Category Archives: Discipleship

When There’s No Downside in Death

Tim Keller who was well known in evangelical circles as an author, preacher, theologian and Christian apologist died last week.

The Daily Citizen reports that his wife, Kathy, was with him at the end. His son Michael tweeted that he kissed Kathy on the forehead and before he breathed his last breath said these final words Continue reading

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Are You Struggling to Obey God?

This headline caught my attention the other day in a post by Jay Richardson on the Denison Forum.

Do you want to follow all Of God’s commands? Jesus didn’t either.

At first, I brushed it off as being ridiculous. Of course, Jesus wanted to follow all of the Father’s commands. But then I read it. And was given a different perspective. Continue reading

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Are You Pretending to Avoid a Mess?

Yesterday while watching The Five on Fox, they had a light hearted segment with the caption “Half of Americans pretend not to see a mess so others can clean it.”

A recent poll of 2,000 Americans on Spring Cleaning, reported by the New York Post, revealed that 90% become anxious about cleaning their home. Additionally, “49% admit to “always” or “often” pretending to not see a mess so someone else can clean it instead.” Continue reading

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Do Good, People

 

My very good friend, fellow Toastmaster, and preaching colleague, Ralph Walker often regales me with wonderful stories, humorous quips, and witty responses to my blog posts.

Not long ago Ralph shared with me the story of an Indiana “Good Samaritan,” Josiah Vargas, who posted his adventure on a TikTok video that amassed over 2.3 million views.

Vargas made a trip through the McDonalds drive-thru in Elkhart, just to get a Sausage McMuffin. Later when he opened the bag he was shocked with the contents. Continue reading

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Write Your Own Obituary

At the recent Berkshire’s annual shareholder meeting, the 92 year old, Warren Buffet was asked by a 15 year old boy how to avoid making mistakes in business and in life.

Buffet’s response: “You should write your obituary and then try to figure out how to live up to it. It’s not that complicated.”

What an intriguing thought. What would you write? Continue reading

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Jesus Offends People

A New York Post article from January reports a man inside the Mall of America was ordered by a security guard to either remove his T-shirt or leave because it was offensive.

The offensive words?

The front of the shirt read “Jesus Saves.” The back of the shirt stated, “Jesus is the Only Way.” In addition there was a “Coexist” symbol, which represents peace among different religions, crossed out.” Continue reading

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Attitudes. Actions. And Feelings.

On the John Maxwell leadership facebook page is this important reminder from one of his colleagues.

“Attitude plays a crucial role in shaping our emotional responses to different situations. The way we react to events and circumstances is largely influenced by our attitude towards them.”

The author, who I believe is Chris Robinson, speaks to the issue of our feelings as it relates to both our attitude as well as our actions. Continue reading

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Trading Bitterness for Compassion

In the syndicated advice column, Ask Amy, by Amy Dickinson, a woman wrote asking how to shake off the resentment she felt. She signed her name “Bitter.”

Her husband was diagnosed with ALS at age 67. During that time his brother attended their granddaughter’s graduation party, got drunk and hit her car as he was leaving. Yet failed to tell anyone about the accident Continue reading

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A Stubborn Faith

Last week the well known Baptist preacher, Dr. Charles Stanley, died at age 90.

Christianity Today announced his passing with this headline: “Died: Charles Stanley, In Touch Preacher Who Led with Stubborn Faith.”

The description “stubborn faith” grabbed my attention and prompted reflection. It was not meant as a criticism, but a compliment. Stanley was well known both within his denomination and without as a conservative Continue reading

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Filed under Discipleship, Faith

Negative Effects of Religious Hypocrisy

Past negative experiences with professed Christians and/or religious institutions by religious people are cited as the top reasons why people question Christianity.

This March report released by Barna Research found both religious people, as well as those who claimed no faith were the most affected by religious hypocrisy. Continue reading

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