What should we do when a Christian we know goes into the Far Country? A Christian goes into the Far Country when he/she makes a wreck of his/her life. Falling into David-like scandalous sin (2 Samuel 11). Making Lot-like bad choices that end in heartache (Genesis 13:1-13). Engaging in Jonah-like rebellion against the Lord (Jonah […]
In Matthew 17:27 Jesus teaches us 6 lessons on civility in the school of a small fish: However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give […]
I’m a congenital pessimist. I came from the womb seeing the glass as half-empty. My temperament makes Charlie Brown seem like Joel Osteen. And I’ve had my share of rainy days and Mondays that have gone on for weeks. But in spite of it all, I’m a Grace-Focused Optimist. Why? Because of a single fact. […]
I don’t know if grace has a theme song but if it does it must be “Bridge over Troubled Water.” Simon and Garfunkle sing, “When you’re weary, feeling small / When tears are in your eyes, I’ll dry them all / I’m on your side, Oh, when times get rough / And friends just can’t […]
You can help your pastor become a more useful preacher. You can help him preach sermons that affect your life like rain and sunshine affect flowers. How? By praying for him. When there’s prayer in the pew there will be power in the pulpit. The Holy Spirit is Given in Answer to Prayer God wants […]
Sometimes I feel like Sisyphus. Remember him? He’s the poor guy from mythology who was sentenced to push a boulder up a hill only to have it roll back down. Not a very appealing way to spend eternity, huh? Anything Can Be a Battlefield I’ve got a boulder. Like Sisyphus, I never seem to be […]
A young evangelist complains to Charles Haddon Spurgeon, “I haven’t seen many people converted under my preaching.” “Well, do you expect God to save someone every time you preach?” “Of course not.” “Then you have no reason to complain if God’s not giving you what you aren’t expecting.” Pray for Others Expectantly God wants preachers […]
It’s hard to be a Grace-Focused Optimist when you look out at America. Take just this past week and a half. Charles Krauthammer—one of the rare people in Washington speaking with intelligence, wit, charm, and courtesy—–died. And politicians, pundits, and proprietors seem bent on making us a house divided that cannot stand. Looking out at […]
Fox News has a segment called “Power Player of the Week.” Each week Chris Wallace highlights someone who’s a mover or shaker. Someone influential, significant, making an impact in the world. To my knowledge, Wallace has never had a simple, ordinary praying Christian as his PPOTW. Why’s that interesting? Because praying Christians are the real […]
Living as a Grace-Focused Optimist is as crucial to living for God as oxygen is to your lungs. When you’re optimistic that God’s always up to your good you’re like a spiritual Navy Seal who’s fully prepared for whatever you face. In dependence on him, Grace-Focused Optimists glorify and enjoy God. The Grace SWAT Team […]
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