Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. -I Thessalonians 5:18, NLT Why would the author of I Thessalonians command us to be thankful unless this was something we have to choose to do? The temptation is to allow life’s circumstances to dictate the spiritual climate of our … Continue reading “Spiritual Discipline of Thanksgiving”
Category: Encouragement
Faith is key!
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. -Hebrews 11:1, NIV But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. -Hebrews 11:6, KJV Faith … Continue reading “Faith is key!”
A reminder of a song
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God… -I John 3:1, KJV When I find myself stressed, I find I need to be reminded of my place in God’s family. That worry is a symptom of my disconnect from God’s love. One … Continue reading “A reminder of a song”
Bday! Mine.
Today is my birthday. I am grateful I am around to celebrate it. This was brought into question for me when I was in the darkest of places over a decade ago dealing with a cheating spouse. Life is such a gift! This past weekend I was in the Chicago area doing a powerlifting meet. … Continue reading “Bday! Mine.”
Parenting love
See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! -I John 3:1a, NLT Do we believe this about how the Father views us? I believe this is the fundamental question for spiritual health. When I struggle with fear or worth issues, I usually am … Continue reading “Parenting love”
Disappointment and Joseph
Then he [Joseph] had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” -Genesis 37:9, NIV I bet Joseph had a very different expectations for how his life than the reality he … Continue reading “Disappointment and Joseph”
Creature Reminders
29 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. -Matthew 10:29, NLT Recently, one of my dear parrot buddies ended up getting injured. We had to rush him an hour North to an emergency Veterinarian visit. Fortunately, he seems like … Continue reading “Creature Reminders”
Walking in faith is difficult!
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. -Hebrews 11:1, NASB Walking by faith is not easy. I think this is part of the reason doing so is so pleasing to God (Hebrews 11:6). He understands this is hard way to go. It takes discipline. -We have to discipline our spiritual senses to … Continue reading “Walking in faith is difficult!”
Hobby Milestone – 915lbs!
I am taking a break from my usual postings to talk about my hobby–equipped bench pressing. Yesterday marked a significant milestone on my quest to bench press 1,000lbs. Weight loaded on the bar prior to the lift. In training yesterday, I bench pressed 915lbs/415kgs! If I do this same weight in competition, that would place … Continue reading “Hobby Milestone – 915lbs!”
Gratitude guards your heart
Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” – Genesis 3:1, NIV As a hospice chaplain*, I see many different sorts of people on a daily basis. Often times, my … Continue reading “Gratitude guards your heart”