I’m a big fan of building yourself up, of encouraging yourself for the journey. But there are times when we can get so focused on getting ahead—in life, at work, in our achievements, and even in our spiritual lives—that we start to think we’re better than other people. Recently in my small group a friend … Continue reading Trampling others down
faith
The poisonous root of bitterness
Yesterday I said that there can be unaddressed wrongs in our past which continue to exert an influence on us. Just because something is in the past that doesn’t mean it has passed. [If you missed it, click here.] That’s why forgiveness is so important. Usually when we think about forgiveness we think about giving … Continue reading The poisonous root of bitterness
When the past hasn’t passed
Sometimes there’s something hold you back… Holding you back from moving forward in your life with a greater sense of mental freedom, peace of mind, and personal integrity before God. Quite often that “something holding you back” is some unaddressed wrong from your past. But just because something is in the past that doesn’t mean … Continue reading When the past hasn’t passed
Everything you need for joy
Robert Reed says this: “I have everything I need for joy.” Everything. But here’s the backstory. He was born with an illness that resulted in his hands and feet being twisted. He can’t brush his teeth by himself. Or comb his hair. Or bathe himself. But that didn’t stop him from graduating high school, or … Continue reading Everything you need for joy
On your face
I like to be practical. That’s because we can wrongly think of faith as something theoretical which is somehow disconnected from our daily lives. But it shouldn’t be. So I spend a lot of time thinking about things we can do on a daily basis that reinforce the daily reality of our beliefs. One of … Continue reading On your face
Perpetuating the illusion
Life isn’t about what your circumstances are, but who you become despite your circumstances. That’s something I’ve been sharing with you this week. As a part of that we’ve spent time with Romans 5:3-4 (ESV) where Paul says that “suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope…” But then in verse 5 … Continue reading Perpetuating the illusion
Keep going
Yesterday I talked about difficult circumstances and how they can contribute to your spiritual growth and maturity as a person. Now don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t wish difficulty on someone. And I don’t think that every problem we face is good. But if we shift our perspective, I think we can open ourselves to … Continue reading Keep going
The #1 factor for spiritual growth?
I think the number one factor that contributes to your spiritual growth and to your maturity as a person is... Difficult circumstances. Granted, I don’t have any data to back that up. But that’s what I think after talking to hundreds of people, reading hundreds of books, and from my own personal experience. First, difficult … Continue reading The #1 factor for spiritual growth?
A daytime disconnect?
Many people feel “disconnected” to God from 9 to 5. Generally speaking, that’s when you’re at school, or at work, or going about the random tasks of life. (I realize that some of you work shift work but just go with me on this one.) Maybe you feel it’s hard to feel close to God … Continue reading A daytime disconnect?
Time to juggle up the playlist?
If you’ve been following along with the Up! devotional this week you’ve probably caught on to the fact that I’m talking about how wildly impressionable we humans are. People say that children are sponges. But so are adults! (We’re just better at hiding it.) I read a study that said we’re more likely to trust … Continue reading Time to juggle up the playlist?
