Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me.” John 18:10-11 (ESV)      Malchus was part of the high priest’s body of servants. He had probably been in some of the meetings where this troublemaker named Jesus had been discussed. After all, Jesus... Read more

When discouragement tries to rob you of joy and hope, open your mouth and turn up the volume. Back in the old days, if you saw a guy talking to himself while he walked down the street you assumed (1) he had just walked out of a bar, (2) he was slightly on the loony side or (3) he had misplaced some money and was retracing his steps—like when absent-minded Uncle Billy lost his cash deposit in It’s a Wonderful... Read more

Let me give a little perspective concerning what you are about to read. “Holy Spirit vs. Holy Ghost” is certainly not a “10” on a list of matters most pressing in the church today, especially in terms of the linguistic points that are highlighted. On the other hand, it may be tremendously important that we do a reality check concerning our use of religious language in and outside of the church.  We should be concerned about our responsibility to communicate... Read more

Honestly, in today’s religious environment how often do you hear these four words, “I love the Church”? Well, I do hear it a lot, and frequently right before the big word “BUT” when someone starts to tell what he thinks is wrong with her, and how she should be and isn’t. Sometimes that someone is me, but I want to be on record as a lover of the Church. It would be foolish not to. If we believe in the... Read more

There is a river of Wisdom within you! Often we think that we do not know enough to teach others. We become hesitant to share with others, out of fear that we are limited in what we know. This mind-set creates anxiety and self consciousness. When we have the courage to share generously with others, we soon discover that we know a lot more than we thought. Your well of wisdom and experience is deeper than you think. Read more

Scarcity mentality must be replaced by an abundance mentality. An abundance mentality says: “There is enough for everyone; food, knowledge, love, everything.” When we see the hungry, we feed them. We give wisdom to those needing it, and when we encounter people in need of love, we offer them love, friendship, and affection. Father provides abundance in more ways than we realize and He is a never ending supply. Read more

We see and experience God’s love, God’s goodness, and God’s mercy through family, friends, and teachers. They all in some way were able to reveal God to us. But we also found that each of them could only give us glimpses of God. God’s love, goodness, and beauty is greater than theirs. We may have been disappointed that they could not fulfill all we needed, until we found the One who is able to meet our every need. Read more

How you talk to yourself does matter. When you blow it are you condemning self by whispering, “you are such a loser”, or are you saying, “Well that did not work, I must search for what does” Keep in mind that the Divine Coach is in you. He created you for goodness and good results. He will guide you to victory and victorious choices. Listen to Creator and Coach and He will not condemn but encourage the best in you. Read more

Real community is collective beauty of unique God designed individuals. The image of God to the world is magnified as God empowered love is shared “As One” in Him. Looking closely at each stone in a mosaic you can appreciate the brilliant colors and shapes of each one, but stepping back and looking at them as a whole reveals a masterpiece. God’s love and glory kiss each other in community. Read more

Every friend is a unique gift to us. When we expect one friend to have all we need, we may never fully appreciate the areas of strength they bring to us.  One friend may connect with us in an emotional or nurturing way while another may stimulate our minds. Some may stir up the spiritual gifts in us. Appreciating each others limited but amazing gifts reveal a beautiful tapestry of love and life giving friendships. Read more