In his coaching days at UCLA, John Wooden would instruct his players to “be quick, but don’t hurry.” When I think of this, I’m always reminded of what James said a couple of thousand years ago: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). Coach Wooden’s advice …
A wise and very honest man once said, “Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.” How convicting it is for me when I think about how Christ has forgiven ALL my sins, yet I delay or “forget” to forgive those who I think have wronged me. The I must …
Humility is not self-degradation; it’s a realistic assessment of ourselves and a willingness to serve those around us. Jesus explains it better in this parable: “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host …
My theme for the past year or so has been, “I’m happier when I’m thankful.” It’s amazing how much better my day goes if I start with offering to God what I’m thankful for…family, health, clothes to wear, food to eat and a roof over my head….and much, much more. This morning, I thank God …
My earliest memory, as a 3 or 4 yr. old boy, is walking down a gravel road with my father. He was tall with long strides and I had trouble keeping pace. I had this fear of being left behind. He reaches down with his large strong hand, puts my hand in his and then …
I haven’t met many people in my life who always have their spiritual act together. A few hours after the disciples witnessed Jesus feed thousands with 5 small barley loaves and 2 small fish, these same men were in a boat, in the dark with a fierce storm raging 3 1/2 miles from the shore. …
Humility is an attractive trait, but being intimidated is not. We have access to God’s strength…we should always ask Him when we have a need. “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but s spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
Bob Russell tells the story of a little boy who once wrote a note to his grandmother which said, “Dear Grandma, I hope you live all your life.” One of the things that used to frustrate me as a coach was to see players going through the motions instead of playing with passion. Jesus didn’t …
It’s great when we have strong convictions…that means we really care and have passion. But, as Christians, when we return hostility to those who are hostile to our faith, everyone loses. My pastor recently reminded us that our convictions may offend others, but our manner should never offend. In Proverbs 15:1, we learn, “A gentle …
We will either “invest” our time with someone or “spend” time with someone today. Wise investment reaps dividends, spending creates a deficit. “Heavenly Father, help me to invest well today.”