Yesterday I talked about the fruit of the Spirit that Paul lists in Galatians 5:22-23 (CSB): “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” As a follower of Jesus, these traits will start to grow in your life. If you’re like me, you’ve probably looked at that list and scratched your head in … Continue reading The distance you’ve already come
spiritual growth
Dealing with frustration
It’s easy to get frustrated. That’s why having a different attitude toward your frustrations can make them… well, less frustrating. So what is this “better approach”? Frustrations aren’t always final. They might just be calling your attention to something that needs to change. For example: -If you’re continually frustrated that there aren’t enough hours in the … Continue reading Dealing with frustration
The prayer list
I remember a cartoon that was really funny. An unnamed man sees someone named Bob walking toward him. That triggers in his mind that he had said he would pray for Bob. But he had forgotten! So, very quietly, and as Bob quickly approaches, he whispers, “Dear God, please help Bob.” Seconds later he calls … Continue reading The prayer list
How you can emerge from the ashes
Who you are and who you can be emerges from the ashes of what you’ve been through. Hold on. Let me back up a minute… We all have hurts. And hurts CHANGE us. We may not like it, but it’s true. Our difficult experiences influence our attitudes and decisions. They certainly don’t define us, but … Continue reading How you can emerge from the ashes
I love you
When you’re proud of someone, you tell them. When you miss someone, you tell them. When you’re thankful for someone, you tell them. And when you love someone, you tell them. That’s what I love about Psalm 18:1. It starts with David’s simple statement of love: “I love you, Lord, my strength.” If you feel and … Continue reading I love you
When things fall apart
Sooner or later everything falls apart. Well, maybe not everything—but some things; and sometimes, a lot of things. …a relationship, a job, a dream, health, peace of mind… And when that happens you’ll need to lean on God. Big time. But that will be hard to do if your connection is weak, lax and sporadic. … Continue reading When things fall apart
What’s the least I can do in this relationship?
In his book Eternity is Now in Session, John Ortberg has a helpful illustration that teaches us something about faith in Christ: Let’s say I get married to someone, exchange vows, and pledge to journey with them through life. But what if that night, after the celebration, I ask, “Honey, what is the least I … Continue reading What’s the least I can do in this relationship?
Did Jesus trust the Scriptures?
Last week I highlighted how some people struggle to understand the Bible. Because of that I encouraged you to (a) get a translation in modern English, and (b) buy a good study Bible. But if we’re honest, I think one of the reasons we stall in our reading is because we aren’t really convinced it’s … Continue reading Did Jesus trust the Scriptures?
Struggle to understand the Bible?
A new year is upon us. And more than one of you have set some kind of Bible-reading goal. And even if you haven’t, hopefully you know the importance of being continually rooted in the Scriptures. An inspiring verse about the importance of God’s word is found in Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp … Continue reading Struggle to understand the Bible?
Does it make you uncomfortable?
Do some of Jesus’ teachings make you uncomfortable? Be honest. Think about a story or teaching that makes you squirm a little. -Maybe it’s one of the ones about helping the poor and it makes you uncomfortable because you know you can be apathetic to the plight of those who are struggling. -Maybe it’s about … Continue reading Does it make you uncomfortable?
