Please, Sorry, Thanks
The best predictor of success in life, in love, and in leadership is your proficiency at please, sorry, and thanks. Those three words are the foundation of all healthy relationships…
The best predictor of success in life, in love, and in leadership is your proficiency at please, sorry, and thanks. Those three words are the foundation of all healthy relationships…
The heart, in biblical terms, is not part of who we are, but rather the center and core of who we are. So when it comes to Jesus describing who…
Dear Roger, We were ending our Bible study when one of the women spoke up. She said, “I hate to bring this up, but I get so tired of my…
We are going to be in Philippians chapter 2 today, as we talk about this great story, the Christmas story. You know, normally you think about Matthew. You think about…
Humility is not thinking less of yourself or having low self-esteem, it is thinking of yourself less, by thinking of others and God more. As the Spirit of God dwells…
THE END OF THE MATTER Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 This morning, as we come to the end of the book of Ecclesiastes, I am going to talk about fear—and love. “Now all…
We live in an apology-averse culture. We are allergic to repentance and equally allergic to forgiveness. Think about it? When was the last time someone repented to you? I mean,…
Proverbs 16 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (v. 18). Put another way, be humble or you’ll stumble. Pride is the oldest sin in…
“He who is slow to anger has great understanding [and profits from his self-control], But he who is quick-tempered exposes and exalts his foolishness [for all to see].” Proverbs 14:29…
Pride is the essence of sin, and steals God’s glory. How do we conquer it and humble ourselves? www.debwaterbury.com.
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 We are reluctant…
Jesus prayed for himself. So should you! His prayer in John 17:1-5 gives us a model for how we should pray for ourselves. Jesus starts His prayer with a request…
From the time I was 21, I felt desperate to serve God. I remember praying fervently for him to use me: Here I am Lord, send me, and then I left the…
Lysa Terkeurst shares five principles that help you to process pain. Forgiveness is more satisfying than revenge. Our God is not a do-nothing God. Your offender is also suffering. The…
Dear Roger, I served as the treasurer of our church for almost 20 years. Not long ago, some money turned up missing, and I was blamed. The humiliation and…
Today, the need I see for Christian boldness is a little different. It’s not so much that evangelicals are grasping for so-called “Christian America.” Rather, it’s our being drawn into…
Dear Roger, Please help me build my relationship with God while I’m isolated from my church and others. Sincerely, Ronnie Dear Ronnie, I would love to help! I’ve put together…
They say that comparison is the thief of joy, and whoever “they” are, I agree with them. If we are always measuring ourselves against our neighbors who are broadcasting their…
The world needs leaders, especially during times of uncertainty. But not just any leaders. King Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by God in a drastic way, but learned from his suffering to…
Brokenness is a surprising road to happiness and fulfillment! Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matt. 5:3)—i.e., the “broken ones,” those who recognize that they are spiritually bankrupt…
Galatians 5:22-23 lists the qualities of “faithfulness” and “meekness” next to each other. Faithfulness has to do with the keeping of promises, and the courageous declaration of truth. The Greek…
King Nebuchadnezzar had no peers. He was the uncontested ruler of the world of the 6th century B.C. Babylon, his city, rose out of the desert plains like a Manhattan skyline.…
In the beginning, the earth was formless and void, but that did not deter the Almighty. He looked into the fathomless depth of its darkness and concluded, “All it needs…
In the beginning, the earth was formless and void, but that did not deter the Almighty. He looked into the fathomless depth of its darkness and concluded, “All it needs…
Dear Roger, When I read some of the things Paul wrote about women I understand why many (especially Non-Christians) consider Paul to be chauvinistic and sexist. I will make my…
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Who doesn’t like a man of ambition? You know the kind…
“All of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for— God has had it with the proud, But takes delight in just plain…
Dear Roger, Does the Bible address climate change? What does it say about taking care of the planet? Sincerely, Jamie Dear Jamie, Among several environmental and sociological causes, climate change…
God used a highly unlikely widow-pagan and impoverished, to richly provide for God’s prophet Elijah. Never underestimate. So often we think God cannot use us because we are unlikely. But…
You probably have a love/hate relationship with apologies. You appreciate it deeply when others apologize to you. But you find it difficult to apologize to others. And let me guess,…
My youngest son, Miles, and I have a unique mother/son relationship. We most definitely relate on a familial level, but also he appreciates my counsel. As a minister, much of…
John Piper, in his magnificent book, “Why I Love the Apostle Paul,” asks us why Paul didn’t boast more about his vision of the third heaven. Where did Paul go?…
John Piper, in his magnificent book, “Why I Love the Apostle Paul,” asks us why Paul didn’t boast more about his vision of the third heaven. Where did Paul go?…
To take back your mind, you have to humble your heart. Preached at Elevation Church. Sermon notes by sermons.love.
