We cannot pass through life without getting hurt. Pain and disappointment in this world are inevitable. How we handle our setbacks, though, shapes our character and prepares us for eternity. Our attitude is the pivotal factor determining the level of our protection from strife. Regardless of the hardships we have faced, and in spite of the mistakes we have made, the end of our lives can either be full of praise and thanksgiving or full of misery and complaint. In... Read more

There are certain seasons in my life when ministry and other responsibilities are so difficult and my schedule so demanding that I feel like I am doing violence to my soul. (It’s as if I were taking a knife and intentionally sticking it into my body.)As I analyze what I do and how I feel during these seasons, I have come up with several ways I have done violence to my soul. (Whether or not these seasons can always be... Read more

Have you checked on your PEGs lately? What is your PASSION, and are you living a life of PASSION? What is your EXPERIENCE, and are you maximizing the strength, wisdom , and knowledge, gained from your life’s EXPERIENCEs? And finally, what are your GIFTs, and are you able to live and work in the context that best releases your GIFTs? Living within your PEG’s will continue to be a pathway for your success. Read more

When we have a closed fist on the things we own, we proceed in a covetous spiral downward. But when we see God as the owner of all things and share liberally, we breed a life of significance. Do we not know that all of life and all of what we have is His? Become a Spirit directed giver, well pleasing to the Lord. If you continue to grip, you’ll continue to slip, but as you choose to extend you... Read more

Everybody loves fruit, and many chase after it. Fruit not coming from a good root is not sustainable. It tastes good enough to keep you racing after it, yet will leave you wanting. What we should be after is the root, the foundation of all good fruit. The root foundations of God produce a sustainable and unlimited harvest. Seek first the Root of the Kingdom of God for fruit that abounds and for fruit that remains. Read more

It is an illusion to think that life should be easy. Easy street perceptions lead to disappointment and despair. Challenges come, and we can choose to have joy knowing that God is forever with us. Escaping pain is a myth and we miss the fullness of life by not acknowledging the struggle, and allowing fear to paralyze our passion. Pain and joy often run together, and by overcoming pain, we can see the fullness of joy. Read more

A spiritual person is a person who has converging thoughts of God and humanity at all times. Serving God is serving humanity and serving humanity is serving God. Life is loving God and loving people with God empowered love. Spiritual people give of themselves and even suffer harm on behalf of others. They defy despair and injustice. Their greatest passion is compassion, and their greatest strength is consuming love. Read more

As the culture becomes more and more dysfunctional we need people at all levels to take the lead! I routinely read leadership books, blogs, trends and articles on leadership in the corporate, political and non-profit arenas. There are many interesting models of good leadership but I believe the best anywhere can be found in the the lives of three men who had an enormous impact in the 1st Century. In a few short months Paul, Timothy, and Silas, three men... Read more

Wonder rather than doubt is the foundation of all knowledge. When we look at the possibilities within and beyond creation we begin learn of God and life in    ever increasing ways. Pondering the expansion of of absolute truth is transformational. When we doubt or remain stuck in what we know, the energy of life diminishes. We must energize internally through the Spirit who guides us into greater understanding. Read more

True humility abides and rests in the depth of one’s heart. When we humble ourselves we are quickly reminded that we live in a continual tension between humility and the confidence of who we are. Humility is far from us in the realm of excuses, defending, or attacking. Pride grows out of the reign of self. When we get off our own throne and submit to the throne of God, He can reign through the whole of who we are. Read more