Category: Interior Life

anxiety

What Jesus Says About Anxiety

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In 1985 19% of college freshman reported being overwhelmed by all they had to do; in 2016 it was 41%! Anxiety has become a huge social-psychological issue. “Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the United States. Over 40 million adults in the U.S. (19.1%) have an anxiety disorder.” It affects approximately 25% of adolescents . Mental health providers report that for youth anxiety is often linked to fear of failure, perfectionism, comparisons to others (often through social media), or difficult neighborhood environments. So, let’s look at what Jesus says about anxiety. We all feel anxiety some of the time and some of us feel it much of the time. Anxiety is an issue in every place and time. But the Kingdom of God that Jesus announced was a place where one could become free of anxiety. He taught us the foundation of overcoming anxiety in Matthew chapter 6, Continue Reading →

What is Christlikeness?

How Much Are You Pursuing Christlikeness?

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Here is another excerpt from my new book, A Quest for the Ultimate. The retreat director, Jacob, is guiding the group through Scripture related to pursuing Christlikeness. Kevin reads, “Matthew 7:26, ‘Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.’” “What words is Jesus talking about?” Jacob asks. “He just finished the Sermon on the Mount, which is a long sermon about how to live. So, Jesus expects his followers to practice those teachings.” “Exactly. Kevin, now read John 14:15.” “If you love me, keep my commands.” This says pretty much the same thing,” Kevin observes. “What do these two verses have to do with Christformation?” Jacob probes. After a moment of silence Kevin slowly concludes, “Well, I guess Jesus’ commandments describe how he lives, so if we follow his commandments we will be Continue Reading →

heavenly body, shining

Does God Want To Glorify His People?

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This is an excerpt from my new book A Quest for the Ultimate. The retreat director Jacob asks the group about their observations in Revelation chapters 21 and 22. The issue is what God emphasizes in the next age. Does he focus more on himself or on his people? Does he want to glorify his people? Browse through chapters 21 and 22 of Revelation and tell me which is emphasized more: God’s glory or the glory and honor of the people of God? I will give you a couple of minutes.Everyone digs into their bibles. After five minutes Jacob asks again, “Which is emphasized more?”“There is a lot of description of the bride, especially in the description of the city,” Kwan observes.“Most of these two chapters are about all the blessings God is going to give us and how beautiful the bride is,” Melissa adds.Heads nod.Somewhat surprised, Gabriella replies, “I’m Continue Reading →

quest for the ultimate cover

Just Released: A Quest For The Ultimate

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As promised in my last post, my new book, “A Quest for the Ultimate” [Amazon link] has been released and is now available on Amazon. The Kindle version is on sale for .99 now; the paperback will be available later today (make sure the cover has the title on it.) Strangely, most believers have not given much thought to their ultimate purpose, and if they do, they are usually uncertain. Yet, isn’t it a critical question? Shouldn’t we all know the ultimate purpose for which we are “pressing on” in Christ? Why do we strive to be holy? Why do we read Scripture? Why do we pray? Why do we attend Sunday service? “A Quest for the Ultimate” will answer these questions by explaining God’s end game for your life. It is a short fiction book about seven believers on a retreat in the San Juan Islands seeking to understand Continue Reading →

quest for the ultimate cover

Excerpt From My New Book “A Quest For The Ultimate”

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In the next few days I will release my new book, “A Quest for the Ultimate: A Spiritual Adventure of Seven Seekers.” It is about the ultimate purpose of the Christian life. I have asked several believers if they knew what the ultimate purpose of their Christian life was, and I received several different answers. None of them seemed to fit with what Scripture teaches, so I think this will be a helpful book. God wants to encourage you with an exciting ultimate purpose, so I hope you will read the book. Below is an excerpt from Chapter Five, which I hope will whet your appetite. The retreat leader is helping the seven participants to make their way to their ultimate purpose. “Now I want us to dive into the answer to the core question that’s been lurking beneath all our discussions.” He leans forward slightly. “What is our ultimate Continue Reading →