Once we’ve decided to do something, we often like to “go big.” We think to ourselves: if we’re going to do this thing, let’s really do it. Great things can result, of course. But the mentality can backfire, too—for example, when we set our ambitions too high, get overwhelmed, and can’t follow through. Jesus however, suggests an opposite approach. To start small…
Loving God, Loving Others, Making Disciples
Loving God, Loving Others, Making Disciples
Encouragement (Page 6)
Have you ever struggled with your Bible reading? If we’re being honest, I believe that we all have. For me, a 62-year old man/boy with ADD, distractions abound. So many things seem more urgent and alluring—things like email, text messages, social media, the latest news, to-do lists, the latest Netflix series, Grand-children, the Braves, Atlanta…
When I was a kid I developed a love of reading. I was into the Doc Savage series, sci-fi, fantasy, and then read many books by Alistair MacLean, Tolkien, and others. Of course in high school there was a lot of required readings – especially the classics, that kept my nose buried. But as I…
For the grace of God has appeared… Titus 2:11-12 For us to truly, in our hearts, want to repent of our sins, repent of our screw-ups—for us to truly want to turn our backs on our old selves, on the self-indulgent people we’ve been—we’ve got to first trust that we can change, that we can…
I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 1 Timothy 2:8 We fight a battle every day; with our flesh, the world, and with our enemy, the devil. These battles can leave us tired, bitter, angry, or just a sense of being overwhelmed. Without daily…
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10 God gives us natural talents and spiritual gifts and hearts with unique passions. God also shapes us through trials and circumstances in our every day lives. When we are using our…
. . . if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself—Galatians 6:3 It usually takes men a while before they realize that we are built for community. What I mean is that many of us were taught that we need to make our own way, don’t admit our weaknesses and…
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 Have you ever felt rejected? Maybe by someone you trusted or a family member? It can leave us feeling worthless. In the scriptures, Joseph felt…
Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 God’s Word is more than just letters on a page – they are life. Romans 15 reminds us that whatever was written was written for our instruction and that through the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.…
Faithfulness comes to us when we feel like quitting or are discouraged about something. We have a choice to make, keep pressing on or stop and throw up our hands. Like the Apostle Paul, let’s keep pressin’ on. The Lord wants us to hope and trust him through the Holy Spirit. Staying faithful will bless…