Prayer Over Prestige
Jesus spent a lot of time in the mountains by himself praying. Sometimes he would minister all day and then spend all night in prayer. He always came away from those times reenergized and ready for the work of the ministry. We can learn so much from these episodes....
The Only Thing That Matters
It's hard to focus on what is important today. Experts say that we get bombarded with thousands of images and ads meant to get our attention. It usually takes a worker twenty minutes to get back on task after an interruption. Paul was someone who didn't let these...
Stand the Test of Time
Many of nature’s most beautiful features include fantastic rock formations. Last summer our family went to Moab, Utah to hike at Arches National park. Multiple rock forms are shaped in the form of arches out, and you can climb around the base. Over the centuries these...
Serve with a Good Attitude
Many years ago a state government had to remove solitaire from their computers because too many employees were playing the game and not doing their work. Productivity exploded afterward. Who knows how many hours are lost today with each employee having their own...
Come to the Fountain of Life
Hiking the Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful experiences on earth. The views are unmatchable, and millions of people flock there every year to take them in. One thing in short supply when you hike it is water. If you don’t make proper preparations, you will be...
Do You Trust God’s Plans?
Are you a person who asks for directions? I’m not the best at that. My wife is really good at it, which means I should listen to her more. She is right a lot more than Google Maps. We got rerouted during vacation this year, and she asked two locals who pointed us in...
Watch Your Tongue
Did you have a mother who threatened to wash your mouth out with soap because of the words you were using? I highly doubt that practice is being used today, but back in my day as a child, it was a regular threat. Before you get offended and claim child abuse, you need...
News You Can Use
From time to time I find interesting information that I would like to send along to you. It could be articles or a book that I've read that I think will bless you. I call it News You Can Use. Articles: The Church in the United States isn't shrinkingVertical...
Speak the Truth
When we were growing up, our mothers told us, “if we can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all.” Unfortunately, we’ve become a culture that can’t remain silent, so in an effort to say something nice, we have to be a little dishonest. Honesty should be...
Above and Beyond
Are you the type of person that goes above beyond the call of duty? Do you take pride in doing a good job and get personal satisfaction when it turns out better than you expected? Did you know that God is wanting to go above and beyond what is currently happening in...
Listen to Wise Counsel
One of the most important things a leader can do is to seek wise advice. Leaders are to surround themselves with wise counselors. These are to be men and women who have the experience and expertise necessary to provide insight. While the final say is with the one in...
The Light Inside of You
I watched a TV show the other day of a guy who remodeled a hundred-year-old lighthouse. It had been in disrepair for decades, but he bought it at auction and poured a lot of money to restore it to its glory days. When he was done it was fully functional again. The...
Saved by Grace
Birthdays are a big deal around our house. My kids start talking about their birthday as soon their's is the next in line. They talk about the party, but it's really about their gifts. They give us a long list of items they would like to receive as their present....
Ministering with an Open Mind
How many times has someone told you to be open-minded? I bet it had to do with you being open to a new way of doing things or see something in a new light. Sometimes that can be, and other times, it can be harmful. Ministering with an open mind means that the Holy...
Full Access
Have you ever been given a pass to an event like a concert that has given you full access? There is a special feeling knowing you have that. You may not even go to all the places you are allowed, but you can. We were given full access to God once Christ died on the...
Fighting Spiritual Battles
There is a scene in the Lord of the Ring: Return of the King where the Gandalf is losing the battle. The enemy is ten times the size of his army, and they are busting through the walls of the castle. All of a sudden to the east, up on a ridge, Theoden’s army finally...
The One Who Serves
Getting excellent service from a waiter at a restaurant makes the meal much more enjoyable. The reverse can be said if the server has a bad attitude. When the server is good, you want to tip more; when they’re not, you barely want to tip at all. The best waiters are...
Husbands Love Your Wives
Twenty-five years ago, I met my wife. She attended a Bible study I was teaching, and I was hooked. From that point on, we’ve been inseparable. After my relationship with Jesus, she is my greatest love, and there is nobody else I would rather be around. The key to our...
Put on Your New Self
There is nothing like a good vacation or holiday to renew your mind and body. Time away from the daily grind can give you a fresh perspective. It’s almost like you are a new person. This is why God tells you to observe the Sabbath. It renews your mind. Spiritually you...
We Can’t Comprehend God’s Love
When my kids were young, we would always play the game, “I love you this much.” I would start by telling them I love them as far as my arms could spread apart. They would reply that they loved me to infinity and beyond. It would go on and on until we ran out of things...