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. …
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…
Don’t Criticize Anyone for 24 Hours
Here’s a challenge: Don’t criticize anything or anyone for twenty-four hours.If you think, What a dumb idea! You just lost it.Start over. When I first heard that and tried it years ago, I challenged myself to not criticize anyone for twenty-four hours. And I failed every day. But I was making progress—at least I was now aware. And I was surprised at how critical I was of others. Simply becoming aware of how critical I was made a huge impact on me. I mentioned the challenge to others and was surprised at how many laughed at its impossibility. Then one day I got…
