The test of love is that it gives even when there is no expectation of a return.
For many of us the great danger is not that we will renounce our faith. It is that we will become so distracted and rushed and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it.
If you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat.
Too often we argue about Christianity instead of marveling at Jesus.
To love someone is to desire and work toward their becoming the best version of themselves. The one person in all the universe who can do this perfectly for you is God.
The good news as Jesus preached it is not just about the minimal entrance requirements for getting into heaven when you die. It is about the glorious redemption of human life-your life.
Having faith does not mean never having doubts or questions. It does mean remaining obedient.
The ministry of bearing with one another is learning to hear God speak through difficult people.
Disciplined people can do the right thing at the right time in the right way for the right reason.
We are tempted to live under the illusion that somewhere out there are people who are normal.
Over and over in the Bible, it is fear that threatens to keep people from trusting and obeying God.
When preaching is done right, it can change lives. When it’s done badly, my failure goes beyond the merely human.
The church is in the hope business.
Skepticism can keep us from blessing, can keep us trapped in two minds.
God is not interested in our spiritual life. He’s interested in our life.
Over time, grit is what separates fruitful lives from aimlessness.
If I have the courage to acknowledge my limits and embrace them, I can experience enormous freedom. If I lack this courage, I will be imprisoned by them.
Acceptance is an act of the heart. To accept someone is to affirm to them that you think it’s a very good thing they are alive.
There is no way for a human being to come to God that does not involve surrender.
The greatest moment of your life is now. This moment is God’s irreplaceable gift to you.