Much what we do pleases ourselves or others. We publicize our good works to look good. Often our primary motive in giving our time, talent or treasure is to say, “Look at me! I’m making an impact in the world!” If we have a financial need or problem, the first place we go for help is others or the government. Do these…
Life is hard. Daily, each of us face complexity and rough waters. We experience heartache and disappointments. A slight from a friend or cold shoulder at work can throw us for a loop. Life is unfair. Growing up has its own issues. The most influential time that shapes who we are comes during the ages of 0 to 18….
People often live like there’s no tomorrow. We see this from news media reports on celebrities being only concerned with their appearance, negotiating their next movie deal or getting publicity to further their career. One month from now, these things will be a distant memory. What should we be concerned about during the few years we live on earth so we…
In our post-modern culture, we have all sorts of different lifestyle groups. In high school, there are jocks, popular group, wannabees, those hooked on electronics, druggies, ‘body’ guys, freaks, skaters, goths plus many more. Does God have anything to say about our lifestyles and how we should live? Since God made us in his image or…
Some people are so outward about their faith that they turn off people. They are always trying to convert people with their words. Others say we only have to be good examples and keep our mouths shut. All of us know Christ followers who are judgmental concerning those who don’t have the same beliefs as them or not transparent about…
Sometimes God seems far away. We perceive He isn’t listening to us. Events in our lives are running out of control. Things aren’t coming together or making sense. Injustice runs rampant in the world. People struggle under the weight of great burdens. Our family is experiencing that right now with a large hospital bill after an expected visit…
We all grow up with negative conditioning. We hear words like, “Children are to be seen and not heard,” or “You will never amount to anything.” After the age of five, most people stop dreaming. They settle for mediocrity rather than pursuing their passion. Those who accomplish anything in life aren’t satisfied with the status quo, but continually…
Building good relationships is complicated and challenging. Life becomes so frantic that we don’t take time to listen to our spouse in marriage or give focused attention to our children. God has made women and men different, not only physically, but in their emotional life. Men want respect. Women desire love. Women’s concern is the home and men’s focus is often the…
It’s easy to become distracted, even with good things. Work at the office involves getting through our daily “to do” list to meet deadlines. Once we arrive home, we go through an endless round of meal preparation, laundry, mowing, repairs, etc. Family members need attention and a listening ear. We don’t want to neglect our friends either. In the…
We underestimate the impact we have on others for good or bad. We go through our day oblivious to how and what we communicate to others. People are desperate for an encouraging word. In contrast, criticism and complaining negatively affect a family, church or family. Recent studies show that encouragement is a key to attracting people…
Have things occured in your life that didn’t make any sense? It could be a divorce, job loss, accident, close friend who turned against you or other unexpected event that completely baffled you. Wouldn’t it be nice to have life run smoothly without any bumps along the way? Certain events, especially the challenges we face in life, point us…
Why does it seem hard to live a good life? We experience fear, shame and then try to control others. A prior blog encouraged us to repent of our sin, but even that seems difficult. We know what we are supposed to do, be we just can’t get the motivation or power to do it. What…