Most people do not want to go where there is sadness. Most want to go where there is a circus, big sporting event, or some other show where there are lights, sound and action! It’s part of the flesh that most like the stimulation of excitement. When I was a boy, I enjoyed the “Wide World of Sports.” The “thrill of victory” was far more enjoyable than the “agony of defeat”! That’s natural! Continue reading
This is Part 5 of 5 parts looking at “The Heart of the Issue relating to people.”
Peers Exercise Mercy
The problem is often that if it is a peer that you are having trouble with, your mercy will often be seen as weakness and just ignored. At that point, you have to let the peer go. You have to wait until that peer comes to his senses and will respond to the godly mercy that you exercised. Peers check themselves and do not practice judgment (Matt. 7:1,5). Continue reading
This is Part 4 of 5 parts looking at “The Heart of the Issue relating to people.”
Every area of life is Sacred
Before we go any further, let’s understand that every area of life is sacred. There are no secular areas of life for the believer. Everything the believer does is for the glory of God. As Paul said, “Whatever you do, whether you eat or drink, do all for the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31) Therefore, your worship is sacred, but so is your golf game, shopping trips and your time spent in front of the television or out in a park. Everything the Christian does is considered sacred. Continue reading
This is Part 3 of 5 parts looking at the “Heart of the Issue relating to people.”
Asked Questions Rather Than Impose Divine Discipline
Even after the Ninevites repented, God did not impose judgment on Jonah. Instead, the Lord was trying to help Jonah at the heart level. God asked Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry?” (Jon. 4:4 NKJ) Jonah was MAD that God relented on punishing the Ninevites. After all, they deserved to suffer! Jonah was like the older brother in the prodigal son account (Luke 15:11-32). He wanted to exercise judgment! But God exercised mercy toward the Ninevites and was exercising mercy toward Jonah. Continue reading
This is Part 2 of 5 parts looking at the “Heart of the issue in relating to people.”
Seek the Heart Change in All Areas of Life
How do you discern when to reach the heart or just impose behavioral change? How you discern the difference in a family, or at a business with employees, or even at church? Additionally, when is something a business and when is it a ministry? Continue reading
This is Part 1 of 5 parts focusing on the Heart of the Issue in relating to people.
When my daughter, Katy, was a little three-year-old girl, I learned an important parenting lesson from my wife. In the winter time, when it was time to go to church, I told Katy, you need to put your coat on. She was (and is) a very bright gal, but on that day, she was very slow to put on her coat. She was still playing with her dolls and standing by the door ready to walk through the snow in order to get into the car. I thought I would reason with her, so I said, “Katy, it’s cold outside, so don’t you think you should put on your coat?” Continue reading
This is the newsletter portion for the August newsletter from Grace Evangelical Church.
Did someone say it was August? Where did Spring go? School is already beginning for students? I know that one second today is no quicker than one second 50 years ago, but the days seem to go faster! I remember when I was young, the time was reasonable, but now the days are rippling by like a stream rushing down a mountain! Continue reading
I used this poem after the message on Contentment from 1 Tim. 6:6-16. It’s very pointed.
The following is the newsletter article from the July 2014 Grace and Truth.
Isn’t the summer warmth a huge contrast to the long winter this year? Personally, I enjoy each season, because there are blessings and disadvantages to enjoy and overcome in each. What do you enjoy the most about summer? Continue reading
Starting June 1, 2014 at Grace, one of the Adult 9 am “Summer Selectives” options is “Biblical Soul Care”. You can be a part of the healing, rejuvenating, restoring and strengthening process of Grace to counsel and help others overwhelmingly overcome and mount up like eagles in the Christian life!
Over the last forty years, wonderful saints of God have written and provided excellent resources for helping people approach difficulties from a Biblical perspective – or “God’s way” of dealing with situations. I’ve taught many times the importance of the three spiritual ingredients for growth, which are always discussed in counseling sessions – God’s Word, God’s Spirit and faith. These provide the basis for any person to grow in his relationship with Jesus and overcome (with His help) every problem in life. Continue reading
Shepherding Truth 