Hope in the Middle of Betrayal (Psalm 52)
I just got back from helping to move sheep on my daughter and son-in-law’s property. And then tonight, after that encounter with the sheep, who are not always dumb, but let’s be honest, they do a lot of dumb things, I decided to read one of David’s Psalms that has nothing to do with sheep. … More Hope in the Middle of Betrayal (Psalm 52)
“Think of God Often”
Wisdom from Brother Lawrence “Please keep my recommendation in mind: think of God often, by day, by night, in your business, and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you. Leave Him not alone. You would think it rude to leave a friend alone who came to visit you. Why, then, … More “Think of God Often”
One of those unforgettable stories from a church planter’s library of memories
Living for Nothing
A Prayer for All of Us Thesis: The American Church and Christians in General Don’t Understand a Critical Gospel Imperative Evidence: We are more likely to live for our comfort, convenience and security than we are for the Kingdom of God. Solution: Obey Jesus. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and … More Living for Nothing
Psalm 48: Preparing Worship Leaders to Lead Worship
How much attention do you pay to the superscriptions in the book of Psalms? There are 150 psalms in the psalter, and 117 of them have a superscription note before the actual psalm. They have always fascinated me. That doesn’t necessarily mean they are inspired. It doesn’t mean that they are important. But their presence … More Psalm 48: Preparing Worship Leaders to Lead Worship
the Difference Between a Salesman and a Herald
Sunday Afternoon Musings Are We Selling a Product or Heralding a King? (part 1) A few years ago, I was having coffee with a church planter who was both exhausted and discouraged. His launch team had spent six months fine-tuning their branding, dialing in their sound system, and designing direct-mail flyers that looked like they … More the Difference Between a Salesman and a Herald
God Turning Mourning Into Dancing
Sunday Afternoon Musing I was listening to one of my favorite preachers on the way to church this morning. Colin Smith was speaking, and he referred to the life of John Bunyan and the heartache of knowing that his stand for the truth of the gospel and subsequent imprisonment cost him twelve years of life, … More God Turning Mourning Into Dancing
Ugly Unthankfulness
Lessons from Isaiah Yesterday, I went to the doctor’s office for my annual checkup. They took blood and urine samples; they looked at all my “numbers,” asked a few questions, looked at my past history; and pronounced me good to go. I’m sleeping better, going to the bathroom less and getting more exercise, and beginning … More Ugly Unthankfulness
We Need a New Approach to Making Disciples
Actually, what we really need is a return to the model of Jesus, which will feel completely new. The church in America is not lacking for resources. We have conferences. We have curricula. We have podcasts, platforms, and personality-driven programs that can fill a calendar twelve months of the year. We have more tools for … More We Need a New Approach to Making Disciples