Certain things follow certain things. The important thing is to know what thing follows what thing for you. What are your sequences? Does anger follow tiredness? Does temptation follow spiritual highs? Does insight follow reading? Does relief follow rest? Even the Bible notes sequence. James tracks the birth and trajectory of sin. He notes certain pre-sin conditions lead to sin. The power of sequence is real. Of course, we do not want to excuse our sin by blaming … [Read more...] about Sequence
Archives for July 2013
Leadership Leap
Leadership requires a leap. Much about leadership can be taught and gradually learned. But because leadership requires decisive action at critical junctures, you will encounter moments when you must leap. No half-steps. Inevitably the moment will come when you must step up, step out, grab the microphone, make the bold move, stand your ground, say no, say yes, throw the ball, make the purchase, send the email, wave goodbye... There's no middle ground, no transition. And there's little … [Read more...] about Leadership Leap
Three Lies About Your Past That Keep You From Church
I sometimes hear people say, "I haven't been back to church since __ (insert embarrassing incident with self or family member)." The reason they haven't attended church since then is because they have come to believe one of the lies listed below. And when you believe one of these lies, church becomes a scary place you want to avoid. Let's correct each of these lies. Everyone knows. No they don't. Not everyone. Maybe some people know, but everyone? I mean EVERY-one? I don't think so. … [Read more...] about Three Lies About Your Past That Keep You From Church
What Is
I came across this quote the other day: “What is, is the great teacher.” This thought is simple but potentially profound. Every part of our everyday life can teach us. Every high and low. The chaos and the calm. Flat tires and traffic. Finances and rain. Fun and sorrow. Everything that is can teach us. Everything can teach us because God reigns. He is sovereign. He is in control of every detail in our lives. And he loves us. Therefore, anything that gets to us has gotten to us in … [Read more...] about What Is
Passy Down
Our youngest daughter said goodbye to her passy this week. I was all for it. The time had come. But when it came, I felt a bit sentimental and even sad. We snipped the passy so it felt uncomfortable in her mouth. She took one suck and handed it right back. She said, “Passy broken.” And with that, we put it away. Simple enough. Kinda. Watching her struggle with the transition in the subsequent days has pulled at our hearts. One night as my wife calmed and soothed her, she at last … [Read more...] about Passy Down
Investing
In college, I had a fender bender that crumbled the hood of my car. The wreck ruined the look of my car, but it still worked fine. So I had a choice. For 500 dollars, I could fix the damage. Or, I could save the money and just drive the car as it was. Wanting to save money and guard my investments, I chose to drive the car wrecked. But something strange happened. Even though I never spent the $500, I lost a great deal more. I lost the whole car. You see, in saving the $500 … [Read more...] about Investing