Who’s Paying Attention
In January 2023 a once-well-known pastor died. When I was in seminary and early years of ministry, Jack Hayford was an internationally known and respected megachurch pastor in Los Angeles. He was also a prolific author and song writer, who wrote the beloved song, “Majesty,” which you’ve certainly heard or sung many times. Though Pentecostal, he worked humbly, wisely, graciously, and effectively with all evangelical pastors and believers and made a huge kingdom impact across Los Angeles and the world. Why do I mention him? Because the only news source I saw that carried the news of his passing was…
Focus on the Process, Not the Goal
As we enter a new year, lots of people have resolutions, goals, or good intentions.But most do not attain them.So try this: Focus on the process, not the goal. Essential ingredients: 1. Desire. (I finally want to change!)Nothing happens without desire—the will and decision to act.Things change when the cost of staying the same becomes worse than the cost of change. 2. Vision. (I want this to be my future reality!)Have a clear picture of what you’ll do or how you’ll grow. Hold it adamantly.You become what you consistently think about / believe / dedicate yourself to. 3. A Goal. …
Follow the Path That Opens
When I came back to Southern California in early 2020, I was a bit sad about many dreams and goals in my life that had either withered or crashed. I had always been big on pursuing goals—I still am. Perhaps you can relate to pursuing dreams and goals—and to their withering or crashing. As I crossed the Arizona-California state line, I clearly sensed the Spirit of God prompt my heart and mind something like this: Stop pursuing your goals. Just follow the path that opens before you. At first, I was a bit wary. But I sensed it was God, so I didn’t make any…
Everyday Previews of Heaven and Hell
Could it be that everything of beauty and joy on earth is in some way a preview of heaven?
Goliath Was Not Always a Giant
Goliath was not always a 9’ 6” giant. He was once a baby. And with the passing of time, the baby became a child, became a teenager, became a man, became a giant. In the same way, our giants often begin as small problems, but they grow. Whether by our own fault or not, when these problems develop, they start to run over our lives and grow into the monsters that we dread. A baby giant can be a wounded heart that through time never gets healed and eventually becomes a major fear, deep bitterness, or raging problem. A baby…
