Sometimes, I try very hard to be good. On the rare occasion that I accomplish this, I fall in to the sin of self-righteousness! Other times, I work so very hard to do good things in order to be a good Christian and please God. Most of the time, this leaves me feeling physically and …
When we become too religious and less Christ-like, we impose rules and regulations upon ourselves that none of us can live up to. Jesus came to free us from the bondage of sin AND rigid regulations. That’s good news! “God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written …
Sometimes the challenges in life are so large that we don’t known how to pray. Yesterday our pastor shared that in ancient Judah, King Jehoshaphat received word that a vast army of his enemies was approaching to invade his kingdom. Jehoshaphat had nowhere to turn except to God in prayer. It’s a beautiful, honest prayer. …
When I first started coaching at Kentucky, I had no experience in speaking at schools, churches or civic clubs. The FCA leader at UK was P.J. Throckmorton. He was a bold, enthusiastic man in his 50’s. He kept asking me to speak at FCA “Huddles.” I was always “too busy” or I would say, “I’m …
“I hear the Savior say, ‘Thy strength indeed is small; Child of weakness, watch and pray, Find in Me thine all in all.’ Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.” (Elvina Hall) Isaiah 1:18 Ephesians 1:7 I’m thankful that we don’t …
“When at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” (Unknown) We’ve heard this saying all of our lives. I would say, “When at first you don’t succeed, ask God to direct your path. He may have a better plan for you!” “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own …
There are times when it’s good to pray seeking God’s favor, protection, healing or peace (James 5:13). It’s a tremendous blessing to be able to approach the throne of God in this way. But the bulk of our prayers should be agreeing with God’s Word and His plan for our lives. And, asking Him to …
Inner peace is elusive in this world of technology…smart phones in almost everyone’s hand, televisions in almost every restaurant and in practically every room in our homes. It’s as though we’ve collectively lost the art of conversation and experiencing the peace of being alone without technology. I fall in to this trap, as well. God …
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts …
It may sound morbid, but I enjoy reading inscriptions on cemetery gravestones; “Loving Mother,” “Devoted Father,” or perhaps a favorite Bible verse or a line from a poem. I have never seen, “Top Salesman,” “Two Regional Championships,” “Great Recruiter.” What is inscribed on gravestones is almost always about cherished relationships and faith in God. What …