Dear Roger, I was at the soccer field, sitting next to one of my Bible group friends, when my 10-year-old made a goal. I said to my friend, “I’m…
Hebrew professor Dr. Julia Blum shares her insights about the Last Supper from Jewish history and the Hebrew translation of the Gospels: THE ROOM FOR THE LAST SUPPER Jerusalem was…
Our natural virtues, which come from inborn temperament and family nurture—such as our talents, aptitudes, and strengths—are good things. But they each have a dark side. People with prophetic gifts—that…
How do you know if you are proud? Paul has the litmus test. 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 “Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us…
Dear Roger, I’ve celebrated Christmas more than 70 times in my lifetime. Tell me something I probably haven’t heard about the Christmas story, something I can apply to my life. …
Dear Roger, A friend of mine criticized me for some life decisions I’ve made. I believe it is none of his business. However, he is a really good friend, so…
“Jesus didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.” Phil. 2:8 MSG…
These days there’s a lot of talk about “unity” in the church. On the one side, there are Christians who insist that any talk of “race” and racism threatens the…
How do you recognize a great leader when you see one? Jon Acuff describes his day with Dan Cathy from Chick-Fil-A: “Jon, do you want to camp out in a…
Dear Roger, My family is falling apart. I have lost my job, my son is on drugs, and I lost my retirement fund when my company went bankrupt. Has God…
“I don’t know.” Often, when we don’t know something, we make stuff up. When we don’t know the answer to a question, we attempt to answer it anyway. Instead, we…
Some prayers change lives. This one will change yours. “I was asked to pray an extended prayer for the New Year. Here is my prayer, which I wish for all…
None of us are immune. None of us expect to fall. But there’s the precipice. Imagine you’re married to a really important man—so very important that he seems too busy…
Dear Roger, How do we know which Old Testament Laws should be acknowledged and which ones can be ignored? My pastor says that some laws were cultural (like eating…
My weight tends to fluctuate by about 20 pounds. That’s not an issue though because I’m a 6’8” linebacker in the NFL and you can barely tell. (Most of the…
Why do flight attendants give parents flying with young children the instructions, “If there is a change in the air pressure in the cabin and the oxygen masks are…
The fog of the broken heart. It’s a dark fog that slyly imprisons the soul and refuses easy escape. It’s a heavy cloud that honors no hour and respects no…
Dear Roger, Can a Christian be deceived? How is this possible? I am afraid I will not know how to distinguish what is true and what is false in my…
Dear Roger, I am so pleased to find this site as I am a former Casas member. We are in another state now, and attend a PCA Presbyterian church (reformed).…
Peter grows from a roughshod fisherman to a gentle and caring shepherd of God’s people. When we serve as God’s shepherds, we must be broken, humble and love unconditionally. Those…
“Sid, come to my office. We need to talk.” As Sid sat there wondering what was happening, the school official said, “Sid, I really like you. I believe in you.…
Guest Author:Dr. Faydra Shapiro Introductions are funny things – sometimes it’s what is unsaid, what is assumed, that can tell you the most. Several years ago I gave a talk…
Have you ever heard someone say that they are against organized religion? Or perhaps they regard organized religion as having brought harm to society? After all, hasn’t religion been a…
Anticipate and reflect! Experiences aren’t truly yours until you think about them, analyze them, examine them, question them, reflect on them, and finally understand them. — Warren Bennis My favorite…
Do we know how to restore disgraced Christian leaders? Do we emphasize the importance of purity and blameless character of those who lead our congregations? John MacArthur, in his blog…
I continue to receive emails from parents asking about modern day prodigal children. Whether the prodigal is defying family rules, living an undesirable life style, or leaving to who-knows-where, it’s a…
RESOLVING HYPOCRISY: Most of us are unaware of how hypocrisy controls our lives. Here is a list of symptoms that will identify areas you need to address in your integrity…
Christians have made the gospel about so many things … things other than Christ. Jesus Christ is the gravitational pull that brings everything together and gives them significance, reality, and…
I didn’t want just a filter that was like a fence around my kids. Fences might be good for keeping dogs in, but they only provide a temptation for people.…
Is our modern world a wonderful place that’s getting better – or a terrible place that’s getting worse? It’s popular among Christians to believe the world is going to hell…
What does the Bible say about gun control? More specifically, are the guidelines for the use of defensive weapons the same in the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus…
No one wants their garbage revealed. You have this picture of this big God. Jesus said to the church at Sardis, “Recognize who I am, and that you are dead…
Passivity in our spiritual lives is a powerful, insidious, destructive enemy. The Spirit of God does not want us merely to tolerate oppression; He desires we conquer it. He has…
God’s favorite posture is kneeling. Humility is the key to knowing God.Miriam, Moses’ sister and Aaron, Moses’ brother, questioned God’s leadership. Miriam was punished by God and contracted leprosy. Although…
There’s enough circulating in the media today to discourage Christians about the future of marriage and family. In a recent Atlantic article, “All the Single Ladies,” Kate Bolick suggests we…
