Testimonials have always been persuasive. According to researchers, when it comes to people’s purchasing decisions, “there is strong evidence . . . that consumers rely on customer [that’s you!] recommendations far more than advertising.” Understanding the enormous persuasive power of recommendation, why do we as devoted followers of Jesus so often hesitate to recommend Him? If you were to rate …
What loftiness of soul, what purity and elevation of motive, what unselfishness, what self-sacrifice, what exhaustive toil, what ardor of spirit, what divine tact are requisite to be an intercessor for men! When we watch or read mystery or detective stories, the police are always looking for the motive that caused the person to do the crime. In these stories, …
The more time we sit in Jesus’ presence, the more intimately we will know Him. The more we know Him, the more secure and confident we will feel. There’s no doubt that 2020 has been a difficult year for many of us. We’ve experienced lockdowns, closed churches, major illness, political unrest, and, unfortunately, some of us have experienced other heart-wrenching …
That’s the Will of God? Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Why would giving thanks be the will of God? When you think about the will of God, do you not think of “bigger” things. It is the will of God for me to move …
Preparing Your Minds for Action “Prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13) Interestingly, some Bible versions translate the opening phrase as “Gird up your loins!” This phrase doesn’t have much significance today because we typically don’t wear …
An Invitation to Rest Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:28–30 Jesus lived His life …
Are You Trapped in the Tortured Middle? How confident are you in your way of life? In how you make decisions and deal with difficulty? In how you live as a single person or as a spouse? In how you parent? In how you carry out your purpose? Has your approach to life been pressure-tested? When the bombs drop and …
Who likes dull, lifeless things? How many people live in pursuit of the bland? Gray may be an in-vogue color for a wall in one’s home, but it is never in vogue as the condition of one’s heart. Where is the color and the fullness? Where is the life? Where is the brilliance? The word brilliant comes from the Latin …
I’ve never been considered a math genius, but I have studied mathematics, and I understand how powerful multiplication is. Let me give you an easy example. 2 + 3 is 5, right? But 2 x 3 is 6. A small increase, but growth, nonetheless. Adding is fine, but multiplication lends itself to improvements beyond merely adding. When we multiply, there …
