When I was a young man growing up parents had a way with words that burned in your mind and heart. Sayings like, “God does not like ugly,” “Birds of a feather flock together” and “The grass is not always greener on the other side” were common colloquialisms of the day. However, there was one expression that still burns in my mind: "A hard head makes a soft behind!" Perhaps this phrase is perpetuated in my conscious because I remember that it was connected with my butt being burned for not listening to my parents and choosing to run in the fast lane of foolishness.
Read MoreLast week, we began a discussion on the importance of examining fruit. According to the Scriptures, our Heavenly Father wants us to be discerning fruit inspectors. Consider the process by which fruit is harvested from farms and orchards and makes its way to our grocery stores. Prior to inspecting fruit in the produce section of our local grocery chain, fruit should first be examined at the location where it is produced: in the field...
Read MoreWhen it comes down to desserts are you a cake person or a pie person? I am happy to say that I am a proud pie person! Specifically peach or blackberry pie please! So naturally when you need fruit for your pie of choice you have to choose with a degree of discernment. You have to officially promote yourself to fruit inspector. If you are a poor fruit inspector you will have a poor looking and poor tasting pie!
Read MoreAn attitude is defined as a pattern of thinking established over a period of time. What kind of attitude is on display when you are dumped in a ditch of despair? According to the Scriptures, we can expect to experience difficult times.
Read MoreDo you find yourself adrift in the aftermath of awful and agonizing storm of affliction? Maybe you are travailing in a tempest that impacts you spiritually, mentally, emotionally and/or physically. For instance, the Pastor you have prayed for, supported and served under faithfully for decades eviscerated his office when he disclosed his investment in infidelity. Maybe you painfully have to process the reality that your spouse has been seduced and swallowed by the slimy pit of pornography...
Read MoreI am sure that you are familiar with this idiomatic expression: “If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is most likely a duck.” My question for you is: What will your walk with God look like in 2015?
Read MoreQuestion: have you been sufficiently rocked by Jingle Bell Rock? At this point, we should know what Christmas should look like. And if you keep on dreaming of a white Christmas you may actually be in a coma without even knowing it.
Read MoreChristmas is the most wonderful time of the year! Have you counted how many times you have heard that statement? It is featured on the radio and highlighted in music playing throughout malls and elevators country-wide. Our minds are being molded to believe that this is the only time of the year that we will experience joy, excitement, and happiness. But the truth is that for millions of people Christmas is not so wonderful a time. There is more fear than cheer due to unrealistic expectations. Extreme expectations erase the presence and power of the Prince of Peace!
Read MoreQuestion: What is it that makes a man a hero? Is it his strength, size, or smarts? Is it his savvy to seize an opportunity presented to him as opposed to surrendering it to someone else? As we look to Joseph, the husband of Mary, the mother of Jesus, we can see that Joe is a hero on a number of fronts. He demonstrated sensitivity, sincere spirituality, a splendid display of selflessness and surrender to God. It is these characteristics that make him a spiritual hero.
Read MoreIn last week’s blog, we began a seasonally themed series in order to prepare our hearts for the Christmas season. While it is easy to fixate on Mary and Jesus Christ, we are going to place a spotlight on Joseph, or as I like to call him, “Joe the Hero.”...
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