It’s so easy for us to read the Word looking for doctrine, looking for the theological argument the Apostles make, and looking for the proofs we need to persuade others to believe in Christ. We so often focus on the word Word when we speak of the “Word of God.” But don’t forget that it is the Word of... Continue Reading

Break each page into paragraphs and count each read paragraph as an achievement. Maybe it’s social media but I find I don’t have the same concentration span that I used to. I can read a page and yet realize I haven’t taken in a thing. But if I focus on paragraphs, I find that I... Continue Reading

 “If you are a Christian, we want to challenge you to begin connecting the reality of what God has done for you in Christ to your job, thinking carefully about how this applies to and changes the way you think about your work.”   If you keep even half an eye on Christian publishing, then you... Continue Reading

There is a pervasive cynicism in our society. The reasons behind that reality are many. But congregations and their leaders are not immune from this widespread and pervasive cynicism on society that seems to be growing.   A day does not pass that I do not hear from a hurting pastor. Serving in that role has... Continue Reading

Subtly, without even realizing it, we had become cynics. And the toxic effect could be felt in our marriage, our relationships and our ability to communicate Christ’s love for the world.   It was an attitude I learned in Church, and I used to believe it was a strength. I thought I was simply a... Continue Reading

“Have I settled for now at my job?” Are all my eggs (self-worth, happiness, feelings of success) in the “now” basket? When we forget the future, we may begin to compete in an unhealthy way with co-workers, forgetting that our worth isn’t at stake in how well we succeed on the job. If work goes... Continue Reading

A report in the U.K. Telegraph says that a decade after the U.S. government overthrew Saddam Hussein’s secular regime, the Christian population has dropped from over a million to as little as 200,000.   Some church buildings in Iraq were built as far back as the ninth century. Even though many of these structures have survived, they... Continue Reading

Doesn’t it seem that when a pitcher thinks about how he looks as he’s throwing the ball, and demands applause after each curve ball, he’s on the way to the minors? Could one of the reasons for problems from divorce to politics to decreased church attendance be that we demand complete satisfaction?    On these... Continue Reading

Certainly I am not the only one concerned by these conversations. Have we become this soft? I am trying to imagine previous generations of Christians complaining about their feelings being hurt. I am not trying to be glib, nor am I seeking to mock anyone. But I am genuinely concerned about the softening of our... Continue Reading

The blessings of ministry far outweigh the realities below; however, ministry is definitely not easy. Don’t waste your time and money going to seminary or college for pastoral training if you are not prepared for the negative aspects of ministry mentioned below. Furthermore, always remember that God has called you to love His church, not merely His mature church, but His immature church as... Continue Reading