, it made sense. But it came to light … Continue reading Imperfect people
Amazing grace for a telemarketer?
John 1:16 "And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." (ESV) Today's Thought Amazing Grace is one of the best-known hymns. And for a lot of us it conjures up special memories. When I hear it on the bagpipes I think of my Grandpa Ruttan. He was the pipe major in the … Continue reading Amazing grace for a telemarketer?
What a 4-year-old saw changed her life
1 Thessalonians 5:18 "Give thanks in all circumstances..." (ESV) Today's Thought Ann Voskamp’s earliest memory is when she was four years old. She witnessed her 18-month old sister being run over by a truck in their farmyard. Horror. Ever since she’s struggled in her relationship with God. With this memory seared in her mind, Ann … Continue reading What a 4-year-old saw changed her life
Step out of the traffic
Psalm 46:10 “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God.” (MSG) Today's Thought I just spent a week in Myrtle Beach. It was… Awesome! Every time I go on vacation I learn something new. For example, last week I learned that... Cheap socks are never worth it The … Continue reading Step out of the traffic
Excuses or progress?
Proverbs 4:25 "Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you." (NIV) Today's Thought Sometimes, I think we’re our own worst enemy. We want to be closer to God, but don’t do anything to cultivate the relationship. Or we want to lose 10 pounds but can’t stay away from the high-fat snacks … Continue reading Excuses or progress?
Without food we can live for weeks… but hope?
1 Peter 1:3 “he has given us new birth into a living hope...” (NIV) Today's Thought Unfortunately, we live in a time of increasing despair. Last year, a front page New York Times article titled “U.S. Suicide Rate Surges to 30-Year High,” highlighted the sobering fact that overall suicides rose 24% between 1999 to 2014. … Continue reading Without food we can live for weeks… but hope?
Getting out of a rut
Hebrews 12:2 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus” (NIV) Today's Thought A lot of people think that pastors never fall into the same ruts they do. Since we’re always talking about prayer and community and love, many people think that we never have dry spells in our faith. That’s just untrue. I will, however, … Continue reading Getting out of a rut
Be… perfect?
Matthew 5:48 "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (NIV) Today's Thought As strange as it may sound, you can’t be godly and perfect at the same time. To a certain degree, what I just said doesn’t make sense. After all, in Matthew 5:48 Jesus invites his hearers to “Be perfect… as your … Continue reading Be… perfect?
What’s the deal with angels?
Hebrews 1:14 “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (NIV) Today's Thought So what’s the deal with angels? Well, the answer may surprise you. They’re mentioned 273 times in the Bible; and “angel” is a word that means “messenger.” So an angel is basically a messenger of God. … Continue reading What’s the deal with angels?
