Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Most people assume he meant the opposite – that if we value something, we’ll invest in it. But Jesus knew us better than that. He knew that people have the curious habit of loving the things they invest in, instead of vice versa.…
Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve asked someone to keep your secret only to find out that the “world” now knows your situation? The heartbreak of losing trust is overwhelming. Trust isn’t a tool from the toolbox, it is a character. It is built on integrity, and integrity is a trait that…
Being a good father, husband or employee isn’t something you decide to do once – and then it’s done. It’s a choice you make every day. No matter how far you’ve already come, there’s always room for improvement. And, generally speaking, the improvements you make aren’t big ones, but lots of little ones. This past…
One of the goals I set for myself for the past 30 days was to have intentional, daily, sitting down with my Bible, not hindered by a schedule. While I enjoy receiving a daily Bible verse via my phone, and e-mail devotionals have arrived at just the moment I’ve needed them, to have that “turning…
If you could see yourself through God’s eyes for even just a moment, it would change everything. It’s like the story of the man who decided to sell his farm. He hired an advertising company to write an advertisement describing the property. When the farmer heard the statement read, he said, “I’d like to hear…
One of the goals I set for myself for the past 30 days was to have intentional, daily, sitting down with my Bible, not hindered by a schedule. While I enjoy receiving a daily Bible verse via my phone, and e-mail devotionals have arrived at just the moment I’ve needed them, to have that “turning…
I once saw a speaker do an object lesson I’ll never forget. He brought up a volunteer from the audience and showed him a $20 bill. It was crisp and new. He asked the volunteer if he wanted it. Of course, the man said, “Sure!” The speaker then took that $20 bill, crumpled it up…
It was a blessing to hear that several churches were represented during the annual Labor Day parade in Keokuk. It was an honor to have our ministry groups work together and receive a 1st place trophy representing the best religious float. However, what was more memorable was how another church came over to our float…
A blank slate. That’s what I sit down to every week when it comes time to write my column for The Spirit. I’ve got approximately 200 words to write something that will hopefully inspire, challenge, or move you into action. That’s a big job for a little 200-word essay – but that’s no reason not…
It’s that time of year once again…the busy season of fall. The Spirit, our church newsletter, is back on weekly status; youth and L.I.F.E. groups are ready to go into full swing on Wednesday evenings; Heavenly Melodies and the adult choir are practicing their hearts out; the Simple Supper crew is busy planning menus. I…