Bits & Pieces (11/20/12)

5 Aims for Holiday Gatherings – Some worthwhile things to consider as the time of family gatherings quickly approaches.

 

Is God Holding Out On You? – When things are tough, God’s promises can seem empty. This post reminds us why it is important to keep believing (and ingesting) the truth of what He says.

 

When Leaders Lead Change Too Quickly – Sometimes change seems to happen at a snail’s pace. Other times, it can occur so quickly people can’t adapt. Thom Rainer looks at what happens in an organization when change is initiated by the leader at a pace that the followers can’t sustain.

 

The Unexpected Perk of Being Thrown Into the Fire – “But steadfast faith doesn’t just happen. It’s not like you can take a blue steadfast pill and suddenly be a faith ninja. Steadfast, unshakeable faith only comes through the pressure of trials. Trials press us in to God. They force us to lean on God, and trust him when we can’t see the outcome. They knock our legs out from underneath us so that we’ll cling to God.”
Not Her Best – Although written about stay-at-home moms, I think this quotation by G.K. Chesterton can be encouraging to all who have the joy of motherhood.

 

John the Baptist’s Doubt – In looking at when John the Baptist asked for confirmation that Jesus was the Messiah, Jon Bloom reminds us that “[God] does not always answer with the speed we desire, nor is his answer always the deliverance we hope for. But he will always send the help that is needed. His grace will always be sufficient for those who trust him. The hope we taste in the promises we trust will often be the sweetest thing we experience in this age. And his reward will be beyond our imagination.”