There is a part of you that is determined to defeat you at every turn. You were born with this enemy and right now he may be hiding in the darkness of your unconscious experience, ready to ambush you when you least expect it. I’ve had to deal with this lurking enemy of my soul…
How many birds are you worth? Really. Have you ever thought about pricing a person in terms of birds?! Jesus has such a delightful and humorous way to get our attention! (In Divine Conspiracy Dallas Willard presents this line of understanding Jesus’ teaching on “Do not worry.”) Two of the Good News writers, Matthew and Luke, show…
A few days ago Kristi and I were walking along Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, CA, holding hands, listening to the ocean waves, and breathing in the fresh air on a sunny, cool evening. I asked her to recite 1 Corinthians 13, which she’s memorized. “If I speak in the tongues of people and…
Today, out of the blue, I received a harsh criticism from someone. It was like being slugged in the gut when I wasn’t looking. Probably you know the feeling. Many people I talk to get discouraged if not depressed when they’re criticized. Most of my life that’s how I reacted too. No Condemnation in Christ I…
I’d like to share with you the benediction I wrote to go with my sermon on Matthew 6:25-34, “Be God’s Wildflower — Be Worry Free.” A benediction is a blessing from God that is pronounced by one person over another. This benediction is inspired by Jesus’ words: “Why do you worry about how you look?…
I often talk with pastors and other servants of the Lord who judge themselves harshly. I tell them, “Don’t feel bad. Feel sad.” God never wants you to linger with bad feelings about yourself — even if you sin. This may be a new thought for you. It may sound like I’m contradicting the teaching…
“There’s your curb of shame Bill!” My friend riding on the bike next to me laughed as he pointed to the spot on the street where a few weeks earlier I had fallen off my bike and sprained my wrist. My friend is a pastor — he saves his compassion for other people! All teasing…
Today is Ash Wednesday which begins the period of Lent — 40 days to prepare our hearts for Easter resurrection. This holy season is helpful for all Christians to appreciate the cross of Christ and their opportunity to take up their cross and follow Christ for the joy set before them. To help you open…
Some years ago Kristi and I walked the streets of ancient Ephesus in modern day Turkey. In the ancient past, people came from miles in all directions to bring offerings of worship to the temple of Artemis, a false god. (The temple is pictured above.) Others in Ephesus worshiped the emperor Nero. Many, like Demetrius…
When you experience criticism are you defensive? Do you get angry? Maybe you internalize your anger and become discouraged? Many pastors and caregivers, and others I talk to have a hard time responding to criticism because they take it inside and feel bad or they protect themselves by shutting down emotionally, which leaves them isolated…