In one sense, any trial that comes into our lives is unplanned and disruptive to our expectations. But some trials last longer than others and are disruptive to everything in our lives. The COVID-19 crisis has, in many ways, been this kind of trial. Everyone in our nation today who is school-aged...
We have hope in and through the Lord Jesus Christ. We know that our Lord died for our sins and was resurrected from the dead. In Him, we have a victorious hope. I read the story of two brilliant young men in England who were both students at the University...
Anyone who tells you that they have local church ministry during Covid-19 figured out is either delusional or far wiser than I am. Because after thirty-four years of pastoring, I am finding this season the most challenging—by far. I have never seen anything like it. The health, political, and social...
3 ASPECTS OF MOVING FORWARD WHEN YOUR WORLD IS STUCK When the Lord laid a phrase from Philippians 3:13, “Reaching Forth,” on my heart for our church theme in 2020, I had no idea that less than three months into the year, our plans would be derailed by a global...
LIVING THIS YEAR LIKE IT IS YOUR LAST “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”—Psalm 90:12 The new year offers us a new opportunity to look forward, put the past behind, and chart the course anew. It’s a fresh start. Last year...
3 TRUTHS TO REMEMBER WHEN SETTING GOALS The week between Christmas and New Year’s has long been claimed territory on my calendar for goal setting. In the weeks previous, I’ve jotted down general ideas for goals for the New Year, but on this week, I prayerfully finalize these goals. I don’t know if...
A few years ago, I wrote a little book titled Christmas Is a Gift. In it, I pointed out that Christmas itself is the gift of Christ’s presence: Emmanuel—God with us! But if Christmas is a gift, how do we unwrap it? How do we celebrate the gift, not just enjoy...
CONTINUING IN THE HERITAGE OF THANKSGIVING Americans must never forget the origins of our national Thanksgiving holiday. Its spiritual significance is no longer taught in our nation’s public schools. In fact, most school children today are taught that Thanksgiving originated when the Pilgrims invited their Native American friends to dinner...
A RIGHT SPIRIT IS ESSENTIAL TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.”—Proverbs 25:28 The picture here is intriguing. A city broken down and without walls is open to attack. It is vulnerable to the...
GOD WANTS OUR UNDIVIDED ATTENTION One of the most special times between a mother and child is when they spend time reading a book together. I always loved it when one of my kids would crawl up in my lap and ask me to read a story. Now, I especially love it...