A Lesson on a Lake

Here is a very hard word of truth: life is not about you. Or me. There are things going on that are far greater. Lest you wonder, check out the following account from Mark 6:45 and following: [quote]Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to READ MORE

Reflections on One’s Assignment: A Reprise

Joshua 12 presents a stark contrast between two great men, Moses and Joshua, and their successes in the field of battle. Moses, it is recounted here, defeated two kings: Sihon, king of the Amorites; and Og, king of Bashan. Joshua, however, defeated “in all, thirty-one kings” (v. 24). At first glance it would appear that READ MORE

Thoughts on Caring for Those Suffering and Dying

A reader in the medical profession asked me recently how I personally process the understandable hurts that come when investing with those who suffer and are dying. Here are some of the things I shared with him. If you are a medical professional, I’d love to hear from you about how you process these things: READ MORE

Three Top Needs for Any Pastor

An acquaintance of mine just asked a group of friends and me how to encourage and mentor a young pastor experiencing tremendous growth in his church. He had wisely sought out my acquaintance for mentoring and accountability, and this man then asked us for pieces of experience that he could pass along to this young READ MORE

Musings on Messages, Part One

The title is really wrong. It should say “Musings on the Messenger,” but I want to keep my options open for further reflections on sermons, the sermonizing process, and the nature of proclamation. However, I must begin whatever musings I am compelled to offer with the messenger himself (or herself, as the case might be). READ MORE

Guarding the Deposit

Swept up into the activities of leading the church in Ephesus, young Timothy must have had moments of anxiety and despair. After all, this was the church Paul had so lovingly founded. It was nestled in the cradle of the Roman Empire—a cosmopolitan city that was renowned throughout the known world. And it was a READ MORE