Category: New Beginnings

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test […]

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. [Galatians 5:1] Is anything still enslaving you, even after Jesus sacrificed Himself to set you free? This week we’ve talked about the labels we use to categorize others. We’ve […]

Do you consider yourself a steward? What’s the gift with which you’ve been entrusted? This week I’ve been writing about a story I heard a few weeks ago called Tending The Flame. Yesterday we looked at How To Combat Burnout, some practical ways to keep the flame alive and get it to its destination. Today […]

Note: This is part three of a conversation about excuses. Read part 1 or part 2 if you wish. This article was uncomfortable for me to write. I fear that it may be uncomfortable for you to read. I recently discovered a unique, innovative ministry in Toronto, Canada called The Abilities Church. I copied a […]

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” [John 13:34-35]  This might not be my most popular post. I’m struggling with an invitation to be interviewed on […]

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” [Luke 10:36-37] It’s great to be back with you again after a few days of […]

**This article is a re-post from February 27, 2009. I’m re-visiting the archives while my wife and I enjoy a few days of vacation. “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”  I listened as a speaker explained the “60-20” principle, claiming that when we initially meet someone we have sixty seconds […]

 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands […]

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. [Isaiah 43:19] “Everything’s just so hard!” My friend was sharing about a million things that seemed to be going wrong all at once. A couple of […]

Here’s this week’s contribution to the One-Word-At-A-Time Blog Carnival. I encourage you to click the link and check out some of the other carnival attractions. This week’s word is: EMPTINESS   Have you done emptiness? I have. For thirty years I scrambled after FULL. The world offers all sorts of ways to pretend-fill your soul, and I […]

Have you ever pondered the sacrificial love represented in this familiar scripture? I have, and I don’t think I get it.