I'm very thankful for having had the opportunity to teach my kids how to ride their bikes. Those are memories we look back on fondly. However, what if rather than taking an encouraging approach, I had chosen a frustrated and ridiculing one? Both my kids may have never learned how to ride and if they …
Tag: fellowship
Customized Ride
My father-in-law is truly gifted at restoring and customizing antique cars. He has the ability to transform practically anything with four wheels no matter how rusted and ripped it may be into a jaw dropping work of art that's desired by the most scrutinizing of collectors. Interestingly, he doesn't ask the car what color it …
Cycles Of Reciprocity
Reciprocity dictates that to whoever is given, also gives. Wikipedia defines it as responding to a positive action with another positive action. Therefore, it stands to reason that as God gives to us, we are also to give. God blesses us with spiritual gifts, eternal life and sanctification, but most importantly, He has given us …
When Sharpening Stings
A powerful verse in the Bible declares, as iron sharpens iron so one person sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17). Although true, I admittedly once held a one-sided perspective to this proverb that assumed this "sharpening" process was primarily a pleasant and harmonious one. I now realize however that occasionally this refining can feel more arduous than …
Backsliding Believers?
The dictionary defines backsliding as "relapsing into bad habits, or undesirable activities" - and unfortunately, every believer is prone to this misfortune. However, we do not have to be victims. After all, is anything greater than Christ? In addition, being sensitive to some of the primary triggers of backsliding can help us guard against temptations …
Rushing To Ripen?
Farmers know it takes time for their produce to ripen. For example, they understand mushrooms reach maturity in a matter of days, sunflowers require weeks and pecan trees take years. They may wish to grow things faster, but none the less realize it takes time and conditioning to yield bountiful harvests. If this is true …
“Fire” Safety
Many of us acquired basic fire safety skills during our grade school years. Obviously, the purpose of this teaching was to help empower our chances of survival if caught in a fire. Interestingly, many of these safety principals can be applied to protect our spiritual well-being as well. For example, we will no doubt find …
Is The Golden Rule Still Cool?
Integrity stems from the word, integer, which is a mathematical term used to describe a whole number. Thus, the word integrity can be used to define one who is also whole, or undivided and uncompromising in their convictions. Said another way, a person with high integrity isn't wishy washy - and although a person's level …
“Under Construction”
A couple driving past an area undergoing repairs read a posted sign stating, "End of construction - Thank you for your patience." Immediately the wife turned to her husband to inform him that was the exact engraving she one day wanted etched into her tombstone, for it perfectly described the spiritual process, she believed, each …
Too Close For Comfort?
Why do some find it easy to make and keep lasting friendships while others struggle with allowing anyone to get too close? It's said that President Reagan was like this in his relationships - although extremely charismatic and engaging with most, few if any, ever made his inner circle. As we know, true friends are …
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