friends that bail

I have encountered many folks who wrestle with making a commitment to believe, trust and follow Jesus Christ. One reason they often give for this hesitation is that they are afraid they will lose all their friends. Well … speaking from my experience … this is actually true.
In 1995 when Jesus became the focus of my heart and thoughts some friends began to bail on me. It seemed slowly they would avoid me and my wife until they just faded out of our lives. Some have never returned … and this …

Christmas Brings Reconciliation

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14 (NIV)
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Peace on earth and good will toward men – that’s reconciliation.
 
What is reconciliation? It’s when a broken relationship is restored. When a boyfriend and girlfriend or a husband and wife get back together, there’s reconciliation. When a father and son restore peace between each other, there’s reconciliation.
 
Where do you need peace in your life this Christmas? That’s what Christmas is all about …

Christmas: God’s Grace at Work

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)
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God says, “I will give you my grace.” What is grace? That’s when God gives you what you need, not what you deserve. Grace is when God says, “I’m going to take your problem and make it my problem.” Grace is God’s Riches given to you At Christ’s Expense.
The Bible says: “For it …

Christmas: God Changes Us

I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question? Romans 7:24 (MSG)
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Have you figured out yet that a lot of times you are your own worst enemy? It’s your own reactions, your own fears, your own inadequacies that cause you to act in foolish ways. I know that’s true for me.
 
I need to be saved from myself because there are things I don’t like about me – things I wish I had done differently, things I’d like to …

Jesus in the NFL

Last week I was given the opportunity to deliver the chapel message to the players and coaches of the Chicago Bears. Thanks to all of you who prayed for me and the scripture GOD placed on my heart to present to these men.
I watched as 20-25 Bears came into the chapel room … some carrying their Bibles … but all willing to listen to what GOD might teach them at 7:30 in the morning.
My challenge was not a new concept … but rather an old theme that Satan wants all of us to forget during …

Movie Review: The Day the Earth Stood Still

You would think a big budget spectacle like this remake of the 1951 classic would be more fitting to be released in the summer time, when popcorn sci-fi cinema permeates the movie theatres; but I suppose that because this one’s supposed to be “thought-provoking”, it was more suitable at the “thought-provoking” time of year, the winter. I guess we have more time to think now that we can’t go outside and do anything, than we do in the summertime. Unfortunately for this movie, there’s not much thought that’s really being provoked. It’s more like it’s being threatened to stay away.
In …

bail (me) out

I know almost nothing about the details of our American economy. Thus it would be stupid for me to try and say anything intelligent about this “bail out” thing. So I won’t.
All I know is that when I made poor financial decisions in the past … it was me who paid the price. Me.
However, there is a “bail out” plan I am familiar with. Years ago I discovered my life was a mess. A spiritual mess … and I was 100% responsible for all of it. To make matters worse … regardless of my efforts …

Christmas: Saved from Our Sin

She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus — “God saves” — because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 (MSG)
 
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The term sin is tossed around so often that, for many people, it’s lost any significant meaning. They think of sin as a list of things they shouldn’t do. And, since everybody has their own list of sins, what may seem bad to me might not be such a bad behavior for you.
 
The problem with thinking of sin in this way is that I will …

Christmas Is a Time of Salvation

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Luke 2:11-12 (NIV)
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Today in the town of David (that’s Bethlehem) a Savior (there’s the salvation part) has been born to you (for you – a savior for YOU); he is Christ the Lord.
 
No doubt you’ve heard the phrase, “He was saved” or “She was saved,” but maybe you’ve wondered what that really means?
 
Let me give you a simple …

Christmas: God Is for You

But the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. Luke 2:10 (NLT)
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Knowing God is for you will change your whole perspective on life. You’ll stop thinking of God as someone looking down from heaven, ready to yell, “Gotcha!” anytime you mess up.
 
Instead, you’ll realize God loves you; God is with you; and God is for you! God is for your success in life; he created you for a purpose and he wants you to succeed. It is God, your Creator, who will measure …