John

Hear It

Romans 10:17  “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”

Are you a good listener?  Few people have the natural ability to give others their full attention.  One leadership expert reminded me that the average person speaks about 120 words a minute while our brains can comprehend 480 words a minute.  This leaves 360 words a minute where our minds can wander.  This is why it takes effort to give someone your full attention. 

Tags:  Romans, Hear It, John

God Got Personal

 
John 1:14 “The word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
 
A number of years ago I got really excited about the rumor of a new family that was looking to move into our neighborhood. The neighbor two doors down was planning on moving to Florida and decided to put their house on the market. One of the potential buyers I heard was a famous baseball player for the Pittsburgh Pirates! I immediately began to imagine the fun we woul
Tags:  God Got Personal, John, Christmas, God Became Flesh, Connected, Good Good Father

Married for Good

John 10:10 “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” 
 
Gene and Pat Warrington had a good marriage. The two met when they were in junior high school, got married secretly while Gene was on leave from boot camp in in WWII and lived together for 69 years. In the end they passed away only eight hours apart.  Their kids said that their marriage was more than good and was an example for all who knew them.
 
Marriage is intended to be good and all men want a good relationship with their wife.  It is true that all marriages
Tags:  Married, Marriage, John, Ephesians

Overcoming Fear

1 John 4:18 “There is not fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.”
 
What causes you fear? Every one of us deals with fear from time to time.
Tags:  overcoming fear, John, fear, perfect love

Overcoming Skepticism

John 20:25 “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 
 
There is an old saying that goes “Seeing is believing.” But this is not always true. In scripture many people had the opportunity to see Jesus and chose not to believe. Biblical faith is a trusting response to Jesus that leads to worship. There are many reasons we doubt: our sinful nature and desire to lead our own lives can get in the way. Also, our lack of spiritual maturity: the faith of a 9 year old will
Tags:  John, Skepticism

Made Whole

John 5:6-8  “Do you want to get well?  Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 

When I was young I worked part-time for my father who owned a family business.  My dad is a happy person and always enjoyed his work.  That is why I was surprised the day I walked into the office and heard him talking to a customer in a tone that was less than happy.  After hanging up he looked at me and explained, “That customer has the product and is delaying payment.  It is time to make us whole!” 

Tags:  Made Whole, John, Pick Up Your Mat, Get Up