When we go to the movies we love happy endings. We want the right guy to get the girl. We want the world saved from extinction. We want the hero…
Dear Roger, What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the Church today? Dear Osten, The work of the Holy Spirit in the church today is to…
Getting old to the glory of God means resolutely resisting the typical American dream of retirement. It means being so satisfied with all that God promises to be for us…
Her sparkling blue eyes lit up as I slipped into the dimly lit hospital room. Donna McClure, my dearest friend, was a platinum blonde cowgirl with a heart the size…
We all fight the three-headed dragon: the god of Me, Mine and More. In 1 Peter 5, Paul teaches us how to be humble and place Christ first in our…
Dear Roger, After devastating occurrences taking place in my life one after the other I have given up on God! As somebody who from an early age has been taught…
Unfaithful pastors I’ve counseled have said things like, “The affair was like a run-away-train,” or “It’s like I was temporarily insane.” Even the pastors who are restored to God and…
The life of John the Baptist expressed how Christ can be reflected powerfully in our lives by being unconventional, uncompromising, bold and truly humble. So John sums up God’s work…
The first consequence of Adam’s and Eve’s sin mentioned in Genesis 3:7 is that “the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves…
Dear Roger, I have a question regarding a divorce. I married my then spouse for all the wrong reasons. I thought things would change after the marriage, but they…
True humility is not self-focused, but filled with thoughts of God and compassion for others. How can we build them up? Do you want to brag about something? Brag about…
I have in mind men and women. For men it’s obvious. The need for warfare against the bombardment of visual temptation to fixate on sexual images is urgent. For women…
Acts 16:19: “And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers. “…
Christ modeled humility for us by laying aside His heavenly glory, living on earth and dying for our sins. There are several ways we can model His example in selflessly…
Is change, spiritual growth, a natural part of becoming a Christian? Yes. Living in the status of disciple has, as a natural part and progression, spiritual formation in Christlikeness. Progression…
Words like “submit” and “do as you are told” are foreign to our culture. But Jesus said that He did nothing on His own-only what His Father told Him to…
Why is the love of human glory, rather than God’s glory, so contradictory to faith? One is that true faith in Jesus gives all glory to God and none to…
Christ calls us to be grace-filled, humble people. We are to love others and pray for them rather than nagging and trying to change them. Self-awareness and self-righteousness are contrasted.
Many have asked the intriguing question, “Why was it right for God to slaughter women and children in the Old Testament? How can that ever be right?” It’s right for…
God’s grand design for man in the garden was “very good.” His plan was to lead man as rulers in the Garden to become kings and queens in eternity. The…
God’s Word spoke universes into being. He speaks to us Holy Spirit to human spirit. His revealed Word must be handled carefully with accuracy, background and context. The Word is…
How do we define the “still, small voice of God?” This particular phrase is reminiscent of the scene where the prophet Elijah said that God appeared to him not in…
Paul the apostle teaches that if we know who we are and believe who we are, then we must live who we are-walking worthy of Jesus Christ. We reflect His…
Envy is a disease cured by submission, contentment and humility. When you stuggle with jealousy, remember: life is not fair-eternity is better than fair. You can’t lead if you can’t…
Confession restores sensitivity to God. When I make a relational mistake, confession allows me to make it right. Confession means we have made ourselves vulnerable and fully known, but also…
Pride and narcissism can cause us to lead empty lives. The prescription for pride is servanthood-the selfless, sacrificial investment of Christ-like love in the lives of others.
Nebuchadnezzar demonstrates amazing leadership skills, but loses his kingdom for a time. Eventually, he listens to the wisdom of Daniel and repents. Leadership is a stewardship gift given for a…
We need to be reminded of the grandeur and holiness of an infinite God and His abilit to transform our ordinary lives.
God loves us unconditionally and simply asks us to love Him intimately, humbly serve Him, and to walk with Him in submission and obedience.
Unless we become like children-humble, teachable and trusting-we will never grow into the spiritual people God intends for us to be. The intellegencia in Athens were too proud to receive…
Genesis 41 describes Pharoah’s problem and Joseph’s promotion. Pharoah’s dream has religious overtones because the Nile and cattle are worshipped as gods. We are challenged to emulate Joseph’s mature character…
God calls us to be clothed in humility just as Christ demonstrates when He washes the disciple’s feet at the Last Supper. The humble recognize that their abilities are not…
The detestable nature of rebellion is contrasted with submission. Pride’s destructive nature is weighed against humility.
Humility is the antidote for pride. We surrender to God’s refining work in our lives, resulting in obedience and faith.
On a recent trip to the States I had the opportunity to teach about how Animism and Buddhism have influenced Mongolian culture. Mongolia, my home for the last six years,…
Holy living is not self-promotion, but devotion to the audience of ONE, our Father in heaven. Jesus decries the Pharisees’ ostentatious display of religious practices as He continues to teach…
Christ entered the world as a humble baby, died on a cross as a suffering servant and rose from the dead as King of Kings. He who was pure bore…