You probably heard someone say in time of crisis, “Well, I guess there is nothing to do but pray.” What’s more powerful than prayer? It’s the very best thing you can do anytime. James 5:16 says that the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. The verb “accomplish” or Greek word, ischuo,” literally…
From an unknown source: “Sow a thought and you reap an action; sow an action and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.” Gen. 38 illustrates this progression through the life of Judah after he sowed wrong thoughts. Sow a Thought…
George Mueller lived during the 1800s and prayed in millions of dollars (in today’s currency) to meet the needs of his orphan houses. He never asked anyone directly for money, but trusted God to put in people’s hearts to send him what he needed. He never took out a loan or went into debt. And…
Robert Emmons, professor of psychology at the University of California-Davis, has studied the health benefits of thanksgiving. Thankful people have lower risks for depression, phobias, bulimia and alcoholism. People with high blood pressure not only lower their blood pressure, but feel less hostile and are more likely to quit smoking and lose weight when they practice gratitude. Those who…
Studies show that most people fail because of character, not competence. Most leadership training today prioritizes planning and skill instead of character and heart issues. According to leadership expert, Warren Bennis, the “core competency of leadership is character, but character and judgment are the qualities that we know least about when trying to teach them to others….
As we move closer to celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday, let’s consider four of his quotes on love and ha:“Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.” “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That…
No one wants to live a mediocre Christian life. As hard as I try, forces pull me back to the status quo where I’m not different than anyone else. It’s like rowing against a strong current. Every force is fighting against my best efforts to live the normal Christian life in the way God designed….
People often get nervous being around wealthy or famous people. Our minds have been brainwashed thinking they are extra special. Instead of being intimidated or thinking that you don’t measure up, be concerned about their eternal welfare. It may appear they have it made in this life, but the afterlife is another story. Reality is…
Most of us feel guilty because we don’t pray enough. I often give into the lie that work and doing something is more profitable than sitting and praying. The payoff seems more immediate with work compared to prayer. Effective prayer that God hears begins with a burden. God hates it when I go through the…
Life contains many distractions that keep you and me from the main thing. Many people focus on appearance so others will accept them. Others pursue education and advanced degrees to get a better position that will earn them more money. Some love pleasure and thrills. They go on vacations, trips and exciting adventures. None of…
One of George Barna’s mega themes for 2010: The influence of Christianity on culture and individual lives is largely invisible. He states that Christianity has arguably added more value to American culture than any other religion, philosophy, ideology or community. Although there were a few subgroups that were more likely than average to experience church-based accountability, there…
People either hate or love God. He opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. The proud or self-willed person hates God and responds to life situations with fear because of losing control. The humble or submissive person loves God and responds to life situations with praise because He is King. Those with personal…