Every so often in our lives, God does a new thing. It’s highly probable that we won’t understand at first, and we might find the process difficult. Here’s my story. I tell it in hopes that it will encourage anyone who’s either sensing a change coming or in the midst of change and not… [ read more ]
Posts Tagged: obedience
Why Our Physical Health Matters
An article I wrote for “Pastor Resources” has appeared online today. I’m posting it here because it chronicles my health journey and the lessons I’m learning through it. I’ve literally experienced a metamorphosis health-wise in the past 18 months by losing 52 pounds (and counting). I feel better than I’ve felt in years and I… [ read more ]
How I’m Gaining Victory Over My Weight Issues
– “Teach me, O LORD, to follow every one of your principles. Give me understanding and I will obey your law; I will put it into practice with all my heart.” Years ago I attended a workshop about learning styles. The teacher talked about how they affect the way people respond to rules…. [ read more ]
Include Jesus 24/7
“Never do anything without Jesus’s enthusiastic agreement,” said the pastor in his sermon yesterday. “If you can’t come to agreement, then don’t do it.” Then he gave several examples to teach his congregation how to apply these words. “I feel like watching _____________ on TV this evening. What do You think about that, Jesus?” … [ read more ]
What Following Jesus Has Cost Me, and How I Choose to Respond
“Following Jesus comes with a cost.” I’ll bet reading those words didn’t trigger joy in your heart. Perhaps they left you thinking Wow, that’s a downer. Maybe they filled you with a sense of dread or fear. We don’t like to think about our faith journey requiring sacrifice. We’d rather think about… [ read more ]
Where is Happiness Found?
Ask a dozen people what brings happiness and you’ll probably get a dozen different answers. Here are a few common replies: Financial security Physical health Family harmony Grandkids A dream job A dream spouse Weekends World peace Finding happiness in any or all of the above is totally okay, but trouble comes if we… [ read more ]
Aw, Do I Have To?
How do kids often respond when told to clean their rooms? What do they say when told to eat their veggies or to turn off their favorite TV show? Maybe some of them say, “Sure, Mom. Okay, Dad. Your wish is my command!” But chances are pretty good that many say something like, “Aw, do I… [ read more ]
How to Have Your Heart’s Desire Satisfied
You’re probably familiar with Psalm 37:4 – “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desire.” This verse has been a personal favorite for years. I thought I understood it, but I gained a fresh insight recently upon learning the true meaning of the word delight. In this verse, the Hebrew… [ read more ]
What Does Obedience Look Like?
Watching kids and parents interact provides a fascinating study in human nature. For instance, how many times must a mom or dad tell a child to do something—pick up their toys, get dressed, or sit at the table for dinner, for instance? In most cases, kids don’t obey the first command issued. They dawdle… [ read more ]
When God’s Orders Don’t Make Sense
Sometimes God tells us to do things that don’t make sense. He told Noah to build an ark. I can hear Noah now: “An ark? Okay. Uh—what’s an ark?” He told Gideon to whittle his army down until only 300 men remained. Imagine a modern-day, real-life general discussing that strategy with his officers…. [ read more ]
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