I remember some of my first camping outings, and the valuable lessons that came from those experiences. One of the most significant insights I quickly gleaned, shared a theme with a famous real estate axiom: location, location, location. Where you camp makes all the difference. From the insulation beneath you, to loose limbs in the trees above, there are important things to consider before making […]
Yesterday, I announced that I was being appointed to another church. The congregation I serve did not expect that news and a few weeks ago, neither did I. I already indicated my desire to stay where I was and the church shared their hope that I would remain their pastor. We were comfortable with each other and enjoying ministry together, then God stepped in with […]
Recently, I purchased a set of microfiber cloths. These are the extra-gentle wipes used to clean sensitive surfaces like computer and touch screens. Numerous people kept pointing out that my iPad screen could stand to lose a few fingerprints, so it seemed like a good investment. I wanted to be sure that the ones I purchased had no cleaning products in them, so I checked […]
The tech and business world is abuzz with thoughts and comments surrounding Steve Jobs resignation as CEO of Apple Inc. What will happen to the company’s products and services? What impact will this decision have on stock prices, and how will the news affect Wall Street overall? What happens now? What happens next? Whenever significant changes occur in such public ways, there are always many […]
When I was preparing for ministry, my wife’s grandmother called me to her bedside in the nursing home and gave me this advice, “Always remember, your job is to study God’s word, preach God’s word, and love the people.” It was wonderful advice, and one of the best summations of pastoral minsitry I’ve heard. The real challenge is keeping that focus. Every day, I try […]
My devotional reading for today was based upon Jesus’ words about the harvest. He told his followers that, “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray the lord of the harvest that he may send laborers into the harvest.” Reflecting on those words, I penned this prayer: The blessing of abundance is upon us,But who will be there to gather it in?God, send […]
The Good News is meant to be “good news.” The Gospel is meant to inspire and encourage. Even when it challenges and rebukes, the purpose of the message is good. God gave us a precious gift when he entrusted the stewardship of this message to us because how we share His Word affects the way it is received and as with anything holy, it must […]
The sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command. – 1 Chron. 12:32 The sons of Issachar understood the times. What a powerful declaration. Not only did they have a grasp on the season in which they lived, but they also knew what Israel […]