“We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”- Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) Today’s blog is based on an excerpt from the book Soulprint by Mark Batterson. Tomorrow I’ll begin a series of posts discussing Timothy Keller’s newly published book […]
“Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.”- Romans 8:34 (NASB) In the Conclusion to Next Door Savior, Max Lucado mentions the time when he was among the religious leaders invited to come to the White House and pray […]
He (Jesus) said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.”- Luke 5:4-5 In Chapter 5 (“Try Again- Discouraged People”) of Next Door Savior, Max Lucado describes […]
“Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow . . . have lighted fools/ The way to dusty death.”- William Shakespeare, Macbeth Zaccheus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times […]
Kyle Idleman concludes Chapter 10 of AHA by contrasting passivity versus immediate action. Passivity: 1. looks for shortcuts, for cheats, for a way around. 2. looks for the path of least resistance- the wide path. 3. says, “Everything will work itself out.” 4. says, “What is the least I can get away with?” Immediate action: 1. […]
“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave it to her husband who was with her, and he ate.”- […]
Kyle Idleman concludes Chapter 9 of AHA by reiterating that it’s important for us to recognize that without action, the story never changes. Had the Prodigal Son not gotten up, it really wouldn’t have mattered that he came to his senses. He had to take action. Pastor Idleman cites Catholic philosopher Michael Novak, who makes […]
Kyle Idleman continues Chapter 9 of AHA by stating that when convicted hearts don’t lead to changed lives due to inaction, there are some consistent side effects. Pastor Idleman presents and discusses three such side effects. These side effects also can serve as symptoms or warnings that we need to take action. 1. An underlying […]
“And he arose and came to his father.”- Luke 15:20 In Chapter 9 (“Time to Get Up”) of AHA, Kyle Idleman begins with the story of his high school senior class trip. On that trip he saw someone bungee jump for the first time. Taking note that his classmates were duly impressed with that feat, […]
Today Kyle Idleman concludes Chapter 6 of AHA with the second and third tactics of denial. 2. Defend. Pastor Idleman asserts that defensiveness reveals an area of our lives where we are in denial because we don’t want to face the people and places that force us to be brutally honest. In fact, the author […]
In Chapter 3 (“A Desperate Moment”) of AHA, Kyle Idleman discusses the subject of a rude awakening. He notes that one thing is certain about a rude awakening- it’s highly effective. You are sound asleep one moment and wide awake the next. Similarly, Pastor Idleman adds, the challenges and hardships of life also have a […]
He (Elisha) said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.”- 2 Kings 6:16 Kyle Idleman concludes Chapter 6 of AHA with the third and fourth Scriptural examples of how […]