Years ago, I was preaching on a Sunday evening. I was upset about something and it came through in the message. (I think I had just read a book and was battling some concern as I prepared this message.) That evening, my in-laws were present. After church was over, my father-in-law who had preached for many years… Continue reading What I Learned About Anxiety that Has Helped Me Greatly
Category: Self-Care
How Someone Like You Can Stay Fresh and Alive for the Long Haul
Many of us are very busy, overcommitted, and burdened. Some of us feel as if we are carrying the weight of it all on our shoulders. And yet, we want to stay fresh and alive for the long haul. Taking steps to stay fresh for the long haul is important because too many people crash… Continue reading How Someone Like You Can Stay Fresh and Alive for the Long Haul
Men and Their Spiritual Battle
The spiritual battle for the hearts and lives of men is very real. Our struggle as men, is not against flesh and blood (though is all too often where we put our focus) but is against the powers and principalities of the dark world and the spiritual forces of evil. I have spent much of… Continue reading Men and Their Spiritual Battle
Ten Street Smarts for Men and Women
The following are ten “street smarts” that may be very valuable to you. They cost you nothing but have great value. Consider what you might add to this list. Start. John Acuff was right in his book, Start. Sometimes you just need to begin. Start doing what you have put off. Start doing what you know… Continue reading Ten Street Smarts for Men and Women
Don’t Stop Living Before You Die!
I knew a man who was alive and vibrant in his church in his 30s. He seemed to grow and connect with others in a meaningful way. However, something happened in his 40s. He found his recliner. That became his location for much of his life. Sitting and mindlessly watching hour after hour of television.… Continue reading Don’t Stop Living Before You Die!
When Men Leave Emotionally
What does a man do with pain? Many men simply leave. No, they don’t necessarily leave physically. Rather, they leave emotionally. I recently heard a friend of mine talk about this as he reflected upon a very difficult time in his life. I could identify. Many men have learned that the safest place to take one’s… Continue reading When Men Leave Emotionally
What People Who Live Well Do Differently
What do people who live well do differently? What do the people who finish well do that others don’t seem to do? What do men and women do that so many others seem to ignore or pay little attention to? People who live well live in the present instead of the past. Yes, they may… Continue reading What People Who Live Well Do Differently
I Am Not Worthy
She sat outside our auditorium. She sat in a folding chair, practically doubled over as if she was in pain. She rocked and rocked. Little did I know that she had a gun in her purse. She was deeply troubled. She had been an alcoholic for many years. That night her eyes were bloodshot. I… Continue reading I Am Not Worthy
My Most Important Hour
Of all the hours in the day, the hour after I get up in the morning is probably the most important. For many years, I have practiced an early morning discipline of preparing for my day. This takes place before anyone else in my family awakens. I am convinced that this hour helped me to… Continue reading My Most Important Hour
Soul Starvation
When Christian leaders are not regularly nourished, burnout can be the result. Ministry can become something that one gets done by sheer willpower. There is no longer any sense that one is drinking from strong and deep spiritual wells. This can become deadly. The demands of life and ministry become intoxicating. Our lives are fueled… Continue reading Soul Starvation