Put this in the category of info you probably didn’t know: The expression “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” originated in Japan and is associated with the Three Wise Monkeys at a Shinto shrine built in the early 1600s. The monkeys are named: Mizaru – covers his eyes (“See no evil.”) Kikazaru…
Throughout the Bible, one truth stands out: God’s people were known by clear convictions. Their decisions, commitments, and conversations reflected an unwavering understanding of right and wrong because they reflected an unwavering commitment to God. Our culture, however, often values ambiguity. Many avoid taking a clear stand for fear of offending someone, facing criticism, or…
Have you ever felt like someone is taking advantage of you? It might not be as severe as feeling like a doormat being stepped on or walked on. However, it could be the feeling of being taken for granted, marginalized, or having people make assumptions about you that are detrimental to your well-being. At the…
I received an updated credit card this past week. It came with a sticker attached that read, “THIS CARD CAN NOT BE USED UNTIL ACTIVATED.” I’m certain you’ve had cards with similar instructions. My wife smiled and said, ” This is not a bad warning label for Christ-followers.” She’s right. There is a decision of…
Compassion calls us to slow down, stop, and make time for people. I’m always looking for a good read. Recently, my daughter suggested I read the book Irresistible by Adam Alter. My first thought from the title was, “It must be a fascinating book about me.” Just kidding. It was a compelling and convicting book…
Inflation, a topic that frequently surfaces in conversations, has become a pressing concern for many Americans. While the name-calling and blame-shifting surrounding it may be intense, let’s focus on the reality that most of us are experiencing: our money doesn’t stretch as far as it used to. If you’re reading this update, you might have…
I attended a Bible study with CEO’s and other leaders from the Phoenix area. The theme of the study was this: “Words are the most powerful tool of leadership.” That thought has stayed with me. With words, armies march. With words, peace starts. With words, love begins. With words, relationships end. And with words, leaders…
Leadership understandably means doing the right things and making the right decisions. But have you considered that equally important is making sure you don’t do the wrong things? These may be obvious, but here’s two for a punchout list for you to consider. Don’t take credit for someone else’s work or accomplishments. I happened to…
I don’t want to hurt anyone. I’ve experienced my fair share of pain, especially during my younger years. It’s not a pleasant feeling. Therefore, I naturally strive to avoid adding to someone’s suffering. However, I must address a question: “Is it always possible to avoid causing pain?” The answer is no. There are instances when…
Much of what you read in history is in summary form. “Washington crosses the Potomac.” “Japan surrenders, ending World War II.” “Elon Musk set to buy Twitter.” But history books don’t have the bandwidth to tell every back story or every detail that led to the headline. I get the same sense when reading a…
Sometimes life is just plain hard. People we love get sick. Governments do idiotic things. The news we hear is often negative. Careers don’t always work out. Kids don’t constantly express their love for their parents. Has it ever crossed your mind, “why?” Here’s a thought. Crisis and difficulty in your life have a purpose.…
I have a friend visiting this week. When dinnertime arrived, I asked, “Where do you want to go?” She said, “Let’s do random.” That’s a code word for “Let’s not plan, let’s just go.” There was a palatable feeling of disorder that washed over me. Now, those who know me know that I’m not the…
Some people are just contrary, stubborn, and mean. You could stand on your head all day trying to resolve an issue, and it wouldn’t work. Because they’re not willing. Maybe they don’t care. Maybe they don’t see their error. Maybe they refuse to admit something. But ultimately, it’s on them. You’ve tried. You’ve prayed. But…
Billy Graham said many profound things, but among them was this statement, “When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.” Why is it that character plays such a huge part in leadership? Character is fundamental to effective leadership because good character builds…
What happens when leaders don’t lead well? It’s a great question. You can see it all over the place. It doesn’t take great insight to see the results. Usually, there is a lack of direction, decisions are delayed or avoided, and there is little or no motivation for anyone looking to them. It’s been said,…
My sons and my son-in-law are great fishermen. They love to get away, through a line in the water, and wait for a bite. But I have a problem. I don’t enjoy waiting. They tell me that after you’ve found the right bait, you will find yourself waiting and waiting for the fish to take…
Pain. We avoid it at all costs. Julius Caesar said, “It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience.” The harsh reality is unsettling. All of us will experience pain at some point in our lives. It comes in many forms…physical…
God has a plan. If I’ve heard that once, I’ve heard it a hundred times. In fact, I’ve said it myself many times. I believe it. God does have a plan…for everything. The Bible is clear, God is personal, and He is in control. Proverbs 19:21 says Many are the plans in the mind of…
I blog a lot about love. Love “makes the world go around,” right? Theologically, many believe that it is the primary attribute of God. Love is the “sriracha” sauce of healthy relationships. Hopefully, the love you demonstrate is reciprocal. But what if your love isn’t returned? When a parent ignores their own children. When a…
Time seems to slip away so quickly, and the more we try to control it, the less control we actually have. As we face the ticking clock, our stress and anxiety levels skyrocket. Why is that? Perhaps it’s because the hustle and bustle of life serves as a stark reminder of our mortality—that our time…
When I was growing up, my best friend had a Magic 8-Ball. It was a round plastic sphere that looked like an 8-Ball from a pool table. My friends and I used it for seeking adolescent advice. It was invented in 1946 by Albert C. Carter and Abe Bookman. You’d ask a question, then turn…
The Bible is the most amazing book on the planet. Many of you reading this blog may be aware of the uniqueness of the Scriptures. Josh McDowell and Lee Strobel have written extensively about its historicity and veracity. But I’d like to share a different thought. My undergraduate degree was in science. So, when I…
Dictionaries define a good name as “a person’s high standing among others.” We associate words that describe a good name, dignity, good report, honor, prestige, reputation, repute, respect, and status.” A good name means people can depend on you. Seems that people can’t depend on much anymore. Can they depend on you? Do they know…
When you’re part of the leadership of a church or ministry, holidays often become the year’s “highlights.” This surge in attendance, activities, and anticipation is particularly evident during Christmas and Easter, when many people visit the church. While it’s wonderful and encouraging, it can distort your perception of reality. Perhaps I’m sharing my own experience,…
This morning, I experienced something indescribable. I can narrate the scene, but I struggle to convey its profound impact on me. I was working on my computer at McDonald’s (yes, I can work there!). An older couple entered and placed their order. They moved with a slow, hesitant gait. They settled into the booth next…
Revelation 1:5 “and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood.” Isn’t that an interesting phrase, to be “released from our sins?” The word is translated as loose,…
“Act like a man.” “Man up.” “Get after it.” “Step up.” There have been more than one occasion when I’ve used phrases like those. I enjoy encouraging and challenging men. Most men possess a profound sense of purpose. While this is true for everyone, I’ve found men often need reminders. Putting it another way: We…
Learning something new becomes increasingly challenging as we age. We’ve all heard the saying, “You can’t teach old dogs new tricks.” While I acknowledge its validity to some extent, I’ve come to realize that as we grow older, we have a choice. We can either succumb to the old adage or actively strive to learn,…
I experienced a pretty big disappointment yesterday. Somebody let me down, and it really “blindsided” me. But it shouldn’t have. You’re smart, and you know that sinful people do sinful things. If you’re not Jesus, you’re not perfect. In fact, when you think about Jesus, He was never shocked by others short comings. You’d never…
Immediately after Christmas and New Year’s, many people face a period of faith-testing doubt. I know I have. For me, this manifests as a series of questions: What will I experience at work this coming year? What will the world look like? Will I be able to navigate the challenges that I could face? The…