What tends to be on our minds at any given time is somewhat driven by the events in which we are engaged. This is one reason the regular study of Godās Word is essential. World events also play a major part in our thought processes. For example, this week we read of the European Commission President, Jean-Claude Junker, advocating a combined EU military force. In 2010, the then German Foreign Minister, Guido Westerwelle, had called for the creation of a European army so that in the long term … [Read more...] about What is on Your Mind Today?
Growth
The Age of Uncertainty
The Centennial Edition of the Foreign Affairs Journal was a very interesting edition. The cover was absolutely black. And down on the bottom in a smaller space there was an individual holding what looked like a lantern, but it was the globe of the earth, giving off a very faint light and showing up very dimly around the ground that this individual was standing on indicating of course not very much light in a very dark world. The title of this edition at the bottom, underneath all of this was … [Read more...] about The Age of Uncertainty
Three Levels of Listening
Personally, I always thought I was a fairly good listener. That was until I attended a class on listening. It was only then that I realized I had been a very poor listener for most of my life. The Presenter spoke about the different levels of listening. He represented listening as a team building experience because we often get into trouble since we donāt want to hear the other person before we speak. Scriptures has several comments about our human proclivity to prefer speaking … [Read more...] about Three Levels of Listening
Ways to Measure Spiritual Growth
As followers of God, we have chosen to grow in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ. There are two main ways for us to measure our spiritual growth ā motivation and action. Motivation is the internal desire to grow, to change, to accept Godās perspectives and motivations in all aspects of our lives. Action is a literal external behavioral change - the evidence of that motivation. It is a change that can be perceived and observed in our daily lives. All motivation and actions are … [Read more...] about Ways to Measure Spiritual Growth
Pride vs Humility
Humility is not one the fruits of Godās Holy Spirit but it is an integral part ā the soil ā of the process that produces the fruit. Christ said that we should produce fruit: "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you" (John 15.16). "He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk … [Read more...] about Pride vs Humility
Healthy Attitudes
I want to look at the concept of attitude and see just what kind of potent force it is. An attitude is a manner of acting, feeling or thinking that reveals oneās disposition, opinion, and overall mindset. Oneās attitude is a mental disposition. How we are inside. Our approach to life. Itās the way we view the world in general terms and how we look at other individuals. A good attitude means different things in different circumstances. Generally, it signifies an approach … [Read more...] about Healthy Attitudes
The Purpose of Righteousness
Even within Christian churches that look fairly homogeneous doctrinally-speaking, we can find diverse attitudes. For example, there are currents of more liberal or fundamentalist approaches to religious practice. One such current that can be problematic within churches is self-rightness. I donāt mean the arrogant presumption that one is perfect. I mean the tendency to let ārighteousnessā become an idol. Itās an easy trap for any of us to fall into so we need to examine our motives … [Read more...] about The Purpose of Righteousness