Category Archives: Contentment

Always leading us back to grace

Posted on May 20, 2013 by

This morning, I was thinking about how easily our hearts drift into efforts to justify ourselves in comparison with others. In some sad and deeply deceptive way, we feel better when we think we are better than others.  Although we … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian life, Christianity, Contentment, Death of Christ, Gospel, Gospel-centered, Grace, Gratitude, Humility, Justification, Pharisees, Pride, Salvation, Schadenfreude, Self esteem, Self love, Selfishness, Spiritual transformation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

It doesn’t feel good to be a Christian

Posted on May 9, 2013 by

Zac Northen wrote a perceptive piece over at Relevant Magazine titled, Can Inner Peace be Misleading? His call is timely for many people: “We need to develop the wisdom for living a life that is comfortable with being uncomfortable, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Anxiety, Attitude, Christian life, Christian worldview, Christianity, Comfort, Complaceny, Complaining, Conflict, Contentment, Culture, Defeat?, Depression, Despair, Discernment, Discouragement, God's Will, Guidelines for living, Hope?, Pain, Peace, Problem of evil, Sanctification, Suffering, Trials, Will of God | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A Closer look at Hope

Posted on April 28, 2013 by

The Nature of Christian Hope 1. Hope is a response – of those who have experienced the mercy of God’s loving intervention and by faith embraced the certainty of God’s promises for the future. – I Peter 1:3-4 – “In His … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian worldview, Comfort, Contentment, Depression, Despair, Discouragement, Emotions, Encouragement, End Times, Eternal life, Eternal security, Heaven, Hope?, Loss, Meaning of life, purpose, Restoration, Spiritual growth, Spiritual inventory, Spiritual transformation, Wisdom | 2 Comments

When people let you down

Posted on February 21, 2013 by

  People work is difficult. People will hurt you and forget you and desert you. Sometimes the people who do this will be the very ones you’ve served most in ministry. If you commit to a life of ministry, you … Continue reading →

Posted in Burnout, Call to ministry, Church Leadership, Contentment, God's Protection, Hope?, Leadership, Life of a pastor, Wisdom | 1 Comment

Are you feeling down?

Posted on February 19, 2013 by

  Long winter months or difficult seasons of life can take their toll on us and make us feel weighed down under a spirit of discouragement.  It’s easy in this life to become discouraged. And when we find ourselves under … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Assurance, Comfort, Contentment, Counseling, Depression, Despair, Discouragement, Emotions, Encouragement, Gospel, Hope?, Jesus Christ, Joy, Meaning of life, Scripture, Spiritual transformation | 1 Comment

5 short audio messages

Posted on December 17, 2012 by

    Worldview: Can you explain a Christian worldview to others? Where would you start? Young Leaders: I am a little nervous for younger leaders going into full-time ministry. Attitude Check: Words to repeat before entering your Church. Elders: Counsel … Continue reading →

Posted in Audio, Audio Resource, Christian worldview, Church Leadership, Church membership, Contentment, Radio Ministry, Wisdom | Leave a comment

Anxiety and Peace

Posted on December 16, 2012 by

  Peace: A word for the Season The gift of peace in four dimensions Moving from Anxiety to Peace Anxiety, worship and humility Care for the whole person Physical beings - with bodily needs- Social beings - with relational needs Spiritual beings - … Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety, Birth of Jesus, Christian worldview, Christianity, Christmas, Contentment, Counseling, Fear, Peace | Leave a comment

Moving from Anxiety to Peace

Posted on December 11, 2012 by

  All people experience moments of anxiety. These are times when thoughts and feelings of apprehension produce fear and worry. We are wise (with how universally common this experience is) to take time to understand it and consider ways to respond. … Continue reading →

Posted in Alcohol addiction, Anxiety, Behavior, Christian life, Comfort, Conceit, Conflict, Contentment, Counseling, Depression, Despair, Divorce, Drug addiction, Dysfunctional, Emotions, Enabling, Fear, Fear of death, Freedom, God's control, Guidelines for living, Holistic ministry, Medicine, Mind, Mind Renewal, Pain, Peace, Pride, Psychology, Radical love, Restoration, Sanctification, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault, Social work, Suffering, Trials, Unresolved issues, Wisdom, Worry | 2 Comments

Watch your tone

Posted on November 28, 2012 by

Some tones of voice are destructive to good relationships. 12 destructive tones Condescending Bossy Angry Snobby Frustrated Impatient Defensive Moody Distant Disrespectful Dark Whining One of the best ways to change our communication is to replace destructive tones with constructive … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Complaining, Conceit, Confession, Conflict, Contentment, Cynicism, Marriage, Narcissism, Parenting teens, Pride, Questioning God, Relationships, Speech | 3 Comments

Grouchy people sharing a gospel of grace?

Posted on November 22, 2012 by

“They’re hard to please and quick to complain.” This is what I was told about groups of Christians who frequent area restaurants. A director of a large conference ministry also told me that this was a common problem in his … Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Attitude, Bitterness, Character, Christian life, Christian worldview, Christianity, Complaining, Contentment, Cynicism, God's Will, Gospel, Gospel-centered, Grace, Gratitude, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving, Wisdom | 1 Comment