“If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?” (Matthew 5:46a NLT) Whether we realize it or not, a lot of our values, in terms of what we believe, including how we treat others who are different from ourselves, is “caught” more than taught. What does that mean? It meansContinue reading “What Is Loving Others Supposed to Look Like?”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Whatever Became of Honor?
“I praise Your name for Your unfailing love and faithfulness; for Your promises are backed by all the honor of Your name.” (Psalm 138:2b NLT) In the film entitled The Last Samurai Tom Cruise is an American Captain in the late 1800’s. He has distinguished himself by his valor in battle, and his wisdom as aContinue reading “Whatever Became of Honor?”
Keeping Our Eyes on the One Who Is Invisible
“He (Moses) kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:27b NLT) What we think about comes about. What we choose as the subject of our focused attention, whether with our eyes, mind and/or heart, becomes, over time, the driving force of our lives. Problems arise whenContinue reading “Keeping Our Eyes on the One Who Is Invisible”
Loving God When You’re Not Feeling It
“Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’” (Matthew 22:37 NLT) Love is a multi-dimensional process. It’s not simply an emotion, it’s a decision. It involves feelings (heart) but is certainly not dependent upon them. I enjoy playing an old X-Box 360 GolfContinue reading “Loving God When You’re Not Feeling It”
What Am I Missing? (Part 2)
“The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (John 1:4-5 NLT) Everyone is looking for something! Everyone has a desire deep within for more. We may not always understand what that “more” is, butContinue reading “What Am I Missing? (Part 2)”
What Am I Missing?
“And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!” (Matthew 6:23b NLT) Often as I’ve spoken to someone about their need of Jesus, their recurring theme is one of uncertainty. It’s like they agree with me. . . BUT! So, as I inquire further, the bottom line becomes:Continue reading “What Am I Missing?”
The People We Meet Along the Way
“Then Jesus told him, ‘Go back home. Your son will live!’” (John 4:50a NLT) In a previous post I mentioned that some of the best and some of the worst people I’ve met, were in the church. The reality is, some of them were the same person. God doesn’t call us to serve perfect people,Continue reading “The People We Meet Along the Way”
Memories
“They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, and sing of Your righteousness.” (Psalm 145:7 NKJV) Thinking about my life as a pastor, I’m discovering some of my most cherished memories are of the times I spent with people in the context of their pain and loss. Perhaps because it was in those sacredContinue reading “Memories”
Does God Send People to Hell (Part 2)
“I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in Me will no longer remain in the dark.” (John 12:46 NLT) Yesterday we looked at the question, does God send people to hell? But, as my wife would attest, sometimes my mind goes in soContinue reading “Does God Send People to Hell (Part 2)”
Does God Send People to Hell?
“No one is righteous – not even one.” (Romans 3:10 NLT) In yesterday’s post we looked at why we can’t trust our own goodness to get us into heaven, concluding that Jesus is our only hope, based on what the Bible teaches. Many with whom I speak can’t wrap their minds around why Jesus mustContinue reading “Does God Send People to Hell?”
