We are all creatures that need approval. We may have different tolerances for rejection but at some point, we all need approval and validation. The question we need to ask ourselves is, “Whose approval am I seeking?” If I am seeking God’s approval, then I am setting myself up for a healthy relationship with Him. If I am seeking God’s approval in…

We are all creatures that need approval. We may have different tolerances for rejection, but at some point we all need approval and validation. The question we need to ask ourselves is, “Whose approval am I seeking?” Consider the following as an evaluation. I might be seeking the approval of others if I… 1. Take disagreement personally.2. Change or adapt because of…

Since 1904, the Chilton publishing company has been a trusted source of information on automotive repair. They have built a reputation of accurate and helpful information for those working on their vehicles. If you needed step-by-step instructions with pictures, part numbers, and special tool listings, Chilton’s manuals were your source before the internet. You could read through the manuals and learn how…

You have probably heard someone praying publicly address God repeatedly as “Father,” “Father God,” or even “Father God just.” Often to the point that it is distracting. I am not being critical. This happens because of nervous habits, or they were taught this. However, a line too far is addressing God as “dad, daddy, papi” or any other informal way we would…

Among the people of the earth, the Israelites had a special relationship with God. Even among those in the tribe of Levi had a special service which drew them into a closer relationship with God than their brothers. The descendants of Aaron were to be the priests and the rest of the tribe were to serve and participate in taking care of…

There are groups and professions that we might think ill of due to bad experiences we have had. Classically lawyers and used car salesmen are high on that list. We might all have other professions we would add to the list. There are some that would add religious people to the list. It’s not hard to see why. Many have been hurt…

Not long before Jesus went to the cross, He destroyed a fig tree (Mark 11:12-14, 20-26). In the midst of journeying toward Jerusalem where the most significant moment in history would take place, this encounter might seem to hold little significance. Yet, on His way, Jesus did condemn a tree. “Seeing at a distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to…

“I find it easy to portray a businessman. Being bland, rather cruel and incompetent comes naturally to me” (John Cleese). It is easy to be mean, and the world makes it easier. Life seems to be a gauntlet of rude awakenings, playground politics, the rage of rush hour, the push‐and‐shove along the corporate ladder, and the snippy bickering of a thousand petty…