We all struggle with faulty software and broken coding. Our interior software tells us what we believe about ourselves and manages everything we think, say, and do. And it’s faulty. Our interior software says things like: • “I have to be perfect to be acceptable.” • “I can’t do anything right and people get upset.”…

“Who are you?” “I’m David Smith.” “Oh, that’s your name. But who are you?” “I’m a pastor.” “No, that’s what you do.” “I’m a Caucasian male.” “No, that’s your ethnicity, your gender. Who are you?” “I’m with the Christian and Missionary Alliance.” “No, that’s your denomination.” I could add my height and weight. The color…

During a war, as enemy forces advanced, Baker Company was cut off from the rest of their battalion. No word was heard from them for several hours though headquarters repeatedly tried to contact them. Finally a faint signal was received. Straining to hear, the commander asked, “Baker Company, do you read me?” “This is Baker…

In team sports like basketball or football or hockey, a coach will often remind the players to play their position. When they are playing their position, they are stronger and more effective. When they are out of position, the other team has an advantage over them. Likewise in our Christian journey, as we maintain our…

During the American Civil War, a soldier was shot in the arm during a battle in Tennessee. His captain saw that he was wounded and ordered him: “Give me your gun, private, and go to the rear of the battle!” The private handed over his rifle and ran toward the north, seeking safety. But after…

As we experience freedom in Christ, we can in turn help others. Here’s a simple way: “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). 1. Warn those who are idle and disruptive. Speak directly to the…

A Chinese boy who wanted to learn about jade went to study from an old, honored teacher. This man put a piece of the precious stone into his hand and told him to hold it tight. Then he began to talk about philosophy, men, women, the sun, and almost everything under it. After an hour…

Sometimes we struggle against dark things, spiritual battles, behind the issues and people we see. Victory is assured, but we must use spiritual weapons and must fight to win. Ephesians 6:13-18 describes our battle armor. • Put on the full armor of God (13). Take our stand against temptations, spiritual attacks, and spiritual oppositions. Take…

Jesus is saving, delivering, sanctifying, healing, and setting me free on all levels – sin, self, sickness, Satan. God’s Word and God’s Spirit convicts me of my sins. I confess them deeply and profoundly. I desire a deep purging and rooting out of all sins. Jesus calls me to deny myself, pick up my cross…

I’ve appreciated the balance C.S. Lewis emphasized about demonic activity: “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe and then feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.” Some never see anything demonic going on…