CoffeeBreak With The Word

How do you make decisions — by accumulating facts or talking to others? Which do you prefer – a good book or a social gathering? Which do you tend to lean toward in your formation of faith- doctrine or testimony? Based on our early training and our personality type, we are likely to think that […]

I am so very grateful to know that I am a work ‘in progress.’ I am not who I was, nor am I yet all that I will be! Over dinner with friends on Sunday evening we were laughing together over the foibles and foolishness of our youth. Some 31 years ago, one of my […]

A billion, yes that’s right, a billion greeting cards will be exchanged today in America on this day of love- Valentine’s Day. Guys, we don’t come out looking very good in that exchange either. Greeting card companies estimate that about 85% of the Valentine’s cards are purchased by women! Today is called a celebration of […]

“I feel so unworthy. Can I really be sure of Heaven?” The lady was near tears as she asked the question. Her previous religious tradition was rooted in good works and acts of penance. Though she has trusted Christ for salvation, the old influences continue to dog her so that when she is less than […]

A subtle conceit creeps into our thinking when we start working with God to build His kingdom in this world- no matter what kind of service we perform. As soon as we feel even a little bit competent, we start to believe that it is our performance that produces results. Often without even realizing it, […]

Sam (not his real name) is a man with a sin problem who wants to be free! I’ve met with Sam several times and realize that nothing short of the power of the Spirit and the Word can break the chains. He has good intentions, strong desire, and yet… recently he called me in the […]

Real faith is not cheap, nor is it simple, nor is it easy! The Bible says, Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1, ASV) Faith, according to Hebrews 11, is how we take possession of eternal life while we yet live in this present world. All […]

Recently I counseled with a Believer who is in a time of great uncertainties. Everything is changing, This person is trying to cope with issues of aging, growing children who resist the old family patterns, a marriage relationship that is being redefined, a sense of place in the world that is shifting, even new thoughts […]

I just get a kick out of saying that word — hupomone (hoop·om·on·ay). Go ahead, say it again! Hupomone! I’ve taken leave of my senses, maybe writing in tongues (a new gift?) you think? Actually, I just got you to say a word of Greek from the New Testament. It’s a compound word of a […]

“Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will point out to you.” (Genesis 22:2, NLT) Faith and dread must have shared the space in Abraham’s mind as he started out […]