jesus – Reluctant Retiree

Agony

Feeling agony is very difficult on us in many ways. We may suffer physically in ways that have lasting impacts upon our bodies. We may be troubled mentally and emotionally in a manner that affects our lives for years. Jesus suffered agony in a variety of ways as He paid the price for our salvationContinue reading “Agony”

Sticky Situation

Yesterday, I was enjoying a nice hike along a gently flowing creek. As I rose to higher ground from the creek bed, I rubbed against a tree and thought nothing of it. Later, I looked at my shirt to find branches and buds from the tree stuck all over my shirt. It took my wifeContinue reading “Sticky Situation”

Hold Fast

Wanting To Be Great

The world tells us that we should promote ourselves to become great. Now, social media is full of self-promoters spouting all sorts of foolishness and doing all kinds of foolish acts. God has a different standard for leadership. In Matthew 20:26-28 Jesus says, “It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be greatContinue reading “Wanting To Be Great”

Servant Leadership

Stuffed Animals and Jesus

When my children were young, they each had a stuffed animal that went wherever they would go. They found a degree of security and comfort having the stuffed animal with them. We put stuffed animals away as we grow older, but we try to find other comforts and security. We look for comfort in alcoholContinue reading “Stuffed Animals and Jesus”

The Quest For More

We are on a quest to get more. We want more money, bigger houses, grander vacations, more sleep, and more attention from others. Nothing seems to fill us. It is like eating the biggest and best Thanksgiving dinner, only to want more. In John 4:13-14 Jesus says, “Everyone who drinks of this water will beContinue reading “The Quest For More”

Proper Request

If you have ever tried to work with a government office to get something you need, you know that it can be a difficult and frustrating process. You have to fill out the paperwork correctly and provide the appropriate backup documentation. Often, government also applies a time frame for the request and requirements for approvalsContinue reading “Proper Request”

Elements of Prayer

Seeing What Is Possible

Sometimes we are hesitant to do a new thing because we don’t think that we can do it. But once we see this new thing done by someone else, we gain confidence and may try to do it ourselves. Matthew 28:5-6 says, “But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for IContinue reading “Seeing What Is Possible”