“Why have I found such favor in your eyes” (Ruth 2:10 NIV)? Have you ever been someone’s favorite? Favorite son, employee, player, student… have you ever been the “apple” of someone’s eye? I recently read about an experiment with underperforming elementary age students that they divided into two groups. They took the first group of
Year: 2011
Out of Moab
“In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab” (Ruth 1:1). I once passed through the land of Moab, but I didn’t try to live
Stop striving
“You must deny yourselves and not do any work because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the LORD, you will be clean from all your sins” (Leviticus 16:29-30). Do you ever feel like a hamster running on a wheel? You strive and drive and bear down harder, but you
Faith or phobia?
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then
Get out of your comfort zone!
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. (Matthew 14:28-29) Many of us think that the call of Christ is a call to play it safe, but the reality is much different. Christ is calling us not to safety, but to significance. Jesus is inviting us
The empty pursuit of safety
“Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of. Play it safe and end up holding the bag” (Matthew 19:26, Message). I think Americans are becoming too safety conscious. We’ve become the most risk-adverse generation in history. We’ve made everything so safe, that the only danger we’re in is of taking all the
Of gratitude, generosity and firewood
“Your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11). Have you noticed how gratitude and generosity are connected? People who see their possessions as a gift from God show gratitude. They are full of thanks. Since they recognize God as their source, they worship Him as Owner and Provider. They see themselves as
Paperwork vs. Peoplework
“Jesus stopped and called them. ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ he asked” (Matthew 20:32 NIV). Jesus was always “stopping.” His ministry was marked as much by its singular focus on the cross as it was on its willingness to accommodate interruptions along the way. Jesus accomplished His mission as Savior without overlooking
Help from Canada
“Those who are far away will come and help to build the temple of the LORD, and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. This will happen if you diligently obey the LORD your God” (Zechariah 6:15 NIV). Back in early 2002, I was going through a difficult season of
Simplify life
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19 NIV). Are your hands too full to enjoy life? Do you ever feel overwhelmed and almost dizzy with the busyness and urgency of the day? You’re not alone. Americans are suffering from a modern malady known as “burnout.” We’re over-scheduled,