How many of you have memories of time on a porch or on the porch swing? I know this is subjective, but it seems to me that homes with the large porches and a swing may be a thing of the past. I know that some homes have them, but I wonder if they are… Continue Reading
Author Archives: joe
Living an Effective Christian Life
We all look at life through the lenses of our unique life. Our heritage, life experience, personality and dozens of other inputs shape our interpretation of life. The danger in many areas of life is living with a confidence that is not based on God’s truth. So how do I know when I am on… Continue Reading
Living With a Clean Heart!
Years ago I had a conversation that reminded me of the baggage that all of us carry. It could be a lot of baggage or a little. It is the baggage from the past that often haunts our present lives and relationships. It was an individual that could not forgive themselves for their actions in… Continue Reading
How Faith Empowers My Prayers
I once had a person ask me to pray that they would win the lottery. I think most of us would like to win the lottery. Now, I, out of conviction, have never purchased a lottery ticket and explained why I could not pray for him in that area. But it hit me that this… Continue Reading
Has Jesus Changed My Bias Toward Others?
My opportunity to serve as a Juror might be coming to fruition. I have received notices over the years, but this current one is the first time I have made it to the first part of the process. I am still waiting to hear if I will be selected, but I was not eliminated in… Continue Reading
Why Am I Frustrated with My Spiritual Progress?
Maybe you have asked yourself this question in the past? I know that I have. Now, there is not one answer that applies to each person. But there are several common reasons why you might be frustrated with where you are spiritually. I have faced many of these different reasons in my own spiritual… Continue Reading
Am I Making Excuses for Not Walking By Faith
I think we all realize that it is easy to talk a “good game.” It is easy to present ourselves to others in a positive light. Just like we do that to others, we also do that to ourselves. We are able to talk up ourselves to ourself! I was recently reminded that walking by… Continue Reading
Tuning Out the Noise
One of the activities that my wife and I enjoy is going for rides on our motorcycle. What has made the time together more enjoyable has been the addition of noise cancelling headsets that allow us to talk. It hit me recently that this illustrates a real challenge in my life. How I allow… Continue Reading
Where Do I Find My Self-Worth?
It is easy for all of us to find our self-worth or value in the accomplishments in our lives. It could be in our accomplishments, it could be in the organizations that we are invested in, it can be in the stuff we own or even ourselves. It is also easy for to determine… Continue Reading
What Do My Neighbors Think About Me?
Many years ago, I heard an account that came out of a Baptist Church in the former Soviet Union. The story recounted how we were qualified for leadership in the local church. Those responsible would interview the neighbors and co-workers of the person being considered. They would ask, “Do you think that this person… Continue Reading