It's never fun to be the one to speak up in opposition to an idea, especially an idea from someone in authority. Yet that willingness to be the lone, unpopular voice of caution is the mark of a truly godly man. =============================   Scripture 1...

God isn't just interested in the quantifiable metrics of my life--he's looking at the state of my heart. Instead of trying to navigate life solely by the actions I perform, I must instead go back daily to the 'heart stuff'. ============================ Scripture Psalm...

Integrity goes beyond what I am explicitly obligated to do. It's the thing that must define my actions when the situation isn't completely 'wrong'...but neither is it 'right'. ============================ Scripture 2 Samuel 4:11 "How much more, when wicked men have...

The darkness doesn't bring God's voice any nearer--it simply gives me the choice of focusing on my fearful imagination...or on his quiet whisper. This week, I choose to focus on the quiet whisper of God's voice. ========================== Scripture Matthew 10:19-20,...

When confronted by my failures, I want to learn and grow forward--not keep repeating the same dumb decisions. =================================== Scripture 1 Samuel 26:21 "Then Saul said, "I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will no more do you harm, because my...

God's goodness cannot be fully grasped without experiencing it. The step of 'tasting' God's goodness brings awareness of more wonder, more blessing, more goodness than could be seen before. ==================== Scripture Psalm 34:8 "Oh taste and see that the Lord is...

Worship always costs something. The only question is who am I worshiping, and what price am I willing to pay? Am I worshiping earthly success, and paying an eternal price? Or am I paying a temporary price in this life, to worship the Creator and receive an eternal...

The same God who created the opportunity and made the promise, will be faithful to fulfill his promise whether the timeline is what I expected or not. Today I choose to wait on God, with my heart attuned to him--instead of trying to take control over that which I've...

In my life, there are needs that are plain to see, and decisions which must be made. But my own logic and reasoning will not accomplish the right outcome, if I neglect God's voice in the process--and decisions made in absence of the Holy Spirit will have far reaching...

This week, I choose to let my heart again be captivated by the wonder of the God that I serve--instead of staying daily distracted by that which cannot last. ============================ Scripture Psalm 72:18-19 18 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone...

Personal ambition is a tricky thing, and must at every moment be submitted to God's heart and to Kingdom purposes. If that order ever gets reversed, then eventually I will find myself instead submitting God's word to my own desires...and that can only lead to...

The voice of the Holy Spirit is available to guide me. I must choose daily to seek counsel from the Counselor so that I can walk with confidence through the things that are unknown to me. ======================================== Scripture Joshua 9:14-15 "So the men...

I want to notice immediately when something has gotten off track in my heart, and I have stepped outside of God's blessing. I don't want to keep on trying to do things on my own power, but instead take the time to get my heart right before God. I don't want to go,...

Even in painful moments, there's a peace and a certainty in knowing the things that will never change. God's love for me will never change. God's promises for me will never change. God's faithfulness will never change. Instead of allowing my life to be shaken by the...

God's blessings and God's ways go hand in hand, inseparable from each other. His blessings always accompany his ways, and his ways always invite his blessings. ============================ Scripture Deuteronomy 28:8-9, 12 8 The LORD will command the blessing on you in...

Scripture Galatians 5:13 "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Observation Through Christ we have freedom--but not freedom for the purpose of self-indulgence, but...

Accountability is not merely a starting-line strategy, but rather a permanent way of life for a Godly leader. Accountability is not merely a guideline for the novice, but rather a strategy which ensures long-term health for the experienced veteran. If I want to ensure...

People, even those close close to me, will not always feel the weight of my season. I cannot look to them for my strength, but neither should I discard them from my life. They have a role to play, but my strength must come from God alone....