This week I’ve been answering some questions about the Holy Spirit. On Monday we explored whether the Spirit is an “it” or a “who.” On Tuesday we asked if the Spirit makes you “feel” differently? Here’s today’s question: What does it matter to you that the Spirit is “holy”? First, we need to understand what … Continue reading Earmarked for God’s purposes
God
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
Why joy is wiser than happiness
Psychologist Jonathan Haidt says that “people need adversity, setbacks, and perhaps even trauma to reach the highest levels of strength, fulfillment, and personal development.” I really wish that wasn’t true! After all… Who WANTS adversity? Who WANTS setbacks? And who WANTS trauma? Not me! But regardless of whether we WANT those things are not, many … Continue reading Why joy is wiser than happiness
What my dog teaches me about following Jesus
My family has a new dog. He’s a tiny, ten-week-old Cockapoo named Buddy. And yup, we are instantly in love! He’s a social little guy. As soon as he sees me in the morning he runs over with his mini paws to say hello. If I sit at the table for breakfast, he comes and rests … Continue reading What my dog teaches me about following Jesus
What you’re doing impacts how you’re doing
Yesterday I highlighted Psalm 37. David was feeling frustrated by his lot in life. He felt persecuted and under threat. He had a concern that bad people seem to prosper more than good people. He was angry, and was somehow hurting. Despite all this, he stressed that God’s people should do good regardless of their … Continue reading What you’re doing impacts how you’re doing
A purpose that offsets your pain
In Psalm 37 David is feeling frustrated by his lot in life. He feels persecuted and under threat. He has a concern that bad people seem to prosper more than good people. He’s angry, and has somehow been hurt or is hurting. But this is what he says: “Do not fret because of those who … Continue reading A purpose that offsets your pain
If hurts were hairs…
Let’s be honest. Life can hurt. There are worries, disappointments, broken dreams, challenging relationships, health problems, pain. Max Lucado once said, “If hurts were hairs, we'd all look like grizzlies.” When it comes to the challenges we face, none of us are offered a free pass; but we are promised God’s presence and help through … Continue reading If hurts were hairs…
Subconscious worship
I’m a firm believer that what you do shapes you. I’ve talked about that before. Your daily habits impact your thinking and your decisions. When you pray regularly, you’re more likely to see God at work in your daily life. And when you serve or volunteer regularly, you’re more likely to feel like the hands … Continue reading Subconscious worship
Only God can count the apples in the seed
A friend of mine told me about something he saw on a fridge magnet: “Anyone can count the seeds in an apple. But only God can count the apples in the seed.” The reason I share that is because it’s easy to get discouraged when you don’t see something important in your life bearing fruit. … Continue reading Only God can count the apples in the seed
Diet and God
Speaking to the young Timothy, Paul wrote that “physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things…” (1 Timothy 4:8). When people look at that verse they usually see Paul’s advice to take godliness and spiritual training seriously. And that’s good. But that isn’t ALL he says. He also says that … Continue reading Diet and God
