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Never Tear Others Down—Rather Build Them Up

June 14, 2013

A wise man or woman, [Solomon] says, uses words to build others up, to heal their wounds and fortify their self-esteem. Our natural inclination is to join in on the office gossip, or use angry words to defend ourselves when under attack. Solomon urges us to choose to act contrary to our natural inclinations, refusing to take part in gossip and avoiding the use of words that would hurt others. He urges us to replace negative words with positive ones.

Excerpted from The Richest Man Who Ever Lived by Steven K. Scott

Daily Reflection: In what ways will you choose to act contrary to “natural inclinations”?

The Search

June 13, 2013

I set out to look for God, figuring if he was out there, I would find him. I would climb as high and for as long as it might take, having no idea how long and how grueling that journey would become.

What I found was a trail that wended through disappointment and loneliness. I made wrong turns and met a few people who tried to discourage me. But I was driven on by the memory of his being there—back before things broke—and encouraged by those who helped me climb higher. I learned many things about myself, some good, some not so good. But I did find God, in the end—right where I had left him.

Excerpted from Don’t Let Me Go by David Pierce

Daily Reflection: Do you find yourself searching for God?

The Importance of Average Joes

June 12, 2013

God seems to have a special fondness for average Joes. Before they accomplished extraordinary deeds, normal guys like Gideon, David, Peter, and Paul went about their farming, sheep herding, fishing, and tent making. Even Jesus, our Redeemer, Healer, and coming King, started out using a hammer and saw in a carpenter’s shop…

In a day when compromise and political correctness rule, these simple men—average Joes—seek truth and have an unshakable commitment to doing what is right. Ask them their opinion, and you will get an earful of resolute beliefs in God, country, and family.
Strong in character, integrity, and principle, these are the unsung heroes of everyday life in America.

Excerpted from Average Joe by Troy Meeder

Daily Reflection: How can you show the average Joes in your life your appreciation?

Walking with God

June 11, 2013

When a Christian thinks about walking with God, it’s clear there are many variables included in that walk: when, where, how, and who can come with you. No matter what you do or the goals you have, God is our most important Walking Partner. And there is a very practical reason why this is important. Your Walking Companion determines the destination of your life. Walk with God, and you’ll live in His will. But walk with money and possessions, and you might get them or you might not. But one thing is sure: you’ll never be satisfied with them, and you’ll crave more.

Excerpted from The Walk by Shaun Alexander

Daily Reflection: How can you ensure that God is your only Walking Partner?

NEWS: Fearless by Eric Blehm Featured on BookReporter.com

June 10, 2013

Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown, by Eric Blehm, was featured on BookReporter.com, in a book round-up titled “A Warrior’s Bookshelf: Navy SEAL Rorke Denver Recommends Five Great Military Reads.” Go here to read why Denver says “Fearless is a great love story at heart.”

 

Coming of Age

June 10, 2013

“You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. All men will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. By standing firm you will gain life.” (Luke 21:16–19)

How can some of us be put to death, yet realize the promise that “not a hair of your head will perish”? The answer can only be found in a radically different concept of safety. Jesus sees things from His Father’s perspective. In His eyes, the passage from this world into eternity looks more like a coming-of-age, or a rite of passage. It’s a beginning of something much more than it is an end of something. Remember your high school graduation? Caps and gowns, hugs, high fives, and perhaps a few tears. It’s a [ … ]