Growth
Be a goldfish
I have a remarkable memory for things I wish I could forget. A conversation I handled poorly. A decision I rushed. A moment when my frustration spoke louder than my wisdom. Long after everyone else has moved on, I can still be replaying the scene, imagining what I should have said or done. I’ll bet…
Read MoreTraffic jam
Do you ever feel like you’ve finally learned your lesson about a particular subject, only to realize that you haven’t truly “arrived” at all? I used to believe I was a more patient person, but today, I found myself in a massive traffic jam caused by an accident. Naturally, I had an appointment and was…
Read MoreGood advice
If someone asked me, “If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?” I don’t think I’d talk first about career decisions, finances, diet, or relationships. Those things certainly matter, but one word rises above them all: consistency. Looking back over the years, I’ve come to realize that…
Read MoreNo neutrality
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…
Read MoreWhen you’re trying to do the right thing
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…
Read MoreGet activated!
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…
Read MoreIrresistible
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…
Read MoreInflation
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…
Read MoreLead with your words
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…
Read MoreHonest leadership
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…
Read MoreLove that confronts
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…
Read MoreHistory stuff
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…
Read MoreLife is just plain hard
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.…
Read MoreLet’s do random
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…
Read MoreWhat happens when leaders don’t lead well?
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,…
Read MorePain
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…
Read MoreGod has a plan
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…
Read MoreTime
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…
Read MoreMagic 8-Ball
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…
Read MoreSticking around
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,…
Read MoreWhat an amazing thing Jesus did for us!
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,…
Read MoreGet after it
“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…
Read MoreOld dogs, new tricks
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,…
Read MoreBut they let me down
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…
Read MoreManaging Expectations
Managing Expectations Tom Cruise has a funny line in Top Gun: Maverick. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell delivers it sarcastically during the early briefing scene, when he’s being questioned about his history and reputation. It’s classic Maverick: confident, slightly defiant, and subtly humorous. He acknowledges that people expect trouble, so he keeps the bar low. Managing expectations…
Read MoreThings aren’t always as they seem
Things aren’t always as they seem. For instance, your GPS predicts a 10-minute drive to your destination, but you turn a corner and find yourself stuck in miles of traffic. Or, on a dating app, you come across an incredibly attractive picture of someone you’d like to get to know. However, when you meet, reality…
Read MoreInspiration and Vision
One of the thoughts that often haunts me when I step up to teach is the sobering reality that I may have just spent an hour of someone’s life that they will never get back. In a world where “time” has become the ultimate currency, every minute matters. To speak without clarity, inspiration, or purpose…
Read MoreSurrender
Okay, here’s my “wish.” I wish I could learn a valuable life lesson once and never have to face the consequences of it in the future. Unfortunately, my life doesn’t seem to work that way. Perhaps you can relate to me. For instance, I make a “boneheaded” mistake, realize what I did wrong, and then…
Read MoreTrue Community
Romans 13:2 “Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” Those who make peaceful revolution impossible, make violent revolution inevitable. John F. Kennedy Community is not just a “buzz word” of our day; it’s how God designed us to live, “in community.” Now there are different…
Read MoreWhat Lies Within Us
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” — Henry Ford There’s deep truth in Henry Ford’s words. Our thoughts shape our direction. Our mindset determines how we use the one resource we can never replenish — time. If we believe our moments matter, we’ll approach them with purpose and presence.…
Read More