The last couple days we have talked about being critical of ourselves, taking what God said and making it more severe than He intended it and allowing ourselves to ignore the grace He intended us to flourish in. Well I want you to keep your train of thought for another day or two. Then we can move on to something new. I think this warrants more time. If we take what we have learned the last couple days to heart,…
Yesterday we talked about a sense of frustration that can overwhelm us at times as we endeavor to “walk the walk and talk the talk.” After discussing the fact that others experience the same stresses we face, according to 1 Peter 5:9, I thought it might be good to consider the same concept from a different paradigm, even though the scriptures may seem similar or saying something comparable. I think the only time I read scripture and felt I “got…
I got a phone call from one of you a few weekends ago. I could hear something in the voice that told me one of your siblings was struggling with a life issue. After recounting the circumstances and the feeling of frustration, there came the question: “Why do I keep doing this?” and “I am disgusted with my behavior, but can’t seem to stop.” At that juncture we talked about choices and the tendency in our family to be either…
In my studies today, I was reminded of a mentality that I am not sure I have seen in America. I have read and heard stories about this, but in over sixty years have not seen it put into practice. Our first exposure to Barnabas comes in Acts 4:32 – 37: “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power…
I was on the phone last night with my oldest daughter Rainie. She is expecting her second child, raising our beautiful little granddaughter Gwen, and holding down part time work while Ryan is out of town on a multi-month commitment. Even though they talk, she was feeling the pressure of trying to manage their family without his presence. Today seemed worse than most as we talked. As we discussed the situation, I related to her what it had been like…
After meeting with a young man several times, listening to his personal and marital challenges, as well as his inability to figure out how to deal with the issues, I knew it was time to help him focus. I asked “Bob” to think about and write down the issues in his life that, if corrected, would make everything wonderful. His replies were the typical, career, finances, better communication, dealing with stress/anger and a better relationship with God. I honestly believed…