A Personal Reflection Years ago, I stood before our congregation to preach from Luke 10:29. I was confident I understood the parable of the Good Samaritan. I had prepared to speak about compassion, about being the neighbor who stops to help. I was ready to challenge others to be like the Samaritan who showed mercy.… Read More The Secret Confession of the Pharisee Neighbor
A Deeper Look at a Familiar Story The story of humanity’s fall in Genesis 3 is not just a historical event. It is a profound reflection of our daily struggles. It is a masterclass in psychological manipulation. It reveals how our loves become disordered. We learn to desire the wrong things for what seem like… Read More Disordered Loves: The Subtle Art of Deception
The thing about grief that no one truly prepares you for is its unpredictability. As my daughter wisely observed, grief isn’t linear – it doesn’t follow a neat pattern or timeline. It’s like ocean waves. Sometimes, they are gentle and lap at your feet. Other times, they crash over you without warning and take your… Read More Walking Through Grief: Finding Light in the Darkness
The Challenge of Forgiveness Imagine sitting across from someone who betrayed your trust completely. Your hands are trembling, your heart is racing, and years of hurt are bubbling to the surface. I found myself in this exact situation. Have you ever been in a situation where forgiveness seemed impossible? Where the weight of betrayal or… Read More Forgive and Thrive: Unleashing the Superpower You Didn’t Know You Had
The Distraction Epidemic – A Crisis for Your Attention Visualize this: You’re deep in important work when your phone buzzes. Without thinking, you reach for it. Thirty minutes later, you emerge from a social media spiral, your original task forgotten and your focus shattered. This scenario plays out millions of times daily across our culture.… Read More Turn to the Wall: Finding True Attention in Chaos
Motivation Motivation is crucial in driving individuals to achieve their goals and maintain high-performance levels. What methods are used to motivate others that can greatly influence their overall well-being and success? Let’s explore the significance of motivating without resorting to bullying tactics, focusing on positive motivation, fostering healthy relationships, setting clear goals, providing constructive feedback, and creating a supportive environment.… Read More Inspiring Others Without Bullying
Understanding Discipleship What comes to mind when you hear “disciple” or “follower?” I will go out on a limb, but I doubt you were not thinking of the words “talmid” or “talmidim.” These ancient words, ‘talmid’ and ‘talmidim, ‘are translated as disciple or follower. But in today’s culture, there’s no easy way to identify someone… Read More Are You a Contracted Christian? The Call to Genuine Following
As a parent and a former child, I understand that today’s world is vastly different for kids compared to the one we grew up in. The rapid pace of change can make it feel unpredictable and overwhelming for the upcoming generation. In this context, developing resilience is not just a desirable trait; it’s a necessary… Read More Fall, Fail, and Figure It Out: Raising Resilient Children
People resist change. Why? Because we love to be comfortable and stay in familiar routines. In daily interactions, people often respond with phrases like “Yeah, I know.” This happens when advice or feedback is given on changing someone’s behavior or habits. This response frustrates others when people repeatedly acknowledge awareness. Yet, they do not show… Read More “From Knowing to Doing: Turning ‘Yeah, I Know’ into Real Change”
Why can’t motivation and inspiration be permanent? The answer lies in the dynamic nature of our lives, where countless factors constantly influence our drive and passion. Imagine a world where motivation never wavered, where inspiration burned brightly forever. While that may seem enticing, the reality is that our motivation and inspiration are like flames, flickering… Read More Spark the Flame: Embracing the Journey of Enduring Inspiration
Timothy Dickert 