Over the weekend, I watched some televised track and field events. The competition was close, especially in the sprints. With some athletes winning by less than .05 seconds.
One thing I noticed is that none of the participants in either the running or field events wore jeans. No one had on a coat. None wore hiking boots.
Why? Continue reading
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
“Let Go of Whatever Makes You Stop,” is the title of a neat little book by John Mason.
The book identifies areas in life where we become our own worst enemy. How we sabotage our success. And get in our own way of moving forward.
This problem, however, is deeper than how it affects us materially, financially or professionally. It’s a challenge spiritually. It’s an impediment to growth. Continue reading
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
“Most of us learn a great deal every day in order to keep ahead of what we forget,” once quipped the 19th century born lawyer and politician Frank A. Clark.
On a more serious note, business and professional people understand the importance of continuing education. In many fields, like medicine, a specific number of hours are required for a physician to maintain their license. Continuing education is also required for teachers, attorneys, accountants and pilots. Continue reading
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
“A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted,” wrote Warren Wiersbe.
He added that “Faith, like a muscle, must be exercised to grow stronger.” Then offered this illustration from the book “Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret.” Continue reading
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
“Is the church where you attend growing?”
How would you answer this question? By what metric would you define growth? Attendance? Contribution? Baptisms?
While all of the above areas are important, they don’t completely define growth. So, how can we quantify it? Measure it? Describe it? Continue reading
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
Growing up as a kid in Indiana, basketball was a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Later in High School, I added Cross Country and Track. P.E. was also a regular part of the school curriculum in those days.
There was also one common denominator in all of these activities. Stretching. Before scrimmaging or running, the coach always required various stretching exercises to increase muscle flexibility and decrease the risk of injuries Continue reading
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
John Houseman was a British-American actor and producer who was hired to do commercials for the investment firm Smith-Barney in the 1980’s.
Looking immaculate in his 3 piece suit, he spoke with confidence and authority as he sternly looked into the camera and with his gravelly voice affirmed, “Smith-Barney. They make money the old fashioned way. They earn it.”
That’s a great motto for an investment company. And wonderful advice for accumulating wealth. However, it’s not the way we need to approach salvation and our relationship with God. Continue reading
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
“Consistency is hard work,” says a Tennessee preacher, Matthew Morine.
He illustrated this principle in his efforts to exercise regularly. He gets up every morning at 6:00 A.M. and goes to the gym. Matthew says that going once or twice a week is not enough. “The key in working out is consistency.”
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
Readers Digest once shared a story about the time Henry Ford hired an efficiency expert to evaluate his company. After a few weeks, the expert made his report, which was highly favorable except for one thing.
“It’s that man down the hall,” said the expert. “Every time I go by his office he’s just sitting there with his feet on his desk. He’s wasting your money.” Continue reading
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
“Something in human nature tempts us to stay where we’re comfortable,” wrote the late Fred Smith, a Dallas businessman and board member of Christianity Today.
In an article in Leadership Magazine Smith wrote about “Training to Reach the Top.” The theme and thesis of his article spoke to the importance of personal growth, getting out of one’s comfort zone and development in the business world, especially for those in leadership positions. Continue reading
Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth
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