Monthly Archives: September 2008

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows; it empties today of its strength. —Corrie Ten Boom Worry often gives small things a big shadow. —Swedish Proverb If you do the best and the most you can today, don’t worry about tomorrow.—B.C. Forbes Worry is the interest you pay on trouble before it comes. —Dan … Continue reading »

It’s been said that the seven last words of the church are: “We never done it that way before.” (The seven last words of the church in Missouri, that is!) We tend to resist change — and I’ve noticed that “contemporary” churches are just as reluctant to change as “traditional” churches. That’s not necessarily a … Continue reading »

In his book, Becoming a Person of Influence, John Maxwell tells the story about a famous 19th century organist who traveled from town to town giving concerts. In each town he hired a boy to pump the organ during the concert. After one performance, the hired boy said to the organist, “We sure had a … Continue reading »

Solomon said, “The laborer’s appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.” (Proverbs 16:26) We are all driven by one appetite or another, one hunger or another. Which one is driving you today? The hunger to provide for your family? The hunger to succeed? The hunger for recognition? Or the hunger to make a … Continue reading »

If you’ve not read the Book of Romans lately I’d encourage you to do so. I know it can be a hard book to completely understand, but Paul basically hits the same themes over and over again. We do not live by our power, we live by God’s power. We’re not saved by our own … Continue reading »

You know what happens when a boxer goes to his corner between rounds. His team gathers round him, dressing his wounds, keeping his muscles loose, offering encouragement and advice: “You can do this. You can win this fight. Watch for his left hook. Keep your guard up. You can do it.” And on and on. … Continue reading »

Repentance is the most positive, uplifting, empowering experience you’ll ever have. When you repent, all the obstacles between you and God’s fullness are broken into pieces. When you repent of your sin — whether it is the first time or the five-hundredth time — all of heaven rejoices. [Luke 15:10] When you repent, the past … Continue reading »

Every Christ follower should commit Nehemiah 4 to memory — or at the very least, meditate on it frequently. It’s that good! Nehemiah 4 is about an unfortunate but inevitable companion to life: criticism and opposition. We all face it. When you try to do anything at all — especially something good — there will … Continue reading »

God’s act of forgiveness toward us is a one-time event. We ask once, he forgives, he forgets, and that’s the end of it. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Our forgiveness of others should be the same, … Continue reading »

5:15 Sunday morning and I can’t wait for church today! It’s going to be a great day! For many of you, you will not read this until afterwards, but I’m sure it was a great experience. Now that schools are back in full swing and the summer travel season has come to a close we’re … Continue reading »