It’s time for new beginnings but it’s also time to evaluate the old ways. Am I living the way God wants me to live? That’s the question of the day for me. I am praying that God would show me what needs to go in order to serve him better. We are to give our lives as living sacrifices to God. We are to place all areas of our lives before God. I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg…
Lately God has been waking me up (literally) to see my sinfulness. God has reminded me of some choices I have made in my life and led me to repent for them. Even though during that time of my life I did not even think they had been questionable. I did not know any better then. Selfishness does not produce good fruit. Selfishness paves the way to destruction whether we realize it or not. Go home and wash up. Clean…
This summer has been so wonderful that as the start of a new school year approaches we are ready to move on. We have been swimming in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening. We have had road trips, back yard parties, and beach getaways. We are totally satisfied, filled with joyful memories and ready to move on. This made me think of a few Bible passages that states how Abraham, Isac, David, Joash and Job who all…
Some people tell me Christianity is old-fashioned. Do you know what? I think they got it all wrong. Christianity is not old-fashioned. Christianity is futuristic. Christianity is just ahead of the times. My plans aren’t your plans, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my plans than your plans. (Isaiah 55:8-9, CEB,*) You see, if we try to be up…
Are you tired, weary, exhausted? Are you asking what’s the point of all this? Are you feeling just terrible? The psalmist is right with you. Here’s a scripture prayer – a mighty energy drink – for all the weary pilgrims: I’m feeling terrible—I couldn’t feel worse! Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember? When I told my story, you responded; train me well in your deep wisdom. Help me understand these things inside and out so I…
Did you know that some schools start already on Monday? Our kids won’t start until the 11th but it’s still almost here. Are you ready to get back to the grid? How are you approaching this new beginning? How could we being in such a way that would be life-giving and not just the same old, same old all over again? Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play…
Does summer for you mean living without routines? I love it. We truly need to break routines once in awhile. But the fact is living without routines can be disastrous. Also for our spiritual well-being. Routines help us stay focused on the right things. While on vacation we might forget to keep our daily date with God. For a few days it does not matter that much. God does not move anywhere. Grace is valid even when we do not…
How has your summer been? Are you ready for some new things in your life? How is God guiding you right now? Our summer has been hot and fun and I hope we can do much more swimming before the fall. God is also creating new opportunities for me and I am saying ‘yes’ to him. What is going on? Our family has received a save-a-date to a wedding in Florida around Thanksgiving. Our family has decided to go to…
Who do you say Jesus is? This is one of the most important questions you ever answer. Who is Jesus to you? Is Jesus a philosopher, a teacher, a radical social activist or something more personal, maybe even life-changing? This is what Peter answered to Jesus’ question: Simon Peter said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16, CEB,*) How about you? Is Jesus a savior to you? Do you think Jesus is the son of…
Is your faith an abstract collection of doctrines or do you have a resurrection faith? That kind of faith that drives any trace of fear out? That kind of faith that laughs in the front of death? That kind of faith that boldly declares like Paul: If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s (Romans 14:8, NRSV,*? When…
