Sinicism. You’re right. It’s actually spelled with a C. Cynicism. But lately I’ve been thinking that an overly cynical view of the world is sin—hence, sin-icism. Let me explain. When it comes to plain old cynicism, I get it. There is a lot we could be cynical about. I mean, a lot. Have you watched … Continue reading Sinicism
perspective
The more you stare at the problem
When troublesome thoughts wedge their way into your brain, it’s hard to dislodge them. They sit there unwelcome—kind of like a smelly squatter who refuses to leave your house and even claims that it somehow belongs to him! Lysa TerKeurst is the President of Proverbs 31 Ministries. She says, “The more you stare at the … Continue reading The more you stare at the problem
Focusing on good and godly things (a tip)
If you focus your mind on good and godly things, your mind will be focused on good and godly things. Makes sense, right? But if you focus your mind on negative and ungodly things, your mind will be focused on negative and ungodly things! To the Philippians, Paul says: “whatever is true, whatever is noble, … Continue reading Focusing on good and godly things (a tip)
Your giants tumble
How many of you face invisible giants on a daily basis? I’m guessing a lot of you. Here are a few examples of what I mean by “invisible giants”: stress at home, a persecutor, a financial worry, loneliness, an addiction… Here’s a helpful word from Max Lucado: “Focus on giants you stumble. Focus on God … Continue reading Your giants tumble
Big God vs little “god”
Joseph’s brothers hated him. They sold him into slavery in Egypt when he was 17. He was falsely accused of assault and sent to prison. But since God gave him the ability to interpret dreams, he eventually provided valuable insight to Pharaoh, the most powerful man in the land, and saved untold numbers of people … Continue reading Big God vs little “god”
The big picture
There’s something that people I admire have in common. They have the ability to see the big picture even when times are hard, and even when they’re under pressure. As a result, they don’t get thrown off course. They’re more likely to hold to their principles. And they’re less likely to say or do something … Continue reading The big picture
Moments to tone the muscle of your character
Jonathan Haidt is a psychologist who did a hypothetical experiment. People were given a summary of the life story of a girl named Jillian. Here are some of the details: At a young age, Jillian developed a learning disability which would delay her ability to read, and which impacted her grades and work throughout life. … Continue reading Moments to tone the muscle of your character
The right attitude
I once heard about a man who had a heart attack. His life flashed before his eyes which scared him. As a result, he started to take better care of himself, pay more attention to the people he cared about, and live by better priorities. A friend noticed the change and came to visit. “How’d … Continue reading The right attitude
In a world where resurrection is possible
The resurrection is central to Christian faith. Paul says that if Jesus has not been raised then your faith is “useless” (1 Corinthians 15:14). It changes how we see and experience the world. Why? Because in a world where resurrection is possible, anything is possible! The New Testament writers continually highlight that our world and … Continue reading In a world where resurrection is possible
Eternal things more than temporary things
Over the past few devotionals I’ve been helping us reflect on the fact that mature people mature people. Adjective, noun, verb, noun. In other words, people who are mature can help other people become more mature as well. Because of their faithfulness and maturity they can be a positive role model for us. In addition, … Continue reading Eternal things more than temporary things
