In this series, we’re discussing the stages of true repentance. After acknowledging your sin, experiencing true remorse, and putting a stop to your sin there is a final step – commit to obeying God. In Nehemiah 10, out of Israel’s brokenness and remorse Israel decided to stop sinning, but they needed clarity and commitment to what that would mean. Israel ...
Billy Graham once said that he believed the next revival would come through the marketplace. My personal hopes and prayers are that Billy Graham’s prediction will come true. But what scripture consistently reveals is that repentance precedes revival. Unfortunately, when I examine what repentance looks like in the Bible and contrast it to our current culture’s approach to sin, I ...
As we remember Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, it’s a great day to remember the importance of doing the right thing, even when unpopular. With half of the nation at war, President Lincoln was very unpopular with most of the nation. Yet, he persevered to abolish slavery and fight secession. Today Lincoln is widely celebrated as one of the most respected Presidents ...
Many of us were involved in team sports. Whether it’s basketball, football or soccer, two teams compete with the intent that one will win and the other will lose. This can easily foster the viewpoint that our business lives must also be about a win/lose proposition. It’s easy to convince ourselves that God wants us to win every deal. Joshua ...
A quality that is seldom heard about and seems lacking in our culture today is reverence. Instead of revering God, His name is used in vain constantly throughout America’s workplaces. The Israelites had such reverence for God that when they built the temple under King Solomon’s leadership, no hammer, chisel or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site ...
As I met with Grace about her desire to launch a new business, I was reminded of how scary it can be to leave a job to pursue your passion. But when God makes it clear that He is calling you to step into something new, disobedience shouldn’t be an option. In Jonah 1, God said to Jonah, "'Go to ...
In the video series called “The Chosen,” the Apostle Peter is portrayed as beginning his journey with Jesus as an uptight and controlling disciple. Later, however, on their way to the Pool of Bethesda, Peter relaxes as he realizes he can’t control Jesus. At one point, Peter laughs and says something like, “Here we go again.” It seems Peter has ...
At 88 years old, Dr. Charles Stanley recently retired as the senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Atlanta. His son, Andy, recently interviewed Dr. Stanley about his illustrious career. Throughout the interview, there was a theme Dr. Stanley embraced to navigate many challenges in his life and remain faithful to God all the way to the finish. His personal ...
During a prayer retreat, I felt God encourage me to be open to something new. Shortly thereafter, a friend challenged me with a new idea. He said, “Rick, your book, “Unconventional Business” would be a better brand than Integrity Resource Center. Have you ever considered changing?” My immediate reaction was, “Absolutely not!” My friend then challenged me to pray about ...
In Exodus 4, God instructs Moses to return to Egypt to free the Israelites from slavery. Most of the chapter, however, is Moses making excuses for his involvement. First, Moses asks, “What if the elders don’t believe me?” God answers Moses by turning Moses’ staff into a snake. Then Moses complained that he wasn’t a very good speaker, and asked ...
Equipping Others to Do Work Differently
