Materialism is powerful because it quietly convinces us that what we have belongs to us. We work for it, earn it, buy it, and protect it. Before long, we can begin to see ourselves as owners rather than stewards. The first step in breaking the power of materialism is recognizing who really owns everything. God [...]
"What do we do when we've given our best, but it just isn't enough? Our blog today will help you make truth-filled assessments and wisdom-based adjustments to live and lead with confidence." “Keep your mind clear, and be alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion as he looks for someone [...]
Barry Arnold (now retired) pastor of Cornerstone Church in Gresham, Oregon. Many years ago, he sent an email to his church regarding prayer. It’s worth reading: I think our prayers are unbalanced—in the direction of just physical needs. We can and should pray for people with infirmities—but it might be wise to change the emphasis [...]
How often have you felt that your prayers were hitting a glass ceiling — as though the Lord were saying no? Maybe it is because you were praying outside of His will. Maybe it's because you were praying for something that God didn't want you to have. We need to remember the promise Jesus spoke [...]
"When we focus on grabbing all we can in this life, we are missing the big picture and we rob ourselves, God, and others. The reality of eternal life should definitely change how we live! In fact, we’re directly told that in 2 Peter 3. In verse 10 Peter says, “The heavens will disappear with [...]
In a culture where more than half of all teenagers seek celebrity and fame above any other life goal, we can see how desperately people crave significance and purpose in their lives. But it’s not just youth. As adults, we also attempt to satisfy that craving with worldly things such as money, addictions and relationships. [...]
As a teacher, I quickly learned a little trick to keep my students quiet. If we were waiting in the hall, I picked someone to be “it.” This student was given the job of picking the quietest student. The quiet game went on and on and worked wonders to keep a group of lively elementary [...]
The word oops is not in God's vocabulary. Isn't that great to know? God is in control. We, on the other hand, can't control everything that happens in our lives, even though we try. But there is one thing we can do, and that is forgive. We can forgive those who have wronged us. We [...]
Our family, especially our parents, can wound us deeper than anyone else. I used to get so agitated when I spoke to my mother that afterward I would rant to anyone who would listen. Oddly enough, when asked, I would say I had forgiven her for the disappointments and hurts I experienced over the years. [...]
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2 (NIV) A few years ago, my family took a road trip to Baltimore to visit my grandparents. We never visit the city without making a trip to the Inner Harbor. It’s [...]
