Tag Archives: Rick Warren

March 6, 2023 · 5:39 am

Growing Your Skills

“There is a theory of human behavior that says people subconsciously retard their own intellectual growth,” wrote author and business consultant Philip B. Crosby. “They come to rely on cliches and habits.”

Crosby further opined, “Once they reach the age of their own personal comfort with the world, they stop learning and their mind runs on idle for the rest of their days. They may progress organizationally, they may be ambitious and eager, they may even work night and day. But they learn no more.” Continue reading →

3 Comments

Filed under Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth

Tagged as , , ,

January 3, 2023 · 6:58 am

What Do You Think is Important?

Yesterday morning I was watching the Today Show when they interviewed, Adam Grant recognized as Wharton’s top-rated professor for seven straight years.

Grant, is an organizational psychologist and a “leading expert on how we can find meaning and motivation and live more generous and creative lives.”

The interviewer was asking Grant about his perspective on goal setting in the New year. His response that the new year is a ideal time to set new goals because it provides a natural window of opportunity. Continue reading →

5 Comments

Filed under Discipleship, Life, Success

Tagged as , , ,

November 28, 2022 · 4:28 am

Word of the Week: Benefit

Motivational speaker, trainer, and author Glenn Van Ekeren, illustrates the benefits of giving through the life of John D. Rockefeller.

Rockefeller, the founder of Standard Oil Company, was considered the wealthiest American of his time. Yet, it is said that by age 58 his life was a wreck. He worried that his success was temporary. Van Ekeren writes “He became sick physically, mentally and emotionally. There was no humor, balance, or joy in his life. Continue reading →

1 Comment

Filed under Word of the Week

Tagged as , , , , ,

March 20, 2022 · 5:37 am

The Center of Life

“What is at the center of your life?” asked author, minister, and therapist Wayne Muller.

“Carefully examine where you spend your attention, your time,” Muller advised. “Look at your appointment book, your daily schedule. This is what receives your care and attention–an by definition, your love.”

On this Lord’s Day, it’s a good time to ask and reflect on what really is the center of my life? Continue reading →

2 Comments

Filed under Sunday Seed Thoughts

Tagged as , , ,

January 24, 2022 · 6:40 am

Word of the Week: Purpose

“I have no peace. All life is at the end of the tether,“ wrote the English writer and philosopher, H.G. Wells at age 61.

The poet Lord Byron admitted, “My days are in yellow leaf, the flowers and fruits of life are gone, the worm and the canker, and the grief are mine alone.”

The literary genius Thoreau opined “Most men live lives of quiet desperation.” Continue reading →

1 Comment

Filed under Renew in '22, Word of the Week

Tagged as , , , ,

September 6, 2021 · 4:09 am

Word of the Week: Work

“Thank you for working,” I said to the Cracker Barrel server on one of our recent trips.

She simply smiled and said nothing.

When she returned with our coffee, I asked her, “Do you know why I thanked you for working?”

“I guess you’re hungry,” she replied.

“Well, I am hungry,” I admitted. “But that wasn’t the reason.” Continue reading →

4 Comments

Filed under Word of the Week, Work

Tagged as , , , , , ,

May 5, 2020 · 8:04 am

“Be Merciful To Me, O God”

A mother once approached Napoleon seeking a pardon for her son. The emperor replied that the young man had committed a certain offense twice and justice demanded death.

“But I don’t ask for justice,” the mother explained. “I plead for mercy.”

“But your son does not deserve mercy,” Napoleon replied Continue reading →

2 Comments

Filed under Mercy

Tagged as , , , ,

October 7, 2019 · 6:58 am

Word of the Week: Surrender

This week finds us in Denton, Texas, where I’m preaching in a meeting at the Eastside church. It’s wonderful to be back in an area where we lived and worked and to see so many of our friends again.

Last night, in connection with our theme, “Developing the Mind of Christ,” we discussed the concept of surrender. It’s a word that has a negative connotation. But it deserves our consideration. And a larger audience. Continue reading →

4 Comments

Filed under Word of the Week

Tagged as , , ,

February 11, 2019 · 5:47 am

Word of the Week: Significance

Leadership guru John Maxwell says that ‘most people settle into one of three areas: survival, success, or significance.”

He explains that some folks are struggling in life. They may be scrambling just to keep their head above water financially. Other people are doing well. They’re working hard to have a better life. They’ve reached a level of stability in life that the world calls them successful. Continue reading →

2 Comments

Filed under Word of the Week

Tagged as , , , ,

October 22, 2018 · 6:34 am

Word of the Week: Servant

Yesterday Norma Jean and I worshiped with the brethren in Cosby, Tennessee, and I preached for them at the morning service. It was a pleasure to fellowship with these fine folks again.

Olie Williamson has labored with this church for over 20 years. He and his sweet wife, Mary have done a good work at Cosby. And the current state of the congregation is evidence of his patience, preaching and Bible teaching.

Olie is 86, but he is active and energetic. He loves the Lord. Loves the brethren at Cosby. And loves the Truth. We have been recipients of their hospitality or more than one occasion. And appreciate their kindness and fellowship. Continue reading →

4 Comments

Filed under Word of the Week

Tagged as , , ,