Did you know that God cares about your whole health, not just your spiritual health? Perhaps because our whole health can impact our spiritual health (and to a degree vice-a-versa). In Exodus 18, Moses hears that his father-in-law is in town: “Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. And…
How are those resolutions going? Anyone out there brave enough to have made a list for 2021? I’ve been checking out blogs, tweets, articles, and posts on resolutions, and it got me thinking about something similar—vows. I think of resolutions as marks we set for ourselves, while vows are promises we make to God. Have…
2020. What was to be a year of vision became a year of getting blind-sided. We’ve all experienced some form of struggle and loss this year, some more than others. My family has experienced health crises after health crises this year (all non-covid related). Our little one, Jubilee, contracted a catastrophic encephalitis and remains in…
Holidays are tough. While there should be joy in your heart, you find instead an ache, or even agony, in your soul. Ever been there? Me too. What do you do, where do you turn, when you’re in the dark? Seek the presence of God, before you seek the provision of God. Stay with me.…
This is my first time sharing a favorite book list! And just in time for Christmas! Perhaps you’ll get a gift idea. More so, I hope you’ll find it helpful. Note: Not all books were published in 2020; nor are they all Christian. The Madness of Crowds: Gender, Race and Identity by Douglas Murray Published:…
Alex Trebek was like family. Mr. Trebek, of course, was the beloved host of the game show Jeopardy!. Though I rarely watched Jeopardy!, just hearing Mr. Trebek’s name brought to mind humility, and a kind of respect and warmth. It seems the American culture felt the same. Maybe you too. Sadly, Mr. Trebek passed away…
As I write this, the next president of the United States has yet to be determined. Recounts are underway. Whatever the election results, how should we respond? How do we move forward as Christians? * Reject “#NotMyPresident”. If the results of the election are disappointing or disastrous to you, please don’t say or post that…
I love my people so much. My joyful role as their shepherd/pastor/overseer is to expose and protect them from false teachers and false teaching. I take this very seriously. In fact, I took the opportunity to address a heresy this weekend labeled progressive christianity. You can watch or listen here. This heresy actually dates back…
Satisfy my soul. “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14 If my soul is satisfied in Christ, I will not seek to satisfy it with sin, accomplishments, people’s validation or approval. So, help me, God. Open my eyes to…
“Typically, a Bible that is falling apart belongs to someone who isn’t,” said somebody. I like it. So let’s chat about Scripture and daily devotions with God. Often, Jesus withdrew to be alone with the Father in prayer (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16). While there, Jesus prayed that we would be sanctified by God’s Word (John…
The hours are ticking down to a new year and a new decade! Whether 2019 was a good year or bad year, let it go. Mourn or celebrate then bid 2019 adieu. A new year and decade are before you. Here are a few thoughts to launch strong into 2020 and beyond. * Be Creative.…
The auto-correct on my phone once tried to change the word “minister” to “monster.” Funny, yet sobering. It gave me pause. It gives me pause now. Ministry is tough. Pastoring is, at times, a monster itself. Peter Drucker, the late leadership guru and author of The Effective Executive, once shared what he believed to be…
I’ve had it all wrong. Many well-meaning motivational speakers, best-selling authors, teachers, and preachers have had it wrong. Let me explain. I live with the threat of clinical depression crushing me at any moment. I pray, meditate on Scripture, experience community, take medication, see a therapist, eat clean, exercise, and do my best to get…
Sitting in the doctor’s office the other day, I came across a National Geographic Magazine piece titled, “The Story of a Face.” Joanna Connors writes: “We are born seeking faces. Newborns turn toward them during their first moments out of the womb. Babies observe, respond to, and mimic our expressions as though it’s their job.…
My prayer life takes on certain patterns and themes at times. Lately, I’ve noticed specific “pleadings” surface repeatedly. God’s answered some more than others. Some barely at all. Or not at all. But I pray on. Here are 7 ways I’m pleading with God right now. Hope it serves you. Stir me. When I sit…