Many people today download their personal responsibilities to institutions and leaders. People expect government to deliver human services instead of the church, but that’s beginning to change because of budget cuts. It’s common for church members to rely on Sunday school classes and youth pastors to spiritually raise their children. Adults often let pastors and…
A person can’t predict how God might use them. Tough times may seem to disqualify you from effective service. It’s those frustrating and seemly “wasted” circumstances that God redeems for ministry in your city. Joseph thought his life was over while serving prison time for a crime he didn’t commit. Two years later, he unexpectedly…
Life contains many mine fields disguised as distractions and desires of your sinful nature seeking to kill you. Everything in this world conspires to lead you astray from the simplicity and pure devotion to Christ. Religious leaders sought to kill Him. His disciples turned away from Him. Only one woman in Mark 14 lavished praise…
Evil speech destroys like a fire (James 3:5-6). It causes you to be distracted, disturbed and distraught. I lost confidence when a boss constantly criticized my work. When trusted friends stabbed me behind my back, I felt my whole world crashing in on me. In these hurtful times, you need an anchor. Psalm 55 details…
In our politically correct society, every way to God is equally valid. No one is right and no one is wrong. Truth is relative. People are called narrow and not open-minded if they insist there’s only one way to God. That’s a lie! God is truth and in Him there is no darkness (1 John…
When life makes no sense, I have a tendency to question God. When people went behind my back in a hostile take over of my ministry, I wondered what was going on. Could God really use this in my life? Yes! Tests like these develop patience and integrity as preparation for future usefulness. Trusting God’s…
Reading the newspaper headlines about natural disasters, terrorist attacks and relational unrest throughout the world have tendency to create fear. Remember these are birth pangs for Christ’s Second Coming. Instead of being anxious, prepare yourself spiritually by putting your hope in Christ, not in things of this world. Christ comforts and encourages, while the world…
When someone seeks to hurt you by telling lies, what’s your normal response? You want to defend yourself! Nothing is more uncomfortable or aggravating than being on the receiving end of lies. In an earlier blog post from Gen. 39, Joseph was accused wrongly of sexual advances toward his master’s wife. As a result, he was…
There have been times when I lacked confidence. Timidity and cautiousness robbed me of joy. I was afraid to take risks. Life became boring and meaningless. How can you escape the dark cloud of dread clinging over you, which make forward progress impossible? Both Israel and the Philistines experienced God’s curse by not following God. Philistines…
Losing my job because I wouldn’t compromise my integrity was a great disappointment. Life seemed out of control after seven months of unemployment and no job prospects in sight. God kept reminding me to trust Him. It was one of the best growing times in my life. In time, God provided the best job up…
Like in Jesus’ day, people are confused why Jesus came to earth. A Muslim will shrug his shoulders if you ask him for a solution after doing something wrong. A Hindu will tell you maybe you can get it right in your next life. A psychiatrist will tell you, “You need some counseling, step in my…
We try many things to heal individuals, families, churches and cities. Families go to counselors hoping that family relationships improve. Churches try programs hoping for growth and better health among its members. City reaching efforts include many strategies to bring the whole Gospel to the whole city seeking transformation in individuals and organizations. Each of…