I love the American holiday of Thanksgiving! The bible tells us to give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thess. 5:18 NIV). Expressing gratitude to God in every circumstance is powerful! This act of thanksgiving, even during difficult times, is God's will for every believer. The emphasis is [...]
I have learned over many years that is much more important to be Christ-like than to be right. “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not [...]
We must avoid comparison. After Jesus resurrection, He told Peter, “When you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the [...]
I turn 75 next month. Since I am now in another season of life, I am often asked this question: “What are the most important lessons you have learned over the years?” And although there are many important lessons learned, I usually say this: “Stay offense proof. Forgive quickly. Follow the model of Jesus when [...]
Many of my friends have been asking me how I am doing since I have faced some health issues during the past few years. Regardless of how I may feel at the moment, I have found I need to live in the reality of these three basic truths. First of all, every day is [...]
Giving thanks is so simple, but so powerful! The scriptures tell us, “…in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1Thess 5:18). So many people struggle to find the will of God, but in reality, it all begins with giving thanks. A few years ago, I made [...]
Sometimes we can live in so much fear of making a mistake that we never do anything. There are times when it is much better to do something rather than continue to do nothing. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). When we take one small step of faith and God opens [...]
Just because we fail, this does not make us a failure. We are in a spiritual war, and the battlefield is in our minds. The devil knows that if he can get us to focus on failing, falling, fear, poverty, disease, and our negative circumstances, we will become defeated and depressed. For example, if we [...]
Did you ever feel like you made too many mistakes for the Lord to ever use you effectively again? I have good news for you. Our God is the God of the second chance. Look at Jonah. After running from God and being swallowed by a great fish, the Bible states, “Then the word of [...]
A businessman sat in my office and shrugged in despair as he admitted, “I inherited my dad’s terrible temper, so I can’t help it when I blow up.” That same day a middle-aged woman told me, “My mother had terrible fears, and she passed them on to me. I guess I’m stuck with this problem.” [...]