Like most spiritual applications to life, we almost always need to think in terms of the opposite of how things are naturally. If we want to mature, we need to be more and more dependent upon God. The way up in life is by humbling ourselves or bowing down to God. The way to find […]

Several years ago, with the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, stories of Martin Luther really surfaced.  My favorite story includes his response to the demand to recant his writings and his stance to which he is said to reply, “here I stand and can do no other.” Where did Martin Luther get such courage? The […]

The Christian life is one of continual growth, not just in gaining knowledge from book learning but growth in practicing and applying Biblical principles to real life experiences. The writer of Hebrews makes it clear that maturity involves practicing what you learn. Hebrews 5:11–14 (ESV) — 11 About this we have much to say, and […]

There is an old saying that the best ability to offer to God is your availability and rightly so because if you offer your availability to God, you are offering all that you are, just as instructed. Romans 12:1–2 (ESV) — 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present […]

We all live in a series of habits in life, from the way we brush our teeth, to the route we drive to work, even the way we communicate. Understanding what is behind our habits in the cue, the routine, and the reward can give us, says author Charles Duhigg in his book The Habit […]

When the apostle Paul left Titus in Crete to set things in order and establish qualified leaders in the church there, he made the following statement regarding the conditions into which Titus was getting: Titus 1:10–14 (ESV) — 10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision […]

One of the keys to success is being disciplined enough to weigh out your decisions but once you make your decision, go for it. Hesitations and holding on to past failures only hinder you from performing your best in the present. You can see the difference in baseball players who strike out. One will be […]

As David is assuming the role of king after the death of King Saul, he does an assessment of people who claimed allegiance and among the resources of men of various talents there were the sons of Issachar who bore this unusual description: 1 Chronicles 12:32 (ESV) — 32 Of Issachar, men who had understanding […]

Have you ever been guilty of trying to hide something in your life? Maybe you have convinced yourself that you’ve even been successful in hiding it from God. Wrong! The Bible is clear that the revealing of our secrets is the beginning of healing. James 5:16 (ESV) — 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one […]

On this day that is designated in the United States as “Labor Day” – a day to take a break from our labors and be thankful for the opportunity to work and for God’s provisions as we spend time with friends and family, it’s good to reflect on some thoughts about work versus idleness and […]