Paul knew what it was to live in difficult times. He struggled in many areas. That is why his counsel to the church of Rome is so helpful to this day. Whether you are in recovery or married to someone who is, consider this simple formula for success. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction,…
The following obituary told the story of a dear church member’s unexpected death. “Our church was saddened to learn this week of the death of one of our most valued members – Someone Else. Someone’s passing creates a vacancy that will be difficult to fill. Else always did more than his share of the work.…
Pick one – sobriety or bitterness. You can have one, but you can’t have both. You have been wounded deeply by someone who matters a great deal to you. I know that because you are a member of the fallen race. Now you have a decision to make. To forgive or not forgive – that…
The Jews took the Sabbath Day seriously. This command was central to their being: “Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). Henry Ward Beecher said, “A world without a Sabbath would be like a summer without flowers. It is the most joyous day of the week.” The Jews took the principles of the…
The date was April 14, 1865. It was 10:15 p.m. President Lincoln was enjoying a play with his wife Mary. Then with one bullet fired from the derringer of John Wilkes Booth, everything changed. The President was declared dead nine hours later. Among his survivors was Mary. She lived the rest of her life in…
Three sons left home and prospered. Each was proud of the gift he was able to give their mother. The first bought her a big house. The second son bought her a new Mercedes. And the third bought their mother a parrot that was able to recite Scripture and keep her company. A few weeks…
Cynthia Bazin is a popular speaker on leadership, and holds a Master’s degree in counseling psychology. In her study of men and women who rise above their circumstances, she has found that they are really good with their time. Specifically, they don’t waste their time doing eight things: Spending time on social media Going through…
There’s a reason Step 1 comes first. Until we quit making excuses for our addiction, we will never get well. Dr. Elizabeth Hartney offers seven common justifications for one’s addiction. Denial: “It’s not a problem.” Minimization: “I have already cut down.” Comparisons: “Uncle Ted is worse than I am.” Defiance: “I’d rather live a short…
The 1904 Olympics in St. Louis featured one of the most bizarre events in Olympic history. The first-place finisher, Fred Lorz, hitched a rid in a car to the end of the course after he cramped up. He got out shortly before the finish line and crossed the line as the winner. The guy who…
The secret to sobriety is – no more secrets. You are only as healthy as your secrets. That is why James told his readers to confess their faults to one another. And that is why Paul said, “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we…