A character in The Truth Teller by Angel Hunt is pretty disgusted with the state of the human race. He says: “… By his very success in inventing labor-saving devices, modern man has created an abyss of boredom and stupidity that only the privileged classes in earlier civilizations ever plumbed. The average blue-collar worker has… Read More
Are you striving or thriving?
When our work defines us we strive. When God defines us we thrive. For many years I thought that my WORK determined who I was and what I was worth. If I was successful (another term that needs redefining), it was because of my hard work. If I messed up, I was in a state… Read More
Am I sorry for me or for what I’ve done to another?
Remorse is when we are only sorry that we failed. Repentance is when we are in pain because we have hurt God or another person—for that person’s sake and for God’s not for ourselves. It focuses attention on the wounded one. If we are hurting for our own sake because we have failed, that is… Read More
Colossians 1:1-2 Does God have your attention?
Before his name was changed, Paul was fanatically persecuting and overseeing the killing of Jesus-followers. He was convinced that he was cleansing the world, and he was full of himself and his own importance. It took the drama of a blinding light, a heavenly voice, and a period of sightless malaise to get his attention.… Read More
Philippians 4:19-20 God’s eternal generosity
If I always have to be the giver instead of the receiver, will I be able to accept God’s eternal generosity? Philippians 4:19-20 (The Message) You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds… Read More
Blink
“Ready for a surprise? You blink twenty-five times every minute. Each blink takes one-fifth of a second. So if you take a ten-hour automobile trip, averaging forty miles per hour, you’ll drive thirty-three miles with your eyes closed!” (Chuck Swindoll, Insight for Living, http://www.insight.org) This is the first paragraph of a July letter from Pastor… Read More
Philippians 4:17-18 Would you rather give or receive?
Do you find it easier to give than receive? I’d rather be the “have” than the “have-not.” It has something to do with pride, ego, what will others think of me, . . . I’m learning. It didn’t bother Paul to be on the receiving end. He reveled in the gifts and said “thank you.”… Read More