How do you measure yourself? What does “success” look like? Let me suggest that most of us have the wrong scoreboard. You are not defined by your addiction or your abilities. Nor are you defined by your past or your profession; your hobby or your house. You are not the sum total of your mind,…
In 1982, someone in the Chicago area laced Tylenol-branded acetaminophen capsules with potassium cyanide, resulting in seven deaths. The person who did this was never found. As for the seven individuals who took the Tylenol pills, each of them did so with complete confidence that the pills would accomplish their intended goal of pain relief.…
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12). Andrew Murray was a brilliant pastor and theologian. He has much to say about how God uses our most difficult moments to…
My dad had a briefcase with his initials engraved on the top of it, in rather large letters: LID. Dad’s name was Lester Irvin Denison. He didn’t care for his name, but he loved his initials. You gotta love that! I mean, how many people do you know who have “LID” engraved on the top…
A rabbit came upon a rattlesnake in the woods. The rattlesnake hissed, “I know what you are! You have big ears, a fluffy tail, and a wiggly nose. You’re a rabbit!” The rabbit replied, “And I know what you are, too! You have beady eyes, a big mouth, a slick appearance, and diamonds all over…
Okay class, what is the opposite of addiction? I know what you’re thinking. “The opposite of addiction is connection.” Wrong. Well, that’s right, but it’s not what I’m thinking. Try this one . . . The opposite of addiction is . . . subtraction. Translation – in order to maintain sobriety, you need to subtract…
“In the beginning, God” (Genesis 1:1). We think we are so smart. In fact, the history of mankind tends to bear that out. Man has come up with some pretty amazing creations – the automobile, airplanes, submarines, smartphones, computers. And remote controls that no one knows how to use. But we aren’t really the source…
My first car didn’t have seatbelts. It was a 1966 Mercury. Later, I had a 1966 Mustang that didn’t have seatbelts, either. Why not? Because seatbelts were not mandatory in those days. Effective January 1, 1968, the federal government mandated that all Americans must wear seatbelts while riding in an automobile. There is one exception.…
Job’s life started out great. He had more stuff than anyone else on earth. Then things went south. But rather than turn on God, he doubled down on his faith. But the story doesn’t end there. Fast forward to the final chapter, and we read this. “The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life…
Need a word of encouragement? Then read on! “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses never cease, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Lou Gehrig was one of baseball’s all-time greats. He was known for good sportsmanship. One day, after being called out on a strike 3 pitch which…