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…
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A rich young ruler came to Jesus, wanting to get eternal life. Jesus told him to instead walk a path that led there. The guy turned away. How often have you had an aim in life and not reached it, then felt disappointed? Or how often have you had an aim in life and reached it, then felt less happy than you thought you would? Time to make a change. If you have not already done this, I encourage you to change your thinking about aspirations and goals. Start with just one thing you aspire to. Could be anything. Instead…
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While following the news and praying for Ukraine, I have continually seen a most powerful lesson on vivid display. Everyone in Russia and in the West thought Russia could simply roll into Ukraine and, with or without resistance, take over the country. Everyone except the Ukrainians. The Ukranians have amazed the world with their will to fight. They refuse to give up, even in the worst situations, fighting to the death. Their tenacious will changed the will of the entire European Union and the United States. This will inspired a widespread, new view on the worth and necessity of defending democratic…
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As the world’s eyes are on Ukraine, I’ve learned much, but one thing we can all relate to. Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, was a Jewish TV comedian who ran for president in an Eastern Orthodox country and won. Not surprisingly, he was often questioned and critiqued about his ability, or inability, to lead the nation. And people didn’t know if they could trust him. Then Putin ruthlessly attacked his country. The USA kindly offered Zelensky safe passage out of the country to set up a government in exile—as practically all leaders in such situations have historically done—but he refused and…
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My encouragement to you this month: As much as you can—and on an ongoing basis because it will change and grow—think about this question: What is your life’s highest contribution? That is, given your gifts, abilities, experiences, and passions—who you are—what is the greatest thing in your life that you can offer to the world or the Kingdom of God? What do you hope to contribute to others or do in God’s hands before you die?What is your life’s highest contribution? Think about that. Until you have a clear answer. Even if it takes your whole life. Because: Do you really have…
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