What is your normal reaction to correction? When a friend confides, “I’m going to be very frank with you.” Do you grasp his hand and pull him to a chair so he can sit down and tell you your shortcoming? Do you shout for joy that he is about to get another glimpse of your…
Read MoreTrouble, perplexity, persecution, and rejection are all difficult to face. The Apostle Paul had all of these but understood that there is a power that will enable a person to face such treatment without distress, despair, self-pity, or ruin. It is the power of God. The end products of distress can definitely be bodily changes.…
Read MoreGod’s faithfulness is beyond measure, yet, the sad fact is that many miss out on recognizing the faithfulness of God. The faithfulness of God is the most consistent thing on earth! You might have thought the Old Faithful geyser At Yellowstone National Park was the most consistent thing on earth. After all, the geyser was named in 1870 and…
Read MoreThough right living enhances joy, no person can attain perfect behavior all the time. We must find joy in a source other than our behavior. When would you be able to rejoice and have great joy if it depended on perfect behavior? Striving toward perfectionism you cannot attain, keep, control, or manage may push you…
Read MorePouting and sulking are people’s attempt to get their own way. Pouting is selfishness. Have you ever been around people who sulk or pout? Most of the people I counsel are adults and many are experts at pouting. If I say something in a counseling situation that they do not like, they show their displeasure…
Read MoreGod’s strength needs to become our strength. But, when do you need that to happen? One of the most common times of seeing your weakness is when you try to love somebody you do not like! It is hard to do. You can try. You can do good things for people you do not like. By…
Read MoreAre you serious about overcoming anxiety, stress, and frustration? Consider this passage from Proverbs: Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. Proverbs 3:7-8 One of our responsibilities as Christians is to be witnesses to weary travelers…
Read MoreTo be in love with somebody is a wonderful experience. I remember dating Elaine. I dreamed about that girl! I used to talk about her all the time and carry her picture in my wallet, and at odd moments, I’d take it out and look at that simple image of her. I had a picture…
Read MoreDeceit can affect your health. Deceit is the deliberate attempt to mislead someone. Hypocrisy is the pretended possession of those qualities that would make others believe in one’s sincerity, goodness, and devotion. One of the clearest illustrations of deceit was told to me by my friend and mentor Dr. Henry Brandt. I remember him telling…
Read MoreIf someone needs correction, who would you prefer to deliver the message? Would you rather it be a humble or arrogant person? Of course we want the humble person, don’t we? It is very difficult to respond positively to an arrogant person. A humble person is a much better choice for delivering a corrective message,…
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