July, 2011 // Posts published in July, 2011
Stories Change Lives
Hurting people need to know they aren’t alone in their pain. When they look out at their world, they see how well other people are doing, apparently happy and successful, enjoying a wonderful life, free from problems. If the preacher says the Christian life should always be that way, he confirms their misconception, increasing unrealistic...
Problems Give Hope
Of all the mistakes Peter made as a disciple, I’m sure he never wanted to tell about his conduct at the trial of Jesus, how he cursed and swore and denied any connection with Jesus, after he had said he was ready to die for him. Mere hours before the trial, anticipating Peter’s reluctance to...
Too Much Focus on Success
Charismatic seminar teachers make success look too easy. Instead of a class teaching “Five Sure Ways to Make a Million Dollars,” we need a weeklong series on “A Hundred Obstacles that Block Success.” When people proceed with complete confidence in their plans, they are often defeated when they don’t know what to do with an...
Problem Examples Teach Solutions
When my kids came to me with their homework, I refused to tell them what they wanted to know, because I knew what they really needed—to learn how to solve the problems. My giving them the answers wouldn’t teach them anything, so I said, “Have you read the chapter?” No, they hadn’t. They just wanted...
Frog Smart
Several times, people have told me a frog won’t try to jump out of tepid water when it is brought slowly to a boil. Really?” I ask. “Have you ever put a frog in water and tested to see if that’s true?” Well, no, they haven’t. They’ve heard the story so many times, they’re sure...
Dream Home
I don’t hear much talk about Heaven. I’m not sure why. Usually, we want to talk about great places to live, but somehow our conversations miss the greatest place of all. Jesus said he was going to prepare a place for us, and there would be plenty of luxury suites (John 14:2). I’m not surprised...
Sleeping Late
Some people don’t want to get out of bed in the morning, fearing that something bad will happen. I understand how easily they might feel that way. Sure, bad things can happen to good people, but staying in bed isn’t a solution. Stay in bed long enough, and you’ll eventually die there. The media creates...
Rejected Truth
Somebody asked me what they should do if somebody won’t listen to the truth. We shouldn’t be surprised when people reject our messages. What we have to say isn’t always what people want to hear. The only way we can help unwilling listeners is to find different words that are easier for them to accept....
More than Enough
I heard a song that said Jesus was “more than enough for me.” What do those words mean, and how are they supposed to work? Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well, “Those who drink the water I give will never become thirsty. My water is a fresh artesian spring, bubbling with everlasting life”...
Finding a New Home
While living in Mesopotamia, Abraham heard God say, “Leave your homeland and go to a place I will show you” (Genesis 11:28; Acts 7:2). I’ve often heard the story told, but I’ve never understood what was most important about that event. We hear so much about the importance of vision, that “without a vision the...
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Holiness
I collect “daffynitions” because I enjoy their humor. They remind ...
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Great Expectations
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Name Value
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