One of the best pieces of advice that I was told by my mother is, “Never write down anything that you wouldn't say in person. You cannot erase what you've written down.” This has never been more true in our society and connected world than it is today. I grew up in a time without online social media and without a camera in everyone's pocket, so I did not have access to … [Read more...] about Think Before You Hit Send!
Action
Anger: Who’s in Control?
Have you ever said something when you were angry and almost immediately wished you could take it back? Maybe someone hurt you, embarrassed you, disappointed you, or simply pushed you too far. Anger is a powerful emotion. Feeling angry is not automatically sinful, but anger becomes dangerous when it begins to direct our words, attitudes, and actions. James declares, “Let … [Read more...] about Anger: Who’s in Control?
What’s Going On Inside of Me?
Are you self-aware? Being self-aware means knowing what is going on inside you. What am I feeling? Why am I feeling this way? And how is that feeling affecting what I am about to say or do? Why does it matter? Proverbs 4:23 states that you should “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (ESV). If you are going to keep or guard your heart, … [Read more...] about What’s Going On Inside of Me?
Do You Control Your Emotions – Or Do They Control You?
God does not act as man acts. His actions are always consistent with His wisdom, His will, and His character. We, however, sometimes allow our emotions to determine how we act rather than allowing God's will to guide our response. Isaiah puts it this way in Isaiah 55:8–9: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the … [Read more...] about Do You Control Your Emotions – Or Do They Control You?
A Living Sermon
Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston, Texas. Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, “You’d better … [Read more...] about A Living Sermon
