That's the question, isn't it?You probably pray the Serenity prayer, don't you?"Grant me the serenity [peace] to accept the things I cannot change,courage to change the things I can,and wisdom to know the difference."It's a powerful prayer. You long ago memorized it. I pray it most days -- often several times. But it's not anContinue reading "Will things really change?"
This is why not many should be teachers … (James 3)
Today pastor John Piper tweeted: "First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean." Matt. 23:26. The great war is within.* He's right. Makes you think of what Jesus said: "Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." The other day a pastor I coachContinue reading "This is why not many should be teachers … (James 3)"
There is power in the cross … So very much power!
A dear friend recently wrote me: "The cross is the only place safe enough and strong enough for all the questions, regrets, sadness, loss, and pain. But there I know love, which appears to be the pathway forward."* That made me think of the great book by John Stott The Cross of Christ. It isContinue reading "There is power in the cross … So very much power!"
Believe it or not, you do take yourself with you wherever you go
Today I want you to think about your talents and then to put your thoughts into a prayer. Here's how it works. Read the 4 following short quotations and then write a brief prayer. My prayer is below these quotations. Here we go... * "Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you comeContinue reading "Believe it or not, you do take yourself with you wherever you go"
How in the world are we supposed to get along, anyway?
Love this chart from one of my favorite books on dealing with conflict by Jim Van Yperen called Making Peace -- a Guide to Overcoming Church Conflict.
Quick synopsis on getting a degree in wisdom…
If you want get a degree in wisdom from the school of life, here's a short look at some of the main elements of the curriculum:Main courses:* "The Fear of the Lord"* "Humility precedes honor"* "The heart is more important than the mind"* "Key heart tests: What do you think about? What words do youContinue reading "Quick synopsis on getting a degree in wisdom…"
What are you willing to say?
When I read these words of Jesus from Luke 18 I ask myself, "What is holding me back today?"--My pride--My fear--My stubbornness--My lack of visionThen I felt God say, "I don't want your works or your money. I want a life surrendered, a life of you saying 'yes'." 18 And a ruler asked him, “GoodContinue reading "What are you willing to say?"
Hang in there, Soldier!
Every day has enough trouble of its own, doesn’t it? That’s why Jesus said “Don’t worry about tomorrow.” My goodness, if you insist on worrying – which most people do – at least worry about today. Maybe just worry about the morning, if you must... There are all kinds of things that can go wrongContinue reading "Hang in there, Soldier!"