“The Lord did not hesitate to bring disaster on us” (Daniel 9:14). I’m guessing that is not your favorite memory verse, one you stick on the mirror at home. But it’s true. God will not hesitate to bring disaster – for a greater purpose. One of my Recovery Rules: God loves you more than he…
We all have something to overcome. That’s why the Bible commands, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). Karyn Hall is the author of The Emotionally Sensitive Person. In writing about…
There is a ministry in Oyugis, Kenya, called the Ripple Effects Center. The center offers programs that share the love of Christ, rooted in the principle that when we affect one person with our testimony, they will then become a blessing to someone else. It’s called the “ripple effect.” The Ripple Effects Center maintains that…
It happened on this date in 1955. Rocky Marciano knocked out former champion Archie Moore in the ninth round at Yankee Stadium, to extend his record to 49-0, with 43 knockouts. And then he walked away. Marciano retired at the age of 32, and remains the only undefeated heavyweight champion in boxing history. But here’s…
There are a few things in life you can count on: taxes, slow drivers in the fast lane, another season of Law & Order, and comedians who aren’t funny. And temptation. “There is no temptation that has overtaken you except what is common to man. God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted…
In a recent period of stress and anxiety, I reached out to a friend. Not just any friend. I’m talking about the kind of friend Solomon described: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). I’ve known this guy since high school, but we have only reconnected in…
Throughout Scripture, God calls us the sheep of his pasture. The prophet expounded on this when he wrote, “All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6). How does this happen? How do we get off track? Do sheep mean to get lost? Do they…
Who said this? “A time will come when, instead of shepherds feeding sheep, we will have clowns entertaining the goats.” Answer: Charles Spurgeon – 19th century. I’m afraid that time has come. I’m guessing that you don’t have to look very hard to find a church that is better at entertaining the goats than they…
Carpe diem is a Latin phrase that means “seize the day.” Your task is less about planning ahead than it is living for today. I love the picture drawn by the great philosopher and author Francis Schaeffer. He said, “Life is like a clock with no hands. It’s ticking, but you never know when it’s…
Don’t blame others for your relapse. You can blame them for your pain, your trauma, and your abuse. But not your relapse. Sorry, but that one’s on you. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “If you could kick the person in the pants who is responsible for most of your troubles, you wouldn’t be able to sit for…