Radically Happy

For several months, courtesy of Back to the Bible, I’ve been receiving an online devotional by the late “prince of preachers” Charles Haddon Spurgeon. I was tickled to see him end today’s devotional with the triplistic formulation: Thus there will be three effects of nearness to Jesus–humility, happiness, and holiness.…

Point to Ponder: Find the intersection of God’s will and your gifts Verse to Remember: “Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out.” — Hebrews 10:24 (Msg.) Question to Consider: How can you use your abilities to serve God by helping others? [Read More] thoughts…

Point to Ponder: Humility is the result of knowing who you are. Verse to Remember: “Serve each other in humility…” — I Peter 5:5a (NLT) Question to Consider: How do you feel when you’re treated like a servant? [Read More] thoughts on Day 32 of Rick Warren’s 40 Days of…

Point to Ponder: You have more to share than you realize. Verse to Remember: “…make up your own mind what you will give… God loves it when the giver delights in giving.” — II Corinthians 9:7 (Msg.) Question to Consider: How attached are you to your possessions? Do you own…

Point to Ponder: We’re to carry each others burdens. Verse to Remember: “You obey the law of Christ when you offer each other a helping hand.” — Galatians 6:2 (CEV) Question to Consider: Who do you know who needs your help to carry their burdens today? [Read More] thoughts on…

Point to Ponder: We’re saved to serve others. Verse to Remember: “Each of us needs to look after the good of people around us, asking ourselves ‘How can I help?’.” — Romans 15:2 (Msg.) Question to Consider: How will you serve someone in your church or small group today? [Read…

Verse to Remember: “By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ.” — Galatians 5:6 (NIV) [Read More] thoughts on weekly Session 5 of Rick Warren’s 40 Days of Community,

Point to Ponder: Fellowship without forgiveness is impossible Verse to Remember: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) Question to Consider: If there’s someone you need to forgive, when are you doing to do it? If…

Point to Ponder: The purpose of confession is not disgrace, but grace. Verse to Remember: “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” — James 5:16 (NIV) Question to Consider: If…

Point to Ponder: Let others go first. Verse to Remember: “out of humility of mind everyone should give preference to others.” — Phiippians 2:3b (NJB) Question to Consider: In what ways and situations do you need to “practice playing second fiddle” this week? [Read More] thoughts on Day 26 of…

Point to Ponder: It is your business! Verse to Remember: “You must warn each other every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.” — Hebrews 3:13 (NLT) Question to Consider: We wouldn’t hesitate to stop…

Point to Ponder: We are all teachers of the faith. Verse to Remember: “Use his words to teach and counsel each other.” — Colossians 3:16a (NLT) Question to Consider: What are some lessons God has taught you recently that you can share with your small group? [Read More] thoughts on…

Point to Ponder: We have the power to kill or give life. Verse to Remember: “Encourage one another and build each other up.” — I Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) Question to Consider: How can you become a more consistent source of encouragement to those around you? [Read More] thoughts on Day…

Point to Ponder: We all need models to mature. Verse to Remember: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” — I Corinthians 11:1 (NIV) Question to Consider: Who will I look to as models and mentors for my spiritual growth? Who am I willing to be an…

Verse to Remember: “Encourage one another and build each other up.” — I Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) [Read More] thoughts on weekly Session 4 of Rick Warren’s 40 Days of Community,

Point to Ponder: Honesty strengthens community Verse to Remember: “No more lies, no more pretense.” — Ephesians 4:25a (Msg.) Question to Consider: Which temptation are you more prone to struggle with: lies of commission or lies of omissions? [Read More] thoughts on Day 21 of Rick Warren’s 40 Days of…

Point to Ponder: The more we understand, the more patient we become. Verse to Remember: “Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” — Ephesians 4:2b (NLT) Question to Consider: How can you become more patient with the people in your life? [Read…

Point to Ponder: Go for the love, not the win Verse to Remember: “I get you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so that there won’t be splits in the church. I plead with you to be of…

Point to Ponder: God enables us to love the fear out of one another Verse to Remember: “…all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds.” — I Peter 3:8 (NLT) Question to Consider: To whom…