Archimedes, the ancient Greek mathematician and physicist, is quoted as saying, "Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world." With this statement, he was discussing the physical advantage of proper leverage. In many ways, when dealing with people, patience is like Archimedes’ lever. Proverbs 25:15 teaches us that “By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded, And a soft tongue breaks the bone.” To understand this, let’s build some an

In our examination on the importance of joy, one might get the impression that being joyful is good in every situation, unless sorrow is specifically called for. However, situations exist in which people should not take joy - yet some people do. When this happens, it is generally a symptom of deeper problems. The one who lacks sense. Proverbs 15:21 says, “Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight.” This proverb is interesting because...

This year we have examined joyful endurance, and for obvious reasons we have spent a lot of time examining joy. But the question arises: are there times when joy is not preferable? Are there times where joy is inappropriate or not helpful? To examine this, let’s look at Ecclesiastes 7:1-6...

Marriage was designed by God to be a beautiful union of man and woman. However, as with every good thing, the enemy tries to twist and corrupt that union into something that destroys people and their relationship with God. We as God’s people have the ability, and even duty, to reject the enemy’s corruption and follow God’s beautiful design for union between man and woman...

Most religious groups want to be holy. And God’s word teaches us how to be holy (c.f. 1 Peter 1:15-16). If those desiring to be holy simply did what God says to do, then the world would be a much better place. But for many, just “doing what the Bible says” seems oversimplified and they feel that there must be more to it than that.

Sometimes the most impactful areas of ministry are the quietest...

God, in His perfect wisdom, knows what makes a good leader: character, faith, and wisdom.