Some people totally rub you the wrong way -- and you despise them for it. But given Jesus' command to "love one another" what do you do? Well, this certainly helps.
inspiration
On the days you feel most defeated
I think there can be a darkness within each one of us that loves to reach up, take hold of our confidence, and pull it down into an abyss of self-pity. Don't let it. Here's why -- and how.
Hypocrisy (on both ends of the spectrum)
“You’re a hypocrite.” Has anyone ever said that to you? It’s a nasty and unpleasant thing! A hypocrite is a pretender—someone who says they believe certain ideals but doesn’t actually live them out in their own life. Hypocrites were the people Jesus often railed against. But guess what? Regardless of your theological leanings, it’s easy to become one!
Fertilizing Joy
[Notice - Since I’m away for vacation in August (yahoo!) the devotionals you’ll receive for these four weeks are some favourites from the past few years. Consider them previews from my upcoming book: “Up! – 313 Devotionals To Help You Start Your Day In A Biblical, Relevant Way.”] Joy. It’s listed as one of the “fruit … Continue reading Fertilizing Joy
Is the point of life to be a good person?
Is the point of life to be a good person? A lot of people think so. But what do they mean by “good”? Many things that were “good” in our society 50 years ago are no longer “good.” And many things that are “good” today will no longer be considered “good” 50 years from now. … Continue reading Is the point of life to be a good person?
Don’t be afraid to share your imperfections with others
A pastor I respect, John Ortberg, said that “perfection is the great enemy of spiritual growth.” I like that because it makes clear the fact that if you try (or pretend) to be perfect it actually undermines your spiritual growth. What I think he’s getting at is that none of us are perfect. But if … Continue reading Don’t be afraid to share your imperfections with others
Don’t be a sore… winner?
“Don’t be a sore loser.” It’s a way of saying you shouldn’t sulk around when you lose. Don’t be so sore about your loss that you draw attention to yourself and dampen the victory and accomplishment of somebody else. But today I’d like to alter that phrase a bit: Don’t be a sore WINNER. A … Continue reading Don’t be a sore… winner?
Each of you is a part of it
This week I’ve been driving home the point that followers of Jesus don’t “have it all together.” Instead, they have it all, together. The placement of that comma makes all the difference in the world. Today l want to focus on that word “together.” The Bible calls the church the “body of Christ” (1 Corinthians … Continue reading Each of you is a part of it
Having it all – [Plus, a special announcement]
[Scroll down for today’s announcement.] Yesterday I said that Christians don’t “have it all together.” Instead, they have it all, together. (If you missed it you can check it out here.) I also said that the placement of that comma makes all the difference in the world. Here’s what I mean. Contrary to what some … Continue reading Having it all – [Plus, a special announcement]
Are we supposed to have it all together?
Are followers of Jesus supposed to “have it all together”? Good question! After all, in Matthew 5:48 Jesus says, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” -Some Christians do in fact think they have it all together. They drip with religious condescension. -Some people know that they definitely don’t have it all together… … Continue reading Are we supposed to have it all together?
