We live in the age of the quick fix. And when it comes to temptation, our impulse for instant gratification can lead us astray. So if you're human and deal with temptation, here's something that will help.
self-control
Faith isn’t about convenience
Years ago my brother Deric told me a story that has always stuck with me. In an effort to be financially disciplined he used an “envelope system” for his money. When he did his monthly budget, he put different amounts of money into different envelopes. One for groceries, one for gas, one for entertainment—that sort … Continue reading Faith isn’t about convenience
Reactivity skews reality
In high school science class we learned one of Newton’s laws: “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” I think this can teach us something about relationships as well. Imagine a time when someone said something that really upset you. You probably had an emotional reaction. …it may have been really powerful. … Continue reading Reactivity skews reality
The Esau complex
In Genesis 25 we read about the ever-clever Jacob who was cooking some stew. His brother Esau came in from the fields famished and desperately wanted to have some. Seeing an opportunity, Jacob said, “First, sell me your birthright.” In exchange for some stew, Jacob wanted Esau to give him his rank and rights as the … Continue reading The Esau complex
Chronic busyness
I’ve been talking a lot about love this week. It’s partly because… -I recently spoke about love at the church I pastor -a school shooting in Florida reminds us how desperately love continues to be needed -and Jesus commands us to do it. So as we try to love—that is, as we try to acknowledge that … Continue reading Chronic busyness
The Great Disarmer
This week you will meet someone who upsets you. They might upset you a little. Or they might upset you a lot. Maybe they’re in your own family and say something to rub you the wrong way. Or maybe they’re a friend, classmate or co-worker whose actions scratch the invisible chalkboard of your brain. So … Continue reading The Great Disarmer
Your Crazy Button
2 Timothy 1:7 "God gave us a spirit... of power and love and self-control." (ESV) Today's Thought The band Family Force 5 has a song called “Cray Button.” They’re talking about a “Crazy Button,” something you push and... well, go crazy! Here are some of the lyrics: “A lunatic, a time bomb just got dropped … Continue reading Your Crazy Button
To get something great
Proverbs 25:28 "A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls." (NLT) Today's Thought I’m three days in to a three week coffee fast. Just to be clear, that means I’m not drinking ANY coffee. For three weeks. At all. Zilch. For some of you that’s no big deal. But for me, coffee has … Continue reading To get something great
The Up Devotional 