Self-Help or God’s Help

We are inundated these days with people offering to make our lives better. From the self-help books and seminars to the hacks offered online, people think that they know a better way and offer to help us, often at some cost. While many of these “helps” can offer limited and temporary assistance, their long-term effectsContinue reading “Self-Help or God’s Help”

Trust Versus Fear

Suppose you are driving down a rural highway through the mountains. You are enjoying the views and not paying much attention to your speed. Then, you see a police car. Your automatic reaction is to look at your speedometer and slow down, no matter at what speed you are currently driving. Why is that? ItContinue reading “Trust Versus Fear”

That’s Not What I Meant To Say

I stumble over words that I say. Even when I have the best of intentions, the words I use may communicate harshness or disapproval. That is generally not what I intended to say. Gracious words are received joyfully and encourage the soul. Gracious speech patterns can earn us the favor of others and make manyContinue reading “That’s Not What I Meant To Say”

Disappointment

Unfortunately, people may disappoint us from time to time. They may fail to live up to the promises they have made. Or they may intentionally do something that hurts us. Even more unfortunate, is the fact that I have disappointed people. Often, I have not lived up to my own expectations, let alone the reasonableContinue reading “Disappointment”

Good Soil

I live in Indiana, a state with a booming agricultural industry. But I have lived all my life in urban environments until moving here. I know very little about agriculture. But I do know that farmers spend a lot of energy making sure that the soil that they plant in is good soil that willContinue reading “Good Soil”

Best Offer on Black Friday

We have been inundated with offers for Black Friday sales and the day is finally upon us. Millions will be going online or finding their way to the stores for the best offers. What a great day for retailers! But the best offer is not found in stores or online. Isaiah 46:12-13 says, “Listen toContinue reading “Best Offer on Black Friday”