Consider Where You Build
I lived in Houston, TX for several years, and I really loved being in that area. However, one of the areas lesser qualities is the regular threat of flooding after significant rain. I recall a time when there were nearly ten inches in one night! One specific trait of the city has only added to the problem.
Blaming God
Temptation, and the sin that follows, can be powerful foes. But we often give them far more power over us than they actually have and far too often we look to blame someone else for our struggles. Have you, or someone you know, ever made the statement “I am just not strong enough to resist” when faced with temptation?
Spiritual Packing List
We all hate the “I know I’m forgetting something” feeling. Yet the thought comes creeping back into our minds during most trips. This is where a packing list comes in handy. Since “this world is not our home, we are just passing through,” let’s make sure we are properly prepared for our journey to heaven.
Patching Things Up
Conflict and holes in the relationships around us are apparent at every level. From international and national politicos all the way to our communities, workplaces, and churches destructive conflict is common.
Disobedience is Weakness
Throughout the book of Joshua immense strength is put on display for the world to behold. Nation after nation and city after city are destroyed as God leads His appointed servant to develop the promised land. Four times in chapter 1, God instructs Joshua to “be strong” (1:6, 7, 9, 18).
Just One Among Many
The divine verbal inspiration of the Bible is a central tenet of the Christian faith. Being handed down from God to man the Bible is our record of what He has done to save mankind and functions as our final authority for instruction on how we live our lives in response to His work.
Knowing the Enemy
In the landmark work on military tactics, The Art of War, Sun Tzu compels his readers to know the enemy. Imagine the advantage you might have if, when going into a battle, you already knew the enemies tactics.
The Power Has Gone Out…
For the first time in several years, the power was out in our house last night. It had obviously been a while since the power had gone out because we were clearly unprepared. When we looked for lights in our camping gear, we found out that the large lantern didn't have batteries.
Masters of Criticism
We have become groomed experts of criticism, so much so that it blinds us of the blessings that are right in front of us. The common denominator of all of my examples is simply that I was the one consuming, not contributing.