When we call ourselves “Christians” what do we think that means?The earliest followers of Jesus were called “disciples.” That word is used about 269 times.In those early days, the followers of Jesus were also called the people of “the Way.” That phrase occurs five times. So, when did the title “Christian” come into use? We first … Continue reading Christian is also a verb
making a difference
Don’t let sensationalism mess with your thinking
We live in a sensationalistic time. Stories that are sensational make the news. People who do sensational things get noticed. To a degree, that makes sense. I get it. But we can’t lose sight of the fact that so many of the important and faithful things we do in life are not going to impress … Continue reading Don’t let sensationalism mess with your thinking
God entrusts us with certain potential
“There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord” (1 Corinthians 12: 5). If you had the ability to give someone a special talent or gift—like, for example, the ability to fly—wouldn’t you expect them to use it? I’m sure you would. Well, God gives us special talents or gifts. And I’m sure he … Continue reading God entrusts us with certain potential
Being FOR things
“Be devoted to one another in love” (Romans 12:10). Let me start by asking you a question. Would you rather be known for what you’re FOR, or what you’re AGAINST? In other words, would you rather be known for beliefs, causes or issues that you are FOR, or would you rather be known for beliefs, … Continue reading Being FOR things
The fruit-yielding tree God will use to bless others
Psalm 1 describes a person who is seeking to be righteous. They delight in God’s teachings and meditate on them consistently (verse 2). Verse 3 describes something important about that person’s life: “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season…” They are a fruit-yielding tree, metaphorically … Continue reading The fruit-yielding tree God will use to bless others
Re-thinking what your legacy will be
In John 15:16 Jesus said: “I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” What impact will I have on the world? What will my legacy be? What kind of a difference will I make? In my experience, people tend to think of their impact or influence in the world … Continue reading Re-thinking what your legacy will be
Can I really make a difference?
Do you ever wonder whether or not you can really make a difference? Paul Tudor Jones is the founder of the Robin Hood Foundation. It has channeled 1.45 billion dollars into noble causes. One of Jones’s passions is helping students at under-privileged, inner-city schools. He tells a story about when he was four. He was at … Continue reading Can I really make a difference?
Violence vs. Love
“Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8). Violence upsets me. Does it upset you? I’m deeply saddened by the death of children. Perhaps this is a strange way to say it, but even though I’m shocked at the presence of real evil in our world, I’m not surprised by it. That itself is a reason to … Continue reading Violence vs. Love
Invisible visible beliefs
“That person is so heavenly minded that they’re of no earthly use.” Have you ever heard that expression? It’s a put down. Why? Because the opposite should be true for us as followers of Jesus. Seeking to learn and do God's will should translate into usefulness and helpfulness in the here and now. James was … Continue reading Invisible visible beliefs
The power of being useful
A lot of people struggle with their purpose in life. It’s a complicated issue, but one of the reasons people struggle is because they’re not sure if God exists. Historian Carl L. Becker said that humans must be looked at as “little more than a chance deposit on the surface of the world, carelessly thrown … Continue reading The power of being useful
