Published every Friday by Pastor Tom Griffith

Be attentive, and willing to let go of the past
Your past has really shaped you.  Some words that were exchanged decades ago may still have impact on you now.  However, it’s not always the things that happen to you or even the things that you do that shape you the most deeply.  It’s your interpretation of [...]

(The idea for this article came from Jeff Bass’ entry in our 40-Day Journey)
Eternal Life – experiencing and living in the Kingdom of God now and forever – is a matter of loving the Lord with all that you are, and loving your neighbor as yourself; that’s what Jesus said.  Two questions [...]

“Because we do not rest we lose our way … poisoned by the hypnotic belief that good things come only through unceasing determination and tireless effort, we can never truly rest.  And for want of rest our lives are in danger.” – Wayne Muller
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In [...]

“All we need is love … da,da,da,da,da;” that’s what the Beatles sang.  The apostle Paul wrote, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” (Galatians 5:6)  And, if you ask almost anyone for the most important attribute of God, they will probably quote a verse without even realizing it; “God is love.” (1 [...]

Have you spent any time lately thinking about the reality that you were created by God? Jesus created all things; “Without Him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:3)  “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was [...]

We live in an information age; so much is literally at our fingertips.  However, all this information is not often translating into deeper and more fulfilled lives.  This is because knowledge doesn’t really help people that much.  It actually has a potential to harm; it can lead to pride or a false sense of security.  [...]

How do you gauge how you are really doing? Do you take stock of your recent accomplishments or the lack thereof? 
Do you look at your thoughts and behaviors and consider whether you have been doing or thinking many wrong things lately? Or do you put a meter to your emotions to see if you are [...]

When was the last time you shared your faith?  Do you talk with people who have similar beliefs?  Do you ever share your beliefs with others who don’t necessarily think or believe as you do? 
Many people are afraid to discuss spiritual things with others.  They may fear conflict or being misunderstood, or being perceived as [...]

Your identity is a big deal!  Some people want to steal your identity and use your resources as if they were their own.  Others don’t really want to know who you are; they simply want you to be who they want you to be.  The question, however, is whether you know who you are or [...]

How’s your attitude these days?  How have you been acting and reacting to people, situations and even to yourself lately?  Your attitude may be one of the best indicators of your overall health and your ability to relate well to others.
It’s interesting that the expression, to “Give someone attitude” generally means to be rude or [...]

(The thoughts of this article were taken from an Advent meditation by Frank A. James of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary)
How does your theology handle bad or difficult times?  How does it handle sickness, doubt, fear or depression?  Does it say that these are products of your lack of faith, wrong understanding or weak declaration?  Does your [...]

Have you ever noticed that some of the best encounters with God occur when we least expect them?  They seem to happen when we have come to the end or ourselves and are depleted.  And, God often shows up when we are not particularly expectant, but are simply doing the right things – based on [...]

How do you determine how much you should give?  How much effort should you give to others?  How much time, energy and money should you give to church?  How much should you spend on gifts?  When is enough, enough?  And when is it not enough?
Some people develop formulas that help direct them as to how [...]

“Please” and “Thank you” are very important expressions.  They recognize the value of others and God in our lives.  We often teach our children to say “Please,” yet we need to make sure it doesn’t slip out of our own practical vocabulary.
“Please” comes from the expression, “If you please” – or more precisely, “If it [...]

Listening to people describe their work places can be very interesting.  It’s one thing to ask what someone does for a living, it is quite another to ask them to describe their work environment, their team and/or their boss.  When they feel comfortable with you, they will begin to paint pictures of what their lives [...]

When you have any real awareness of what God has done for you, you are left with an overwhelming sense of gratitude.  What do you have that is not His?  Your ability to perceive, and your capacity to think and feel come from Him.   Your awareness of and longing for eternity are His design within [...]