We have reached the end of another year and now face a new one. When we stood in this same spot 364 days ago, we looked ahead to what the Lord was going to teach us in the coming year and we anticipated the many ways we were going to see Him at work in our lives.
Read MoreTag Archives: Hebrews
Excuses
I’m a sports fan. I’m sure that comes as news to no one! For some strange reason, even when I was growing up, I could remember the most amazing details—okay, maybe “trivia” is a better word—about different ballplayers. You know, stuff nobody really cares to hear, but nevertheless sticks in my head . . . the way it does with most sports fans.
Read MoreWho Cares?
Who really cared? His was a routine admission to busy Bellevue Hospital. A charity case, one among hundreds. A drunken bum from the Bowery with a slashed throat. The Bowery . . . last stop before the morgue.
Read MoreOn Patting Birds
In a cartoon strip some years ago a little guy was taking heat from his sister and friends for a newly found “calling”—patting birds on the head. The distressed birds would approach, lower their little feathered pates to be patted, sigh deeply, and walk away satisfied. It brought him no end of fulfillment—in spite of the teasing he took from others. “What’s wrong with patting birds on the head?” he wanted to know. “What’s wrong with it?” his embarrassed friends replied, “No one else does it!”
Read MoreEncouragement
When you stop to analyze the concept, “encourage” takes on new meaning. It’s the act of inspiring others with renewed courage, spirit, or hope. When we encourage others we spur them on, we stimulate and affirm them.
Read MoreDisciplines of Durability
Tucked away in the folds of Hebrews 11 is a two-word biography worth a second glance: “he endured” (11:27). The “he” refers to Moses. Moses was the one who hung tough, who refused to give in or give up, who decided that no amount of odds against him would cause him to surrender. He had staying power. He possessed the disciplines of durability.
Read MoreMeasuring Spiritual Growth
Humans are strange creatures. We run faster when we lose our way. Instead of pausing to regroup, we ricochet from place to place. Three words describe our times: hurry, worry, and bury.
Read MoreHelping Each Other Up
Several years ago my family and I were invited to spend Thanksgiving weekend at a picturesque ski resort in Colorado with about five hundred single young adults, most of whom were staff personnel with Campus Crusade. I spoke all week on the subject of servanthood, emphasizing the importance of believers being those who help, encourage, affirm, and care for others.
Read MoreLiving Mercy
The apostle John asks: “If someone who is supposed to be a Christian . . . sees a brother in need, and won’t help him—how can God’s love be within him?” (1 John 3:17, TLB). True servants are merciful. They care. They get involved. They get dirty, if necessary. They offer more than pious words.
Read MoreTwo Things God Remembers about His Servants
No one on earth can do those special things. We forget, but God remembers. We see the action; God sees the motive. This qualifies Him as the best record keeper and judge. He alone is perfectly and consistently just.
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