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…
Have you ever received special attention because of a special accomplishment or service to someone? You won an award, made the last shot in a basketball game or went beyond the call of duty to help someone. Even if you weren’t officially recognized, you felt good. Each added a spark to our lives. Consider the responsibilities assigned to us…
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…
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…