be still with the master
I live and work in the midst of a Chicago west suburb. Every town and city over-lap each other in an endless display of new housing projects and road construction. Life, especially for the kids here, is hectic and full of opportunities. Baseball, softball, basketball, football, soccer, gymnastics, dance, karate, swimming, volleyball, music, art, and education… this is only the beginning of the list. Countless ways kids and teens can grow their mind and their competitive skills … so they can live in this race called life. If I could turn back time and teach my children one value. Just …
howevers … go away
King Solomon was a man like no other. Old Testament teaches us that he was greater in both wealth and wisdom than all the other Kings on earth. People from all over the world wanted to hear him speak. I can’t imagine being smarter and richer than anyone else. Without question this King had it all! (1 Kings 10:23-24) But things changed for Solomon. He went from a man that pleased God to a man that was living in absolute disobedience. Why ? How ? The answer is simple … the King had a spiritual illness called “however” and it …
We Serve God By Serving Others
“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13 NIV) Many people have the misconception that being “called” by God is something only missionaries, pastors, nuns, and other church leaders experience. But the Bible says everyone is called to serve God by serving others. We are not saved by serving, but we are saved for serving. The Apostle Paul gives three insights related to this: First, the basis for serving others is salvation. Paul says, “You were called to be free.” You …
letter from death row
I read a letter from a man on death row. He knew his time was running out and he had something to say. Now you would expect this man to be full of anger, bitterness, and revenge … but that wasn’t the case. Facing death he wrote about eternity, the only true God, protection for those who have trusted God, unity among future believers, the truth found in God’s word, and sharing in the glory of heaven. You see this death row message was written by a man named Jesus and it is the greatest love letter I’ve ever encountered. …
God’s Right to Rule
I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands ….” Daniel 9:4 (NIV) God becomes real in your life when you submit to his sovereignty. Sovereignty simply means God is in control, and that he has theright to be in control – the right to rule. No matter what you’ve thought or believed – in the past or even now — the truth be told, God has always been in control; he remains in control; and he will …
I forgot … again
Linda and I took three days in the middle of last week and enjoyed a mini-vacation to Door County … the very northern peninsula of Wisconsin. We drove all over the county site-seeing … shopping … and eating at great restaurants. The fall scenery was beautiful, Lake Michigan magnificent, and the air was crisp. But something wasn’t quite right. You see for 3 days I sort of forgot my Bible and forgot to pray. Instead I found myself envying all the people that could afford those expensive boats and fantastic cottages. I rediscovered something about myself …. when left to …
As Quiet As A Child
I don’t concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me. But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD— now and always. Psalms 131:1b-3 (NLT) Today’s devotional actually comes from my sister, a godly woman and serious prayer warrior. She emailed this morning, saying she’d been thinking the peace of God that passes all understanding. She said she’d spent some time meditating on Psalm 131 – · Verse 1b – “… I …
love the pretenders ? … no way
I was ticked off when a person stole my “email identity” and sent out messages asking for money pretending to be me. I friend of mine from Boston sent me a “Louisville Slugger” baseball bat … which I keep in my office … and my first thought was to use this bat across the knees of this cyber-space thief. Then I read a passage of scripture that redirected my thoughts. You see Jesus was often challenged (and still is today) regarding HIS claim to be the only Savior. Hindus, Buddhist, Muslims, Unitarians, and Oprah Winfrey all think there is another …
no evidence
This week a confused and frustrated 16 year old girl in our church listened to the lying voice of Satan. Over loaded with despair, she hung herself. As one of our pastors prepared for the funeral, the girl’s parents wanted the pastor to tell those attending that their daughter is in heaven. However, after talking to her family and friends, the pastor found no evidence that the deceased girl had ever made a claim that Jesus was her Savior. She went to church and occasionally attended our youth functions … but not once did she make a public confession for …
Risking Your Life For Jesus
… To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. Luke 19:26 (NLT) Jesus once told the story of a master who asked three servants to handle his money while he was away. He gave each of them a sum of money, and when he returned, the first servant told the master he’d doubled the money through investments, and the second servant said he’d made the master a 50-percent profit on the money. But the third servant said he’d been …
