Paul Outschoorn

Molded into Godly Character

God uses his Word, people, and circumstances to mold us. All three are indispensable for character development. God's Word provides the truth we need to grow, God's people provide the support we need…

Ephesians 4:24 (NIV)

God's Work in You

It is the Holy Spirit's job to produce Christlike character in you. You cannot reproduce the character of Jesus on your own strength. New Year's resolutions, willpower, and best intentions are not enough.…

Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

Reflect Before You Respond

When you're angry, don't respond impulsively. Delay is a great tool in controlling anger. I'm not saying delay indefinitely, or even beyond a day; the Bible says don't go to sleep when you're angry. I'm…

Proverbs 19:11 (NIV), Proverbs 29:11 (NIV)

Your Personality Reveals Purpose

A way to determine how you can serve others is to ask yourself such questions as: What do I really enjoy doing most? When do I feel the most fully alive? What am I doing when I lose track of time? Do…

Galatians 6:4 (NIV)

Managing Your Emotions

Dealing with emotions is a fact of life. As long as we live, we will experience a variety of emotional feelings and reactions, and we must not deny their existence or feel guilty because of them. However,…

Zephaniah 3:17 (AMP)

Getting What You Don't Deserve

The vast majority of people allow God to help them only when they think they deserve it. At one time in my life I was that way. For years I allowed God to help me only when I thought I had earned it,…

Psalm 40:12 (AMP)

Give God Your Best

God shaped you for a purpose and he expects you to make the most of what you've been given. He doesn't want you to worry about or covet abilities that you don't have. Instead he wants you to focus on…

Ephesians 5:17 (NIV)

Fix Your Thoughts on Jesus

When you are tempted, do whatever is necessary to turn your attention to something else. Satan can't get your attention when your mind is preoccupied with something else. That's why the Bible teaches…

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV), 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV), Philippians 4:8 (NIV), Hebrews 3:1 (NIV)

Don't Give Temptation Power

Have you ever watched a food advertisement on television and suddenly felt you were hungry? Have you ever heard someone cough and immediately felt the need to clear your throat? Ever watched someone release…

2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV)

Healing Choices: A Healthy Dependence

In authentic Christian fellowship we learn the art of giving and receiving. We learn healthy ways to depend upon each other. The Bible says, "The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding…

Romans 1:12 (NIV), Romans 14:19 (NIV), 1 Corinthians 12:25 (NIV)

Healing Choices: Authentic Friendships

In Biblical fellowship, we should experience authenticity. Authentic friendships are more than superficial, surface-level chit-chat. They involve genuine, heart-to-heart, sometimes gut-level, sharing.…

James 5:16 (NIV), 1 John 1:7 (NIV), 1 John 1:8 (NIV)

Healing Choices: A Shared Life

God intends for us to experience life together. The Bible calls this shared experience fellowship. Today, however, the word has lost most of its biblical meaning. Fellowship now usually refers to casual…

Matthew 18:20 (NIV)

Faith is Something We Do

Faith is more than something you just feel. Many people confuse emotions and feelings with faith. They come to church and they're moved emotionally, they're inspired, and they're stimulated. But that…

James 2:15 (NIV), James 2:16 (NIV)

Develop Your Potential and Do Something Now

You may know that God's created you with great potential, but you can't stop there. You have to develop your potential. I believe that many people are unhappy because they aren't doing anything to develop…

Colossians 3:23 (AMP)

When Tempted, Seek Support

When you're tempted, reveal your struggle to a godly friend or support group. You don't have to broadcast it to the whole world, but you need at least one person you can honestly share your struggles…

Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIV), Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NIV), James 5:16 (NIV)

Understand Your Vulnerability

When you're tempted, keep your vulnerability in mind and work out ways to protect yourself. God warns us to never get cocky and overconfident about our ability to handle temptation; that's the recipe…

Proverbs 14:16 (NIV), Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV), 1 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV), 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

False Evidence Appearing Real (FEAR)

There is a debilitating fear that Satan tries to put on us every day. I call fear False Evidence Appearing Real. It is intended to keep us from having the power, love and sound mind God wants us to have.…

2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP)

Servants Maintain a Low Profile

Real servants maintain a low profile. Servants don't promote or call attention to themselves. Instead of acting to impress and dressing for success, they "put on the apron of humility, to serve one another."…

Matthew 6:1 (NIV), 1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)

Can Others Count on You?

Real servants are faithful to their ministry. Servants finish their tasks, fulfill their responsibilities, keep their promises, and complete their commitments. They don't leave a job half undone, and…

Matthew 25:23 (NIV)

The Flesh Is Weak,' But You Don't Have to Be

The night before Jesus was crucified, He gathered the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane and made just one request: "All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch…

Matthew 26:41 (AMP)

Do Every Task With Equal Dedication

Servants do every task with equal dedication. Whatever they do, servants "do it with all their heart." (Colossians 3:23 NIV) You will never arrive at the state in life where you're too important to help…

Luke 16:10 (NIV), John 13:15 (NIV), Galatians 6:3 (NIV), Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

The Hidden Power of Confession

What do you usually think of when you hear the word "confession"? Many people think first of the definition that has a negative connotation, being forced to admit you have done something wrong. But when…

1 Samuel 17:46 (NIV), Jeremiah 23:29 (NIV)

Serve With What You Have

Real servants do their best with what they have. Servants don't make excuses, procrastinate, or wait for better circumstances. Servants never say, "One of these days " or "When the time is right ." They…

Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NIV)

What would you do?

You make the choice. Don't look for a punch line. There isn't one. Read it anyway. My question to all of you is: Would you have made the same choice? At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves…

Do What Others Won't

Real servants pay attention to needs. Servants are always on the lookout for ways to help others. When they see a need, they seize the moment to meet it, just as the Bible commands us: "Whenever we have…

Proverbs 3:28 (NIV), Galatians 6:10 (NIV)