The Daily Memo

As one of my mentors put it, the interpretation you use to understand your reality and your role in it will be the single greatest force in shaping what becomes of your next decade. In the words of Dan Baker in What Happy People Know, “The stories we tell ourselves about our own lives eventually become our lives. ... The choice is ours.” Our life will be significant in proportion to the stories we choose to interpret our reality. What stories are you using…

Sharing in Christ’s life means that we experience not only the close relationship He had with His Father but also His suffering. As Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matt. 16:24-25 ESV). We need to remember that as we seek to embody His righteousness, we may find our pursuit doesn&rsquo…

Scripture tells us the only Guide worth trusting is the Holy Spirit. He’s the One who knows our past completely, from the moment we were conceived to the present, and who also knows our futures, from this day to eternity. He knows God’s plan and purpose for us today and each day of our lives. He also knows what’s good and right for us. Jesus repeatedly referred to the Spirit as the “Spirit of truth.” Note what He said about the Holy Spirit&rsquo…

The richest blessings in this life exist right before our very eyes on our bookshelves and nightstands. The Word of God. Be encouraged today by reading a few favorites of the faithful. Meditate on His words and soak in the truth told from God Himself. From the Holy Scriptures Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31) So do not fear, for I am…

It was a week full of extremely bad news. One deadly overdose, three relapses to alcohol and drugs, and a friends toddler fighting to survive cancer. Life is so fragile and fraught with difficulties. This is not how it was supposed to be. Jesus said “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV). When I look around at the events…

Victory is God’s will for the life of the believer. But sometimes we can find ourselves repeatedly falling into the same sins. As a result, our lives are marked by broken promises to end wrongdoing. We tell the Lord that we yearn to do what's right, but often our desire wanes when virtue is no longer convenient, pleasurable, or profitable. Many times, believers become angry with God for withholding the victory, but sin is always our choice—not the Lord&rsquo.…

God gives Adam some instructions on the care of creation and his role in the unfolding story. It's pretty basic, and very generous (see Gen. 2:16-17). But notice what God doesn't tell Adam. There is no warning or instruction over what is about to occur: the Temptation of Eve. This is just staggering.  Notably missing from the dialogue between Adam and God is something like this: "Adam, one more thing. A week from Tuesday, about four in the afternoon, you…

Mistreated, Disrespected, Abused, Locked up, Violated, Rejected, Abandoned, Attacked, and Disregarded are all actions that unfortunately describe the realities countless individuals have experienced by the mistreatment of others. Over time someone who has experienced the hurt and pain from a life-altering offense could believe that the incident is now a part of their identity. Although negative things happen to people, it is not an accurate representation of who they&rsquo…

In my book Visioneering, I use the biblical figure of Nehemiah to illustrate the effective pursuit of a vision for one’s life. Nehemiah got the war-damaged city of Jerusalem back together and functioning as it was supposed to. He organized the people to rebuild the city’s wall. He instituted social and spiritual reform. He got the temple operating again. And he convinced the people to observe the Sabbath as God intended. As I’ve said, everybody ends…