Ordinary People

When God wants to achieve His eternal purposes, he looks for ordinary people who will be faithfully obedient. Look at a shepherd boy sent to kill a giant (I Samuel 17:1- 25:7) and even a prostitute to help save His people (Joshua 2 and 6:22-23). I am...

Family characteristics

I was curious how a father from our church motivated his teenaged children to mow the lawn and do errands for an elderly neighbor. Asking how He encouraged his children to serve, he replied, "We are Johnsons – that is what Johnson’s do. It is just...

What Jesus says about Multi-tasking

A debate is in progress in academic circles about the dangers of multi-tasking—Is it harmful to my well-being, to my productivity and to my tranquility? As an emergency physician, my ability to perform my duties required multi-tasking. However, there were times...

Godly Generosity

When I think of generosity, my mind quickly goes to money. However, Jesus reminds me that generosity is expressed in many wonderful ways. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 NIV How do I express to others the...

No Regrets!

Regrets come in many flavors: 1. Some regrets require my repentance. I must do so. 2. Some regrets are caused by circumstances beyond my control. I must let go. 3. Some regrets are about risks and sacrifices not made. These sadden me. The story of William Borden has...

Devoted or Lukewarm?

Devote yourself to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2 NLT I ask myself, What does it mean to be devoted – to be "all in"? Is it possible to be a true follower of Jesus and be lukewarm? Believers in the early church were not...