One of the hardest things for me is confrontation. I would say as a leader it was what I struggled with most. It is difficult to stand up to someone, to go face-to-face with someone and mention something that you take issue with, and for me, I always would get this nervous feeling in my … Continue reading Confrontation
Tag: stumbling block
Mingling
Yesterday we looked at how quickly a person could stray away from Jesus. Today, we will focus in on the idea of mingling. Galatians 1:6-7 says this: “I am shocked over how quickly you have strayed away from the One who called you in the grace of Christ. I’m astounded that you now embrace a … Continue reading Mingling
Curb Cut
Until recently, I never knew what a curb cut meant. I actually have two curb cuts that I clear of snow and ice every winter season. Over the years, I have called them ramps as I tried desperately to ensure that the winter mayhem was removed from their presence. The main objective in my mind … Continue reading Curb Cut
Strict Judgment
Many people want to be up front and in the limelight. With social media, more are encouraged to share everything and be in front of everyone. Being in charge, being a leader, being a teacher—these positions of authority come with a great warning. James notes that these people “will be judged more strictly.” Remember that … Continue reading Strict Judgment
In Such a Way
Today’s devotion is hard to write. I must admit that as a pastor, this verse is one I think upon often. One day I was hit with this overwhelming truth—that my actions—my words and my deeds – could cause someone to stumble and fall. This great responsibility caused me to reevaluate everything. I asked the … Continue reading In Such a Way
Test and Examine
It is important to look inward daily. The world tells us to look outward. There’s nothing wrong with you. There’s something wrong with someone else. You are free to do as you want—you are free to be who you want to be and think how you want to think. The world tells us it’s okay … Continue reading Test and Examine
Get Behind Me
Once as I was reading Matthew 16 aloud, my daughter advised me that verse 23 was her new favorite verse. In this verse, we read, “Get behind me, Satan,” which she thought would be a great thing to say to Satan to tell him to back off. There was a brief pause after she spoke, … Continue reading Get Behind Me
Acts: Proclamation
[Acts 8:26-40] Peter and John were proclaiming the Good News. It disturbed people and they were put in prison. Annas the high priest and Caiaphas questioned them. They spoke of Jesus and the salvation only possible through Him. They were commanded to not speak or teach in the name of Jesus. They responded: “As for … Continue reading Acts: Proclamation
I Have Sinned
Everyone sins; everyone falls short (Romans 3:23). That’s the bad news. But the good news is that Christ Jesus has built a bridge over the gap that was created by sin. God is holy and He can’t stand sin—sin is anything against God. So as we sin, we are moving ourselves away from God. The … Continue reading I Have Sinned