I have had to really fight the condition of having a hard heart. I have been duped many times by people appearing to be having a hard time providing for their family and they ask for help. I remember being conned early in ministry, when the town drunk gave me a sad story about…
This word means “recognizably different in nature from something else of a similar type”. I think the definition could apply to people as well. I believe there is a difference in how people who came from humble beginnings behave as compared to most people who grew up wealthy. I think there is a distinct…
I’ve met people who were very stubborn and hard to deal with. I’ve also met some of the nicest people on the planet in my life. I’ve also studied the issues related to behavior and how it’s connected to a person’s heart. When I talk about the heart, I’m talking somewhat about the big…
I am not a huge ice hockey fan although there are times when it’s pretty exciting to watch. I went to a live game and actually enjoyed it- almost caught a puck from the end zone. It is true that you go to a fight and hockey game might break out. There is a…
I used to enjoy deer hunting and I’d get in the tree stand before dawn. I’ve heard that it’s “darkest before dawn”, but I’m not sure I really noticed. It did get colder right at dawn or so it seemed to me. That’s a big reason I stopped hunting – I don’t enjoy freezing…
There are times when I strongly disagree with an idea or a direction of the leadership that I’m under. We live in a democratic society so I can disagree and if done properly, I will not be perceived as “disagreeable”. I may very well have a different perspective than others in leadership. This is what…
I’ve had some situations happen to me that I find hard to explain to others. Sometimes it’s a simple as a “location story” – you had to be there to really understand. At other times it’s impossible to convey the full depth & height of the experience. I have heard from others a remarkable experience…
I am constantly thankful for the Lord’s protection and provision. I can see His hand at work in my life and in the life of my family and friends. These two character traits of the Lord go hand in hand. The setting is that Pharaoh, the King of Egypt is feeling threatened by the…
This word carries with it “unjust, prolonged cruel treatment or control”. This is a situation that exists in some culture where a brutal leader treats his or her people unjustly. When I read stories of oppression like in World War II in the prison camps, I can’t wrap my head around those situations. I’ve…
As I think about forgiveness I’m reminded that it is more of a process than a one-time event. I do realize that forgiveness is initiated, but it really is on-going. I’ve been hurt by others and it’s become easy for me to say, I forgive. I think when I utter those words the process…