Category Archives: discipleship

The Path to Persecution

In the present culture wars it has become a regular practice among the armies of the politically correct to vilify those who defend historic Christianity. We are blamed for being exclusive, homophobic, racist transphobes. If we attempt to disagree politely and encourage rational argument, we are blamed for being white supremacists because being calm andContinue reading “The Path to Persecution”

Stirring Up Affections for God

This week we’ll spend time stirring up our affections for God through the renewing of our minds. Your mind is the gateway to your affections. What you think is worthy of your affections is what will receive them. So, as we grow in our understanding of God’s overwhelming goodness we will naturally give him ourContinue reading “Stirring Up Affections for God”

More Peace, Less Anxiety

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 Paul writes these words inContinue reading “More Peace, Less Anxiety”

Repeating Patterns

As a kindergarten teacher for many years, one of the activities I did with my children was creating and continuing patterns. With teddy bears: red-green-blue, red-green-blue, red-green-??? With pattern blocks: circle-square-hexagon, circle-square-hexagon, circle-square-??? You get the idea. But at this stage as a mom, it’s the patterns in my own life I am thinking ofContinue reading “Repeating Patterns”

Think of Ways to Motivate One Another

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT) I wonder why Barb’s calling so early. My phone identified the caller as my friend, one I had just seen two daysContinue reading “Think of Ways to Motivate One Another”

Beyond All Recognition

It was the most disorienting moment I can remember my whole life long. I knew exactly where I was — and yet I was utterly, completely lost. Lost on a trail where getting lost should have been impossible. I was standing in exactly the same place I’d been just five minutes earlier. The park wasContinue reading “Beyond All Recognition”

Single Does Not Mean Lonely

Singleness can feel like the participation trophy in the game of life. The default for the relationally dismayed. The “gift” no one asked for. That assessment, however, couldn’t be further from reality. And I say that as a still-single man who aspires to marry. All of us experience singleness. And even for those who doContinue reading “Single Does Not Mean Lonely”

Should I Take a Break from Social Media?

Social media is meant to be a platform to connect and encourage family, friends, and other acquaintances. When Myspace burst onto this scene in the early 2000s, people were elated to share their profile status, play their favorite music, or just be able to express themselves to people who wanted to know more about them.Continue reading “Should I Take a Break from Social Media?”

He’s Not Jesus

Both extroverts and introverts can lead well. Both can lead poorly. Personality is only one part of leadership. However, your personality as a leader comes with intrinsic advantages and challenges. The extroverted pastor tends to work a room better than an introvert. The introverted pastor tends to listen better one-on-one.  Partly because they are moreContinue reading “He’s Not Jesus”