Real men take a stand against evil
“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.” – Psalm 82:3 The saying, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” comes to mind upon studying the above verse, especially in its context. God is calling out those who […]
Real men are counterintuitive
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. – Proverbs 3:5 Counterintuitive. I love writing this word on a whiteboard and asking a group what it means. After a lively discussion, it’s established . . . “to go against what comes naturally (our intuition).” We are separated from […]
Real men acknowledge Jesus
Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. – Matthew 10:32 Martyrdom. Not exactly a pleasant topic, but one repeatedly addressed in Scripture—including the context for this one—as well as throughout church history and in headlines today. Apparently, holding a belief that a benevolent Creator has chosen a particular […]
It’s up to us
Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. – Jonah 2:8 I believe that to the degree you and I turn and cling to would-be substitutes for God’s loving provision, we experience its absence. Conversely, to the degree we turn and cling to God Himself in order to get our […]
Play a little game
I will not deny my integrity. – Job 27:5b I periodically utilize a method designed to reinforce someone’s resolve to resist old beliefs about themselves and begin thinking anew. It involves identifying a truth they wish to uphold and then handing them a couch pillow. “We’re going to play a little game. This pillow represents […]
Equal and opposite reaction
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. – Gal 5:16 Newton’s Third Law of Physics, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction” suggests that forces always come in pairs and act equally and oppositely from each other. There are few competing forces […]
A footstool
Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy. – Psalm 99:5 Proportionately speaking, a footstool is a small accessory compared to a throne. Picture it: God is on the throne (big) and we are welcome to approach His footstool (small). While many Scriptures emphasize God’s imminence (nearness), this one reminds […]
Our work environment
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up. – Ephesians 4:29a Recently our church staff revisited several core values that shape our work environment. To function as a unified team, the need for unanimous “buy in” on several, key values is critical. At […]
A place of brokenness
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. – James 5:16 I’ve learned much about confession over the years. Sadly, due more to personal experience than earnest study. I’ve learned that confession as “cathartic release” […]
Good men to do nothing
“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.” – Psalm 82:3 The saying, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” comes to mind upon studying the above verse, especially in its context. God is calling out those who […]