Surely the human mind and heart are deep, mysterious, unsearchable, and complex. (Psalm 64:6 paraphrase) Christ-like Love Christian mercy includes giving people the benefit of doubt and not making assumptions about them. Various Scriptures lead me to this conclusion: “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out….For who knows a person’s …
Planning and Productive Paranoia (Part 2)
If you missed the last post, you can go back and read Planning and Productive Paranoia (Part 1) Quick Review: Last time we looked at Scriptures on Preparation and Discipline and Roald Amundsen’s winning strategy for racing to the South Pole. Application Questions In light of Amundsen’s story, do you need to focus on something like a “20 mile a …
Jesus’ Fireworks
It may be at midday, it may be at twilight, It may be that the blackness of midnight, Will burst into light in the blaze of His glory, When Jesus receives “His own.” (From the hymn “Christ Returneth” by H. L. Turner) This July Fourth, Americans will spend millions of dollars on fireworks. Children wave sparklers, grown men set off …
Christ-like Qualities in Abigail (Part 2)
Truly I am Your servant, LORD. I serve You just as my mother did. You have freed me from my chains….I run in the path of Your commands, for You have broadened my understanding….I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out Your precepts. (Psalm 116:16; 119:32,45) Notes from a women’s Bible study, “Christ is Everything to His …
Christ-like Qualities in Abigail (Part 1)
Jesus said, “If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free….Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. (John 8:32; Romans 15:4) These …
Serving Christ in Our Work (Part 3)
Used in “Leadership” class at Belhaven University, prison work, and counseling. This fits well with our six weeks of prison classes on “A Man and His Work.” Care for others. Watch over them willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to …
Serving Christ in Our Work (Part 2)
From my “Leadership” class at Belhaven University (Houston), prison work, and counseling. It fits well with our six weeks of prison classes on “A Man and His Work” and Adult Sunday School class on “Christ and the Proverbs.” God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His …
Serving Christ in Our Work (Part 1)
From “Leadership” class at Belhaven University, prison work, and counseling. It fits well with our six weeks of prison classes on “A Man and His Work” and Adult Sunday School class on “Christ and the Proverbs.” Jesus says: The greatest among you will be your servant….God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have …
All My Life Is Portioned Out for Me
My times are in Your hand….I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. (Psalm 31:15; Philippians 4:11) Anna Waring Anna L. Waring (1823-1910) was a Welsh poet and hymn-writer. In her writings, she expressed deep love for and trust in Christ People praised Anna’s inner, unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in …
The Wall: A Parable
Updated May 31, 2018 to include an audio version of the post. Adapted and expanded from Gloria Jay Evans (used in counseling and prison ministry) Whoever isolates themself is self-indulgent; they lash out at common sense….Let us not give up meeting together, as some are doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the …