Repentance. This idea behind this word can bring on a cold sweat on a hot summer day. It suggests wrongdoing, apologies, forgiveness, and change. In the New Testament, the word repent simply means to turn around. It was a military term that described a soldier marching in one direction and then doing an about-face. Spiritually, it means to change your … Read More
Do Real Men Cry?
Jesus didn’t just cry a tear or two—he wept. He wept is the shortest verse in the Bible, yet so powerful! Jesus wept. John 11:35 (ESV) Was Almighty God displaying weakness? No. Rather, he felt deep compassion for his friends, whose brother Lazarus had died. Why Cry? Part 1 Is crying a sign of weakness? Did God give us tears to … Read More
Sexual Sin and Shame
Sexual sin. Will the feeling of shame ever quit? A Christian man–let’s call him “Chris”–confesses a sexual sin to Jesus, who has forgiven him. (See Ephesians 1:7.) Chris turns from the sin, knowing and dreading the moment he may sin sexually–again. He fears his error may become a life-dominating sin. The problem: Chris keeps reminding himself of the sexual sin … Read More
How to Know God’s Will
A common question among Christian is, How can I know God’s will? Twice in two days someone asked me: How does one know if she’s seeking her own way (her will) or God’s? Great question. The folks who asked this question had been dealing with difficulties for a long time. Both were frustrated. They were sick and tired of waiting … Read More
“I’m Only Joking”
Sarcasm is a style of conversation you hear almost daily. Late-night talk show hosts use cutting remarks to entertain audiences. Politicians use sarcasm to convince their constituents that the opponent is unworthy of their vote. And we use ironic criticisms in our daily communications with one another at work, home, or church. So is sarcasm a godly – or ungodly … Read More
How to Listen to the Heart
Listen, ask, look – these three essentials help you hear the heart of a hurting person. When you hear the heart like Jesus, you give compassionate, effective counseling. Essential 1: Listen To help the hurting, you need to learn about your counselee. There are two simple, but critical aspects to gathering the necessary information. The first is the ability to … Read More
