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
joy
Fertilizing joy
Joy. It’s listed as one of the “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22-23. That means it’s something God grows in you when you become a Christian... “love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” For some, joy grows quickly. For others, not so much. But is there anything you can do to … Continue reading Fertilizing joy
Things that renew you (not drain you)
Learning how to rest. That’s something I’ve been teaching and talking about lately. Why? Because of what it says in Exodus 20:8: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” But this can be hard. Many of us know rest is important, but we don’t do it as much as we should. Life gets busy, … Continue reading Things that renew you (not drain you)
Love is…
Everyone loves the idea of love. I'm not necessarily talking about romantic love (although what I'm about to say applies to that too), but love in general. Who's ever heard of someone saying they don’t like love, or that love is bad? Since it’s so widely venerated and used, it’s a word that can easily … Continue reading Love is…
The Almighty Kill-Joy?
A lot of people think of God as an Almighty Kill-Joy. As if he never wants you to have any fun. As if he wants you to continually flagellate yourself and stick a pin in the balloon of your excitement and happiness. This is a radical misunderstanding of God. Does God think you should do … Continue reading The Almighty Kill-Joy?
Secrecy strangles
All of us struggle with something. But many of us keep it secret. Some of you struggle with over-spending. Some of you struggle with pornography. Some of you struggle with body image. Some of you struggle with over (or under)-eating. Some of you struggle with addiction. Some of you struggle with gambling. Some of you … Continue reading Secrecy strangles
Stopping problems from putting down roots
Have you ever noticed how the Bible is packed with statements about God wanting us to worship, glorify and serve him? And have you ever thought to yourself, ‘Doesn’t that seem kind of selfish? Why is the all-loving God so consumed with his own glory?’ Well, it’s actually for our benefit. Let me explain. Last … Continue reading Stopping problems from putting down roots
What you give up God fills up
You know that serving and helping others is a good thing. But it leaves you tired. So is it worth it? I think so. And here's why.
Moral Therapeutic Deism?
John 17:3 “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God” (ESV) Today's Thought In the book Soul Searching, we learn about research done with 3000 young people. What they found was that many shared these basic beliefs about God: • God wants us to be nice and fair • … Continue reading Moral Therapeutic Deism?
The story-behind-the-song (and some help from) Joy to the World
Revelation 22:20 "Come, Lord Jesus" (NIV) Today's Thought Joy to the world! the Lord is come... Those are the opening words to one of the most popular Christmas hymns ever. They were written by Isaac Watts, the English hymn-writer, and were inspired by Psalm 98: “Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth…” But … Continue reading The story-behind-the-song (and some help from) Joy to the World
