Life goes better when we follow directions. Our car lasts longer when we service it according to owner’s manual. Staying under the speed limit eliminates tickets. We lose our employment if we don’t follow company guidelines. Disobeying our mother and father causes chaos in the home. This study will show how these principles play out in…
When I was 10 years old, I dreamt of being an archeologist. However, I gave up that dream because of the discouraging voices of adults and friends. I know of others who gave up their dreams of being doctors or even president of the US because adults around them said, “Let’s be realistic. You could…
Children have a sense of justice and truth. While growing up, we all face situations when someone took advantage of us. After bringing home a spoiled banana from a grocery store, we demand a refund. When a movie doesn’t live up to its billing, we feel cheated. Our life insurance policy doesn’t cover a procedure listed in the small…
How many times have you gotten in trouble by making a quick decision? You may face a major financial purchase and don’t do the proper research. A teenager may make a snap decision on who to date without learning about the character of the young man or woman. An employer may not check references of a…
For many of us, God seems far away. We don’t sense any closeness with Him. Our prayers seem to boomerang back to us without reaching God. We experience deadness in our spirit. Life is humdrum without any excitement. How can we experience the supernatural working of God and even more importantly, properly steward it so…
My last blog from Psalm 16 showed how Jesus meets all our needs. Youth feel Christianity is irrelevant to their lives. They learn Bible stories as a child but see no connection to their daily lives. Statistics show many Christian young people are leaving the church today. Matthew 8 shows how Christ meets physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Instead…
What gives you the most delight? If you could only save one thing from a house fire, what would it be? Would your most prized possession be family photos, a computer or antique dresser? The Psalmist said there was only one thing he deemed beautiful, delightful or good. Let’s see what he chose and why? The Psalmist said he…
We face fear throughout our lives, especially when we try something for the first time. A kindergarten student would rather stay home before the first day of school. A college freshman feels dread about Finals Week after his first semester. A job interview breeds anxiety. A marriage ceremony brings stress to the bride, groom and…
It’s easy to make a quick judgment when we suffer because of a decision made by our boss or unkind word. We respond with righteous indignation or wrong analysis of the situation. How do we determine our proper response? Studies have shown that people are getting much of their input from various media, including the internet and friends. How…
Most people want to live better lives. If you go to any bookstore, there are many self-help books with advice on how to improve as a wife, husband, parent or employee. The first step in Alcoholics Anonymous is to admit you are powerless over alcohol and that your life has become unmanageable. The Psalmist surveyed humankind…
Our culture focuses on individual rights. We think our actions only affect ourselves and no one else. Many people live like lone rangers in a vaccuum. They don’t understand how little things reap dire consequences in the larger community, including their families and church bodies. Just like a stone being thrown in a pond, concentric ripples move outward affecting the whole body…
One of the most challenging things we can do is stand alone in the midst of peer pressure. Should a student cheat on a test to get a good grade like his classmates? What about telling a lie to your boss or parent so you can look good or not get in trouble? Withholding income on a tax…