Articles Tagged 'Critic'

Family in the Fire

Jesus is among the familiar trappings of his heritage of faith and immediate family, both of whom are dangerously toxic to him and his ministry at this point in his journey.

Phil Ware continues his reflections and convictions on becoming a JesuShaped disciple, this time focusing on the dangers and difficulties the Lord faced from his religious adversaries.

Putting My Life Where My Mouth Is!

Are we willing to live up to our religious-sounding talk?

Phil Ware challenges us to leave behind intention and move out into the world of action as we seek care for our broken world and overcome the criticism that we are uncaring hypocrites who are not willing to help

Jesus' Loose Lug Nuts and His RagTag Band

Could it be that we are more afraid of being contaminated by the world than motivated by Jesus to be salt and light?

Phil Ware reminds us that we want to not only share in the Lord's Supper, but we also want our table to be like Levi's table of grace and friendship.

Whatever Happened to the Gift of Affirmation?

What I had missed was the human element of this event in Jesus' life. The heavenly Father was affirming his Son!

Phil Ware shares insight into affirmation of God's leaders from the life of Jesus and the ministry of Paul.

Love the Family

Your church can be that kind of family, and it can begin with you being that kind of family member.

Patrick Odum reminds us that we can be better at loving the family of believers than we are doing now and that this change, this commitment to love, can make all the difference in the world.

The God Who Believes in You

Where do we turn when no one believes in us... including us?

Max Lucado reminds us that God doesn't give up on us even when everyone us, including us, does.

A Caution about Criticism

Some criticism isn't helpful, it is withering, so how do we deal with it?

Rubel Shelly reminds us that unfair criticism is a part of life so we need to rely on our relationship with God to overcome it and we need to not ever become one of those kinds of criticizers.

Defining Faithfulness

Is fighting for the status quo and defending the way we've always done it really faithfulness?

Tim Woodroof continues his series on "Change in the Life of the Church" and focuses this week on faithfulness and how we define it and how Jesus and Paul define it -- staying on the journey and responding to changes faithfully rather than trying to do thi

Who Is this Man?

If we follow Jesus outside the box, what will we find?

Phil Ware begins a series on Jesus called "Outside the Box" and challenges us to follow Jesus and ask the question, "Who is this man?" because it is the most important question in the world.

Tim Tebow Can't Win!?

What's a young guy got to do?

Rubel Shelly wades into the Tim Tebow issue with some good insight and a reminder to wait and see how this all turns out.

Everyone Is a Critic

What do we do and how do we act in a world of critics?

Rubel Shelly talks about how we all have begun to play the role of critic -- some are on the giving end and some on the receiving -- so how are we to act and respond in such a world?

Sawdust and Two-by-Fours

What are we overlooking in ourselves to criticize others?

Patrick Odum writes about firefighters burning down their own station, hypocrites, criticism, and our desire to run others down.

Putting My Life Where My Mouth Is

Are we up to our talk?

Phil Ware challenges us to leave behind intention and move out into the world of action as we seek care for our broken world and overcome the criticism that we are uncaring hypocrites who are not willing to help.

Brother, Can You Spare a Light

Don't curse the darkness, but light a candle!

Bill Sherrill reminds us that it is much easier to be critical than to do something, but the good that is done is really done by people willing to try.

Penchant for Perfection

Maturity means admitting we haven't arrived!

Rubel Shelly reminds us that we are not perfect yet, and admitting our failures and imperfections is not an excuse, but an opportunity to meet God and have his grace help us grow.

Misplaced Apology?

Is an apology offered before the fact really an apology?

Joey Cope describes his difficulty in dealing with someone who is critical and negative and who begins his statements with an apology.

Cleaning Up Our Act

Are we using cleaning agents that are toxic to others and their faith?

Rubel Shelly reminds us that we need to allow new Christians and inquirers to have time to grow and mature and not subject them to over scrutiny to the point of killing them with caustic cleanliness.

Worship in the Microsoft Age

What does worship really entail?

Patrick Odum reminds us of the importance of church and how it may not be efficient, but is sure necessary.

Become a Builder

Why tear down when you can build others up?

Paul Faulkner reminds us that we are put here to be a blessing to others and inspire, encourage, and build up, not tear down and criticize because the church, Jesus' community, is God's holy temple.

Something Better Than a Critic

Isn't there anything nice to say?

Rubel Reminds us that there are nearly always good things to say about others if we will look and most folks need something kind and encouraging said to them.

Become a Builder

Why tear someone up when you can help them get on track?

Paul Faulkner reminds us of the preciousness of the church and how we must not criticize each other.

How to Handle Criticism

How do you handle it when people come down on you?

Rubel Shelly reminds us that if we have big dreams or want to be used by God significantly, we will have plenty of critics, but don't let them stop you and he gives several different pieces of good advice.

Sizzling!

What do you do when you receive sharp criticims?

Criticism hurts and we often respond unappropriately and hurtfully only making things worse so why don't we take time, weed our own garden, and learn from it.

With the Help of Friends

What do you do when you can't do it alone.

We need to be accountable and get the support of friends.

The Toll Over the Long Haul

What difference does a little criticism really make?

Criticism hurts even when, or maybe especially when, it is dressed in pretty packages and given to us over a long time.