“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Heb. 13:8) One of my least favorite expressions is “same-old, same-old.” When I ask someone how they’re doing, and they say “same-old, same-old,” I’m tempted to do an “encouragement-intervention” on them. The expression sounds so dreary, sullen, and bored. One of the ways I sometimes …
Category: Spirituality
Standing Firm in Your Faith
If you do not stand firm in faith, you shall not stand at all. (Isaiah 7:9) Hurricane Harvey dumped 50” of rain on Houston. Once I could get out of my neighborhood, I spent a few days at the shelters. I then spent a few days helping some friends demo their homes. Imagine losing everything …
Our Resurrected Life
'In the resurrection, then, whose wife of the seven will she be? For all of them had married her.’ Jesus answered them, ‘You are wrong, because you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like angels in heaven.’ (Lk. …
Being All-In With God
He said to them, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and will all your mind.’ (Mt. 22:37) I was meeting with a couple (I’ll call them John and Mary) before their wedding the next day. While reviewing their vows, John said, “I’m having a hard …
Saved, Delivered, Freed, or Healed
Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. (Ex. 14:30) The Hebrews were running away from the tyranny of Pharaoh. At some point along the escape route, they looked back and saw the Egyptian army in murderous pursuit. They thought they were doomed to …
Taking Responsibility for Your Life
Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat? The man said, ‘The woman whom you have to be with me, she gave me the fruit from the tree, and I ate.’ (Gen 3:11-13) Recently I was asked to help resolve some serious conflicts between two colleagues. I planned …
Doing God’s Adam Inventory
So, when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. …
With Barnabas
When he [Paul] had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, brought him to the apostles, and described for them how on the road he had seen the Lord... (Acts 9:26-27) …
Following Jesus
Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’ (Mt. 16:24) Are you all-in? Do you live with urgency, conviction, and purpose? Or, do you hesitate, dabble, hedge your bets, play it safe? One of the most striking characteristics …
In The Kingdom Business
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church… (Mt. 16:18) I’m tremendously grateful for the church. I’m grateful for its worship and fellowship; its ministry to needy people; and its service to the world. I’m grateful for the many times the church has given care and solace …