I have been restudying Romans 14-15 in preparation for a mission trip later this month. How do we learn to bless, rather than criticize and judge, those with whom we disagree? How do we learn to accept and love, rather than despise and arrogantly look down on, those who criticize us? How do we overcome …
Category Archives: Christian living
Little Things
I am reminded almost daily that life is lived in the little things, not in the big spectacular splashes. Big projects may grab attention, but much of what moves us forward happens in small, unnoticed, almost invisible ways. Yesterday provided me a good reminder that investing life in things that can ultimately matter and make …
It’s What I Do
I was intrigued by an interview with an Olympic female weightlifter. In some sports, Olympic champions find fame and fortune, endorsements, media popularity, and financial success. Apparently, for females, weightlifting is not one of those sports. The interviewee described months of living on a limited income in order to train and prepare for the Olympics. …
Have you read the gospel?
It is told that when Tolstoy was an army officer, he saw during a march that one of his fellow officers was beating a man who was marching out of step and out of line. Tolstoy said to the other officer, “Have you not read the gospel?” to which the other officer replied, “Have you …
Discipleship Simplified
We have misidentified discipleship. We have distinguished being a Christian and being a disciple. We have made it two decisions instead of one. The decision to become a Christian is the same as the decision to become a disciple (follower of Jesus). Our tendency toward two distinct decisions has had disastrous consequences. People want to …
Seeking, Sharing, Serving
Jesus came teaching, preaching and healing (Matt. 4:23). He did not always do those things in that order. At times he taught first, at times he preached first, at times he healed first. He did what was needed to gain the attention of the people he came to serve. He saw the needs of the …
Fruit is Natural–Not Forced
Galatians 5 contains a list of the fruits of the Spirit–love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control. The text contrasts works of the flesh with fruits of the Spirit. Some, because of this contrast (unconsciously and unintentionally) treat the “fruits” of the Spirit more as “works” of the Spirit. But the fruits …
Encouragement–The Power of the Positive
Jan and I attended an interesting seminar recently. Although we were invited to the seminar by our Merrill Lynch consultant, the topic was not financial. The seminar was about how to stay healthy by integrating a balanced diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and socialization. One of the things the seminar presenter mentioned was the value …
A Barnabas Spirit
We give thanks to the Lord for those persons who continually refresh our spirits. Such people are often said to have a Barnabas spirit. Sunday evening, Mitch Wilburn described Jan and me as Barnabas people. We want to be that kind of Christians–and Mitch was reflecting his own Barnabas spirit in his words. The name …
A Book About Your Life?
Just thinking…. If a book were written about your life, would anyone want to read it? Who would want to read it? Why?