Alive and Active Life

One of the most dangerous, critical accomplishments military troops pursue is establishing a beachhead. There’s risk! Still, an established beachhead enables significant forward progress. Interestingly, your life is a beachhead. In fact, it’s yours to establish. Let’s take a look. Read More …

PAUSE. Right now, think about your faith. Are you confident in it? Could you use a faith boost? Today we explore – “faith is humble confidence.” Read More …

When you come close to finishing a very demanding task, how do you feel? Ready to drop? Overwhelmed? Proud of yourself? Hopeful for good outcomes? Frankly, you probably feel tuckered out. This content explores seven strategies of rest to finish something well. Interestingly, you’re nearing the last quarter of the year! Read More …

Do ostriches stick their heads in the sand?* I’ve heard so . . . but that seems like a terrible predicament. Besides a very strange site – butts up and no heads, it doesn’t seem safe. Particularly, if seeking protection from a threat. Actually, it’s silly. Really, the unthinkable response. Read More …

Have you asked yourself – why take communion? I remember even as a youngster, I wanted to understand the bread and cup. But honestly, I did wonder why the bread was so “itty-bitty.” And the cup was barely a taste. Don’t you remember sticking your tongue into that tiny cup to lick every drop out when you were a kid? Nevertheless, it was clear to me as a child – communion is not a meal, or even a sn...

Have you ever experienced identity issues? Actually, it’s quite common. In other words, you’re not alone. Today, we examine – Jesus has no identity issues! Do you? Read More …

You use faith more each day than you realize. Indeed, it’s worth looking at some steps to strong faith. So, did you – Sit in a chair today? Drive your car? Eat lunch?   Well, did you trust your – Chair would hold you? Car could get you where you need to go? Body would energize and promote health from your lunch?   Interestingly, you trusted all this – and so much more – would happen. Read More …

Whether you’re a young adult, middle adult, or mature adult – well, everyone wants purpose in life. Of course, as you live, you figure out you gain experience. However, have you considered you also gain purpose? It’s true! So, let’s explore this. Read More …

Have you considered how much mystery is part of life? In fact, mystery seems to be woven into human DNA. From biggest life events to smallest details – there’s a sense of mystery wrapped in – as life unfolds. Equally, there’s mystery in your relationship with God. What a fascinating concept to explore! Read More …

“Do not be anxious about anything!” (Phil. 4:6) Well, that’s short and simple. So, why do people worry? Why are you sometimes anxious? I can think of numerous legitimate reasons: cares of responsible living, relational issues, health problems, details surrounding death, unexpected sorrows, financial concerns. Realistically, there are also reasons not so legitimate. Regardless, let’s explore tips f...

Whether you’re driving at night, rummaging in the basement, trying to get your grass mowed before the sun totally sinks, or simply trying to get from your bed to the bathroom at night . . . you need illumination. Similarly, you need light to – Direct your heart. Know where to go when you can’t see ahead. Know how to respond when things don’t make sense.   Realistically, in many ways, you need illu...

Last article, we explored how Words Are Important.  However, you’ve lived long enough to know that “speak and do” definitely go together. How many times have you noticed some folks just say a lot of words that sound great – sometimes perhaps even boastful. Sadly, they never live out what they talk about. The people we respect most are ones who put “speak and do” together. Read More …

A few months ago, we published an article “Action Is Better Than Words.” Of course, that is true. In fact, I don’t think anyone would disagree. However, words are important, too! You may remember diagramming sentences in grammar school. (Perhaps you’re thinking – “Ugh – don’t talk about that!”) Most people either loved or hated diagramming sentences. Nevertheless, whenever you assemble words, you...

Remember Ps. 23? You probably memorized it at some point. It starts with “The Lord is my Shepherd. I lack nothing.” Good words! Incidentally, what is shepherding? Oddly, we’ll explore shepherding by first looking at a warrior. Read More …

Have you ever been in a situation where you really wanted to help someone? Perhaps, you didn’t know quite what to do. Today we discuss nine ways to help someone. If you’re reading this, you likely have a tender heart and care about helping other people in our broken world. I want to affirm this desire in you. In fact, you remind me of Jesus. So, read on for helpful tips. And keep your heart in thi...

OK! So, nobody builds an altar anymore. Well, not really. Yet, there are ways we automatically build an altar in our lives on which we make sacrifices – for goals and dreams, for relationships, to feel validated – all the while hoping our sacrifice will bring desired results. Incidentally, it helps to consider – your life is an altar. Read More …

So many days in my life, I’ve thought – “I need a miracle!” In fact, most people find themselves needing a miracle from time to time. Perhaps you’re there now. Please don’t despair. If you need a miracle, God still does them. However, the best miracles may look differently than you picture. For example, as I’ve considered God’s interventions in my life, they rarely look how I pictured miracles at...

There’s a very expensive treasure in this world: freedom! Collectively, a huge price has been paid for people to be free. Soldiers have died. Risks have been taken. Permanent physical and emotional losses have been borne. Frankly, you and I have a part to play to stay free. This is Part 3 in a short series – Be Free! Read More …

Welcome to Part 2 of our short series – Be Free! – Check Points To Freedom. Today, we explore helpful check points to freedom. As we begin, here’s a verse about living free. “It is for freedom Christ has set [you] free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Gal. 5:1) With this incredible promise/command – good check points can help! Read More …

Many countries celebrate freedom. Sadly, freedom is not a reality in some countries. Interestingly, freedom with perspective is critical. Actually, true freedom is much more than a “right.” More accurately, it’s a “responsibility.” Of course, it is to be cherished and enjoyed. Ultimately, however, it is to be protected by how you live and what you do to secure it going forward. I’m excited about t...

What do you want most in life? Have you honestly pondered this? It’s not a selfish question. Actually, it’s a good one. Interestingly, the answer to that question reveals things about you. Things that – Might encourage you. Require a second look. Might challenge you. Possibly need some alterations. Help you look closer at specific aspects of your life. Inspire you to make changes and commitments....

We’re almost to the half-way point. Time to look back over this year. How effective have you been in patterns and decisions you wanted to make? Have you made progress to live effectively each day? Essentially, I’m assuming you want to finish this year well. If I’m right, and I think I probably am, let’s look at some action points to keep momentum going the rest of this year. Read More …

Eat healthy! We hear this all the time. Frankly, it’s true and necessary to live a healthy life. However – to eat God’s Word – what does that mean? Time to dig into another Scripture Dissection – and eat God’s Word. This’ll be interesting. Read More …

Have you ever seen a little kid who’s just a bit too short on one end? They’re up on tiptoe to see what the “big people” see. Perhaps you’ve been on tiptoe to catch a glance of something. Interestingly, that’s a good way to approach each day – living on tiptoe! Read More …

All it takes is putting your foot in the wrong place – and down you go! It could be stairs, slippery ice, wet pavement, carpet that catches your shoe, a highly-polished floor – or even somebody sticking their foot out in front of you (hopefully not on purpose). Incidentally, putting your foot in the wrong place also applies to a balanced life. Let’s explore some ideas about maintaining a life of b...