In her book Reach for the Summit, the late Hall of Fame University of Tennessee basketball coach Pat Summit offered this insightful observation:
“Discipline is the internal mechanism that motivates you. It gets you out of bed in the morning. It gets you to work on time, and it tells you when you need to work late. It drives you. It is essential to success, whether individually or in a group.”
Greetings from Welland, Ontario, Canada!
It’s great to be back in Canada, reconnecting with dear friends and brethren, enjoying the best gelato this side of Italy, and sharing God’s Word with some very special people.
On Sunday, we pick up the pace with the start of the Wellandport VBS. I’ll be preaching and teaching the adult class, using this year’s sports theme, “Developing the Heart of a Spiritual Champion.” Together, we’ll consider five essential qualities of a spiritual champion: Discipline. Perseverance. Teamwork. Focus. And Passion. Continue reading
Filed under Weekly Recap
As we hear of the passing of friends, acquaintances, and even people younger than we are, it’s impossible for Norma and me not to realize how richly God has blessed us at ages 78 and 79.
While we have our share of aches, pains, and the inevitable limitations that come with age, we are deeply grateful. Many faithful people were never granted the privilege of living long, fruitful lives.
So when I read this reflection from Daily Devotion, it resonated with me. I hope it encourages you as well—whether you’re young, middle-aged, or enjoying your later years. Continue reading
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Why am I here?
Sooner or later, every thoughtful person asks that question.
We may phrase it differently. Where did I come from? Does my life matter? Is there a purpose for my existence? But behind each question is the same longing—to know that our lives have meaning. Continue reading
In his book The Me I Want to Be, John Ortberg tells about the first time he and his wife went fly fishing.
Their guide explained, “To catch a fish, you have to think like a fish.” To a fish, life is about the maximum gratification of appetite with the minimum expenditure of energy. Fish don’t stop to reflect on danger or recognize the lure hiding a deadly hook. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
“Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will never forget you,” penned William A. Ward
Ward understood something the Bible has taught for centuries: encouragement leaves a lasting imprint on the human heart.
Encouragement is one of the “one another” commands issued by the apostle Paul. Continue reading
Filed under Encouragement
Leonard Bernstein, the renowned conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, was once asked, “What is the hardest instrument to play? Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
Greetings from Welland, Ontario, Canada
This summer marks our 8th year in Canada, working with the Wellandport brethren and other Canadian churches as opportunities arise.
Norma Jean and I have been richly blessed by our association with these wonderful brethren. They are kind, encouraging, and, most of all, dedicated to Kingdom work, regardless of the circumstances, challenges, or setbacks they may encounter. Continue reading
Filed under Weekly Recap
Pride is one of those sins that are especially deceptive because they often hide behind virtue. Usually, the proud person is frequently the last one to recognize it.
My preaching colleague, Gardner Hall, posted a short but powerful piece a few weeks ago that speaks to this universal challenge; he entitled it The Arrogant “We.”
What is the arrogant “we”? Continue reading
Filed under facebook friday
The headline from CTPastors online caught my attention.
Why Belonging Is Not Enough
It immediately challenged a thought I’ve repeated through the years: “It’s not enough to believe; you must belong.” Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
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