Resentment is the cocaine of the emotions, causing our blood to pump.  And our energy level to rise. There is a dangerous point at which our anger ceases to be an emotion and becomes a driving force.  That’s why bitter people complain to anyone who will listen. And, like cocaine, resentment can kill.  Physically– with high blood pressure and other conditions. Emotionally– with anxiety and depression.  Spiritually– as it shrivels the soul. Hatred is the rabid dog that turns on its owner.  Revenge is the raging fire that consumes the arsonist. Bitterness is the trap that snares the hunter.  And … Listen Now

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Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6). For what are you hungering and thirsting?   The way we clutch our possessions and our pennies, you’d think we couldn’t live without them.  The problem is, the treasures of earth don’t satisfy.  The promise is, the treasures of heaven do.  Blessed are those, then, who hunger and thirst for righteousness.  Blessed are those who are totally dependent upon Jesus for their joy. Let today be marked by a deep hunger, a craving for God.  May you live this day thirsty… thirsty for … Listen Now

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“This cup is the new covenant in my blood,” Jesus explained, holding up the wine.  These words recorded in Luke 22:20 must have puzzled the disciples. For generations, the Jews had observed the Passover by sacrificing lambs. It was enough to fulfill the law. But it was not enough to take away sins. Only God could offer an eternal solution. Jesus said, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.”  So the thirsty come.  A ragged lot we are, bound together by broken dreams and collapsed promises.  We thirst for righteousness…a clean conscience, a fresh start, and a clean slate.  … Listen Now

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The bandit of joy is Fear.  Fear of death, fear of failure, fear of God, and fear of tomorrow.  His arsenal is vast.  His goal?  To create cowardly, joyless souls. We try unsuccessfully to face our fears with power, possessions, or popularity.  Only inward character creates courage.  And it is those inward convictions Jesus is building in the Beatitudes.  The result of this process is courage—“they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).  No longer shall the earth and its fears dominate us, for we follow the one who dominates the earth. If you are in Christ, you are guaranteed that … Listen Now

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There is one word that describes the night Jesus came—ordinary.  The sky, the sheep, the shepherds—all ordinary. A small cathedral outside Bethlehem marks the supposed birthplace of Jesus.  You can enter the main edifice and admire the ancient church.  You can also enter the cave where a star embedded in the floor recognizes the birth of the King.  But you have to stoop.  The door is so low you can’t go in standing up. The same is true of the Christ. You can see the world standing tall, but to witness the Savior, you have to get on your knees. So…while the … Listen Now

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God’s most powerful tools are the simplest.  Consider the rod of Moses.  God made a stick become a snake, then become a stick again.  Perhaps he can do something with stubborn hearts and stiff-necked people. Consider five smooth stones and an ordinary leather sling.  The soldiers gasped.  Goliath jeered.  David swung.  And God made his point.  Anyone who underestimates what God can do with the ordinary has rocks in his head. Consider the saliva and mud that became a balm for the blind. Once again, the mundane became majestic. We can learn a lesson from the rod, the rock, and the … Listen Now

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My child’s feelings are hurt.  I tell her she’s special.  My child is injured.  I do whatever it takes to make her feel better.  My child is scared.  I won’t go to sleep until she is secure. Moments of comfort from a parent come naturally, willingly and joyfully.  So why am I so reluctant to let my heavenly Father do the same for me?  Why do I think he wouldn’t want to hear about my problems?  Why do I think he’s too busy for me? When I am criticized, injured, or afraid, there is a Father who is ready to … Listen Now

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You’ve seen the prisoners of pride.  The alcoholic who won’t admit his drinking problem.  The woman who won’t talk about her fears.  The businessman who rejects help while his dreams fall apart. In 1 John 1:9, the apostle wrote “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just…”  The biggest word in Scripture might be that two-letter one, if.  For confessing sins—admitting failure—is exactly what prisoners of pride refuse to do. The second beatitude says, “Blessed are those who mourn…” (Matthew 5:4).  When you get to the point of sorrow for your sins, when you admit that you have … Listen Now

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My power shows up best in weak people (2 Corinthians 12:9).  Those words were spoken by God.  He was looking for empty vessels more than strong muscles. Paul proved it.  Paul had been hell-bent on keeping the kingdom pure by keeping the Christians out.  All this came to a halt on the shoulder of a highway.  He ended up bewildered in a borrowed bedroom.  God left him there a few days with thick scales on his eyes.  The only direction he could look was inside himself.  And Paul didn’t like what he saw.  He pleaded for mercy.  He was never the … Listen Now

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A rich young ruler once asked Jesus, “What must I do to get eternal life?”  He thought he could find eternal life by his own strength.  But Jesus said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God” (Luke 18:27).  It wasn’t money that hindered the rich young man; it was self-sufficiency.  You don’t need a system; you need a Savior.  You don’t need a resumé; you need a Redeemer.  You cannot save yourself. It’s not just the rich who have difficulty with this teaching.  So do the educated, the strong, the good-looking, the popular, the religious. Those who desire God’s presence … Listen Now

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