"Trusting Christ"
"Consulting Christ"
How do you make decisions?
Many of us conduct research, read books, ask around, or seek references.
Some of us are fortunate to have that one go-to person whom we seek advice from.
It could be a parent, spouse, mentor, or business coach, among others.
Despite seeking the counsel of others and doing copious research, our decisions often prove incorrect.
If that happens, we should ask ourselves, "Did I consult God?"
Not only do we need to consult our Heavenly Father, but He should also be the first person we seek out in all important decisions.
Scripture provides guidance on how we can ensure that God is at the center of our entire decision-making process.
John McHugh, VP of External Relations at Kwik Trip, discusses how his company boldly and unapologetically keeps Christ at the center of its important business decisions.
"The Light of Christ"
It's scary being in the dark.
Anxiety rears its ugly head when you cannot see a few inches in front of your face.
In pitch blackness, you don't know in which direction to move, what obstacles may cause you injury, and what traps and snares await your next few steps.
Like being lost in the woods at night, our secular world is awash in darkness, and only the Light can vanquish it.
As Christians, we take Jesus's light with us everywhere we go, and according to the Great Commission, we're called to share it with others.
Ryan Easter, Founder of the Allied Advantage, is passionate about serving others by shining this Light everywhere he goes.
Scripture provides guidance on how we can do this for others.
“Second Chances in Christ”
Regrets? Everyone has them. It’s easy to be haunted by something we said, did or failed to do – or, had said or done to us. Being unable to forgive ourselves or others, though, locks us in prison. Our quality of life suffers. We (and others) don’t deserve the grace of second chances – but Jesus Christ died so we could. We can yet learn to walk in love and forgiveness. Todd Cioffi, senior adviser with the Calvin Prison Initiative, relates experiences of searching for grace among those whom society has deemed unforgivable.
“Dreams Come True with Christ”
Of all the most-recognized addictions – drugs, alcohol, food, pornography – one regularly goes unacknowledged. We’re addicted to comfort, which can become an unwitting prison. We get too comfortable, and miss out on God’s plans. Dreams often require stepping out of our “comfort zone” … so they go unrealized. Coach Jim Johnson knows about dreams coming true. He played a key role in one of the greatest sports stories ever told. Scripture tells us to trust God in times of discomfort. Will we heed its counsel?
“Businesses for Christ”
Ever borrow someone’s car? Chances are you were super careful driving it – in all likelihood, more so than when driving your own vehicle. We tend to take things that belong to us for granted. Yet, really, nothing we value – our families, our homes, our money – is ours. It’s all God’s, who loans it to us. We should glorify God with all we have – including our businesses and careers. Frank Smith, founder of Driving Happiness at Work, shares insights on melding our faith lives with our workplace
“Innovation for Christ”
We all have routines. Maybe it’s eating a specific breakfast, doing a certain workout at the gym, or reading before bedtime. Routines make us feel safe. When disrupted, it’s easy to feel upset and out of sorts … so we stick to them. Christian life, though, should not be routine. Being “comfortable” and playing it safe, in fact, are unbiblical. How do we balance trying new things against our natural hesitation? Dr. Harvey Castro, an artificial intelligence innovator, talks about the necessity to innovate in all we do.
“Excellence in Christ”
You finally found the perfect gift for a hard-to-shop-for person. They seemed thankful - yet, once accepted, you never saw the gift again. Was all your time and effort a waste? You probably felt disappointed and hurt. Does God feel the same when we ignore the gifts He’s given us? Scripture says we should be skilled and excellent in using God’s offerings. Still, fear and complacency hold us back. Pastor Kevin Wayne Johnson, CEO of the Johnson Leadership Group, offers thoughts on fully utilizing God’s gifts to us
“Our Foundation in Christ”
Famed poet and author Maya Angelou famously said, “You can’t really know where you are going until you know where you have been.” This notion certainly applies to faith. Understanding the journeys of Christianity is integral to becoming rooted in Jesus Christ. Once achieved, though, we can weather any storms the world sends at us. Melissa Giller, Chief Marketing Officer at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & InstituteFoundation, talks about the 40th president’s faith, and how we establish a firm personal foundation in Christ by knowing Christian history.
“Overcoming Adversity With Christ”
Regardless of how charmed a life we live, adversity eventually strikes. Its challenges are stressful and difficult, and often engender feelings of self-pity or wanting to give up. Scripture has a different take: Adversity is a blessing, one that draws us closer to God and makes us stronger. We should pray for more of these moments. Motivational speaker Ben Hinton nearly died after suffering severe brain trauma. He shares his experiences, and profound takeaways, from a level of adversity that few will ever encounter.