“… an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade.” (1 Peter 1:4) When our hope is in the world and its empty promises, we will always be unsatisfied. Our destiny is disappointment when we live for physical pleasures, emotional highs, and mental diversions. These things are temporary because they are grounded in us—our perspectives, our needs. We are always […]
Solomon’s reign was the “golden age” of Israel, but there was a heavy price: the people were overworked and looking for relief. The elders counseled Rehoboam to ease up the pressure. This would win the hearts of the people … they would be his loyal servants. Rehoboam rejected the elders. He then asked youngers, who were his friends, for counsel. […]
“I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.” (2 John 12) John used the technology of his time—paper and ink—to influence others. He also knew that some things were best shared […]
Would you agree that trust is essential for any significant relationship? Of course it is! If you look at the people closest to you, they are the ones who have earned your trust. When a person breaks your trust, you stop relying on them. God is looking for people he can trust. Jesus trusted John with a vital mission: “Near […]
A few days ago, I left a meeting feeling inspired and challenged. I loved the vision. It was powerful and I was fired up. I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t happen in every meeting I attend–unless I’m leading the meeting, of course!
“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,but one who has insight draws them out.” (Proverbs 20:5) I’ve made it a priority to make “cold calls” to our students. This isn’t my favorite thing because I’m an over-achiever when it comes to being awkward on the phone. In the age of text messages and group threads, phone calls seemed […]
“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Matthew 20:16) Jesus ends the parable of the workers with a promise that turns everything upside down because it’s countercultural and counterintuitive. Externally, our culture pulls us to think “me first!” We only need to look as far as our family, friends, media for examples of entitlement. and […]