“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” – Josh Billings quotes (American Humorist, 1818-1885)
But the fruit of the Spirit is … faithfulness (Galations 5:22)
How loyal am I when my friends let me down or are in a crisis?
As shared in yesterday’s devotional, our 13 year old golden retriever died on October 29. That was the saddest day of the year for me. The week before I received an email from Zenon Andrusyshyn with an outstanding message about dogs and extraordinary loyalty.
Zee …

Dog spelled backward is God.
A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. (Proverbs 12:10)
How can I be more loving and loyal to those closest to me?
What life lessons can I learn from a dog?
Yesterday, Ginger died. She was our 13 year old golden retriever and an integral part of our family. While our hearts are heavy, we’ve found this is a time to celebrate Ginger’s life and the joy God brought to our family through her.
My first experience having a …

When you are doing what God has designed you to do, you can BE THE MIRACLE He has designed you to be.
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)
What is a sweet spot?
Where is your sweet spot?
In sports such as golf and tennis, we often hear about the “sweet spot.” In a music auditorium, the sweet spot is that place where the sound is …

 A picture is worth a thousand words!
The threshing floor shall be full of wheat and the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil. (Joel 2:24)
What does it mean that Minnesota is God’s threshing floor for the nation?
As yesterday’s devotional discussed, one way to serve like Jesus is to be grateful. Sharing photos with you is one way for me to show gratitude to God for special people and special places he has allowed me to encounter.
By far, my most popular devotionals are ones with photos. Even people who have …

 Self-esteem comes through service!
We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)
What good works did God prepare in advance for you to do?
As mentioned in yesterday devotional, God led Julia and me to Hosanna Lutheran Church in Minneapolis on October 21, 2007 as guests of Larry and Annette Lotzer. Derek Rust, the preacher for that day and a good friend of the Lotzer’s, shared a super message about learning to serve like Jesus.
The following message …

There is a distinct difference between the things you can do and the things you love to do.
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)
What do you love to do?
Yesterday I shared about Wayne Duncan and how God allowed us to be a miracle in each other’s lives. There are many, many days where I feel so humbled by the mercy, grace, and love …

“True happiness consists not in the multitude of friends, but in their worth and choice.” – Samuel Johnston
A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)
Who have you invited to a Bible study or small group?
Who is dying out there spiritually waiting for your special invitation?
Wayne Duncan is a marketplace minister in real estate. I first met Wayne in 1987 when I moved to Culpeper and rented a house. Our paths crossed a few more times over …

Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“exercise (train) yourself toward godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7)
What disciplines do you have to train properly to love God and love people?
Many people want what others have, but aren’t willing to pay the price for that success. In my October 16 devotional, I mentioned that “as in a marathon, the secret lies not in trying harder, but in training consistently.” It’s interesting that I wrote that devotional on October 13 and the very next day, God connected my wife (Julia) with …

When God puts a burden in the hearts of a few, He delights to team with others to whom He has given that same calling. – K-Life website
The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, And he who begets a wise child will delight in him. (Proverbs 23:24)
How can I help teens build positive, godly relationships that can withstand the negative peer pressure so prevalent in today’s youth culture?
One of the many benefits of participating in the Lifeforming Leadership Coaching courses is getting connected to a network of leaders who …

It is humbling, surprising, rewarding and right to give to others. – Nick Chaconas
“He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.” (2 Corinthians, 1:3-5, The Message)
Who has God brought into your life at key times to pay it forward to you?
Are you in a major slump in your life? If so, how can you get …