“God is not caught off guard by your decisions. “ How did I end up here? Maybe I should have chosen a different path… Maybe I shouldn’t have taken this job… Maybe I shouldn’t have dated that person… Maybe I… There’s a sinking feeling when you start second guessing a decision you’ve made. Sometimes in life, your circumstances might seem like a mess created by choices you made weeks, months, or even years earlier. It’s natural to think… “Did I miss out on God’s plans for me? Did God have a great plan for my life, but I messed it…
Something More To Be Found In The Mess
“Before the fog had cleared… before the “happy ending” …before Job ever knew he would see a light at the end of the tunnel, he found something priceless. “ When you’ve been beaten to the ground, there is little comfort in hearing that you will be able to help others in the same situation someday. It is true that one of the greatest spiritual joys in life can be helping others out of the same difficulties you have faced in the past. (More on that here.) But let’s be honest… In the depths of the messiest moments of life, your first…
Sometimes It Takes a Wave
“Sometimes it takes a wave to reveal where you are standing. “ If you’ve ever walked along the beach, there is a place between the water’s edge and the dry sun-baked sand where the ground can feel deceptively firm. Standing in this area can provide unique feeling. Your feet can be firmly planted on the hard surface, but as soon as the tide begins to roll in and a wave washes past your feet, you immediately start to sink down into the sand. One of the most frustrating experiences I’ve ever had was something similar – but…
Better Than Yourselves
“This is especially critical if you serve in any kind of ministry role. “ Some people are easy to love. Some people are not. What does “love your neighbor as yourself” really mean? Is it more of a metaphorical or figurative mindset? Or does it really mean that we are to demonstrate love to everyone we come across… waiting in the check-out line, sitting in church, driving down the road, at the family reunion, in the break-room at work? I believe Jesus called us to really love people. All people. Openly. Actively. Genuinely. Not just those who you…
A Simple Guide to Using Your Study Bible
8 Simple Places to Explore A study Bible is a wealth of information at your fingertips, but it can often seem overwhelming. Here are eight easy places to explore in order to get the most out of it. Which Study Bible should you choose? There are several recommendations at the bottom of this article. 1. Study Notes Look at any page of your study Bible. Usually, in the margins or the at bottom of the page you will find notes that help further explain the meaning of the verse(s). These notes help the reader understand the wording, meaning, background, or other…
Actions and Consequences
“Eventually, you will lose your game of Russian Roulette.” It seems that nearly every week another prominent individual is fired from their position because of something done in secret. Although their positions, stories, and circumstances vary, they share three very important similarities. They did something in private hoping it would never be discovered. They did something that was critically in conflict with what was acceptable in their position. Their actions brought dishonor upon themselves, and the organizations they represented. If you are in any kind of leadership position, these moments should be a wakeup call. Actions have consequences. Any…
The Pit Doesn’t Last Forever
“He was patient during my bitter doubts knowing that eventually His power and purpose would unfold.” I didn’t always have such a fond opinion of Psalm 40. In December of 2005 I wrote out the first verses of this Psalm in a journal. I included some skeptical, critical, and angry thoughts about how I doubted it’s reality. My wife and I were at the beginning of a difficult valley. We had two choices: Give up and walk away from God and each other, or push forward even though the road seemed entirely uncertain. In the months that followed, we saw…
When Everything and Everyone Else Seems More Appealing
“…there will always be someone who has it easier, makes it further, has more opportunity, and achieves more success.” “Quit looking around at everyone else.” These were some harsh words Peter had to hear. For just a moment, he compared his assignment with someone else’s. Jesus quickly called him out: “What is that to you? As for you, follow me.1” Let’s face it, if you look around for just a moment, there will always be someone who has it easier, makes it further, has more opportunity, and achieves more success. When you take your eyes off of the task…
We Need Each Other
[su_quote]No, I’m not talking about little social clubs or touchy-feely support groups.[/su_quote] Following Jesus is a lifelong journey. If you are following Jesus, you have likely already discovered that staying on course doesn’t just happen naturally. Every moment there are dozens of things working against our best efforts to stay on the path – some come from the outside and some come from within. Either way, it is no wonder God tells us over and over that we need each other on this journey. The need goes way beyond a church service. Corporate worship and preaching are vital; but…
How to Spot a Lie
“It didn’t sound like a lie!” If you knew it was a lie, would you continue to believe it? We are quick to assume we would never believe a lie. But sadly, we all fall prey to a few or more lies every day. The problem is that we don’t see them for what they really are. It Didn’t Sound Like a Lie! Our enemy, also known as the “Father of Lies,” has spent thousands of years perfecting his craft. And to make matters worse, he has already dealt with countless versions of people just like you. He knows…