Remember this familiar question? It was part of a well-known TV commercial about a cellular provider claiming to have the capability to provide phone service almost anywhere. Supposedly, if you used this company you would never have to ask, “Can you hear me now?” Think about that question from a different perspective. Jesus said, “HeContinue reading “Can you hear me now?”
Category Archives: Matters of the heart
Does Practice Make Perfect?
“Practice makes perfect!” Is this true? Does practice make perfect? The origin of this familiar proverb comes from the Latin, “uses promptos facit” meaning “use makes perfect.” Teachers, trainers and coaches have used this phrase for years to encourage students and athletes to practice. The idea is that through consistent, repetitive practice you can increase yourContinue reading “Does Practice Make Perfect?”
Ashamed?
Here is a story from God’s Word about how something shameful became a person’s greatest source of glory and pride. Sometime after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, Saul of Tarsus arrived in Jerusalem. He came to Jerusalem to study religion with a well-known Jewish Rabbi by the name of Gamaliel. Saul was from aContinue reading “Ashamed?”
Commitment or Surrender?
Recently, I have seen several United States Marine Corps billboards with the slogan, “We don’t accept applications, only commitments.” The message is clear. Don’t sign up unless you are ready to make a serious commitment. The billboard message reminded me of a similar message Jesus gave to those who expressed interest in becoming His followers without trulyContinue reading “Commitment or Surrender?”
Checking Our Blind Spot
We know how important it is to check your blind spot when you are driving. It is one of the most important lessons we learn in driver’s education class. Failing to check the blind spot could easily result in an accident. After years of insistence and persistence from my wife, I finally purchased blind spot mirrorsContinue reading “Checking Our Blind Spot”
No Expiration Date
We often worry about expiration dates on medicine and food, and we should. There are some things however, that do not have an expiration date; their shelf life is limitless. One of those things is God’s calling on our lives. The Scripture says, “… for the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29)Continue reading “No Expiration Date”
Being Real: The Gospel According to the Velveteen Rabbit
For some of us, one of life’s greatest struggles is being authentic and transparent in our relationships: in other words, being real. Being real is not easy! Why is this is so hard for us? I believe part of the answer can be found in the children’s story, “The Velveteen Rabbit.” The Velveteen Rabbit was feeling insignificant andContinue reading “Being Real: The Gospel According to the Velveteen Rabbit”
Surviving Under Pressure
In the 1960s the United States government began using nuclear reactors to power submarines. One of the first pro-type vessels was the THRESHER. The heavy steel bulkheads and heavy steel armor allowed it to dive deep, and withstand the tremendous pressure of the ocean depths. Unfortunately, on a test run in 1963, the Thresher’s nuclearContinue reading “Surviving Under Pressure”
Person of Interest
The “Person of Interest” TV show has become one of my all-time favorites. Sometimes, I wonder if there really is someone in the government watching us constantly. The recent “leaks” about secret government intelligence gathering projects make me wonder even more. Is it possible? I suppose one the reasons I enjoy the program is becauseContinue reading “Person of Interest”
Sleeping Through the Storms?
The recent wave of violent storms ravaging the mid-western states reminds all of us of the unpredictable power of nature, and the fragility of human life. I can only imagine what people in Moore, Oklahoma felt when a second series of tornadoes touched down in their area this past week. Storms have a way ofContinue reading “Sleeping Through the Storms?”