All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware. Martin Buber In many situations in life, our instinct is to fight it, fix it, and seize control. But very often, the Lord is asking us to do the opposite. He’s asking us to let go. Surrender is...
The Outsized Power of Shared Purpose
In 1992, seven years into my company, I was a relatively new corporate officer and by now a keen student of teams. This was during the period of my father’s death, when Debbie and I joined what turned out to be a booming church. As I described earlier, we saw a...
Rest and Refresh
We need rest. Scripture teaches that we are dust (Gen. 3:19). Unlike God, we tire. We are finite creatures. We need sleep and refreshment. John Piper reminds us: “Sleep is a daily reminder from God that we are not God….Once a day God sense us to bed like patients with...
How to Care for the Seniors in Your Church
In essence, church communities are a type of chosen family. When you share a faith experience with someone, week in and week out, you come to know them on a personal level. One of the ways church members are called to do their part is to care for older churchgoers....
Reclaiming Sunday Morning as the Church’s Primary Formative Event
One of the unique values of corporate spiritual practices —those experienced regularly on Sunday mornings —is that they shape and direct our desire for God in ways that private disciplines fail to replicate. Over time, habits and rituals, combined with pertinent...
How to Stop Feeding Your Victim Mentality
Born of trauma, loss, chaos, and injustice, the Victim mentality often feels like a strange form of justice or protection. It can cause you to become so self-focused and defensive that you incrementally push others away. The Victim Identity continually seeks attention...
The Ninefold Path of Jesus – Trust
Imagine being significantly free of worry and anxiety. What would that be like? Deep peace. Sound sleep. Full attention. Is that a quality of life you desire? Do you think it’s possible? In the teaching on the hill Jesus said, “Do not worry about your life.” The...
6 Ways (Minus 3) to Know God Is in Your Life
My good friend Jason used to be an outstanding pastor and preacher. After a church split and two other hard experiences, though, Jason no longer felt God was in His life. “God,” Jason prayed, “if You are real, say something. I need to hear You speak to me.” Jason...
Comparison Games
After a year of social distancing, isolation at home and all the overarching pandemic woes, most of us are itching for a proper summer vacation. Dreaming about returning to that holiday ritual, my wife, Amy, recently found an old picture of me on the beach in San...
Recruiting the JV Squad
It’s recess on the blacktop back in elementary school and all the kids are lined up eagerly awaiting your finger to point in their direction. While their self-esteem hangs delicately in the balance, the only thing on your mind is winning. That’s the job of the captain...
The Difference Between Giving Up and Letting Go
All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware. Martin Buber In many situations in life, our instinct is to fight it, fix it, and seize control. But very often, the Lord is asking us to do the opposite. He’s asking us to let go. Surrender is...
The Outsized Power of Shared Purpose
In 1992, seven years into my company, I was a relatively new corporate officer and by now a keen student of teams. This was during the period of my father’s death, when Debbie and I joined what turned out to be a booming church. As I described earlier, we saw a...
Rest and Refresh
We need rest. Scripture teaches that we are dust (Gen. 3:19). Unlike God, we tire. We are finite creatures. We need sleep and refreshment. John Piper reminds us: “Sleep is a daily reminder from God that we are not God….Once a day God sense us to bed like patients with...
How to Care for the Seniors in Your Church
In essence, church communities are a type of chosen family. When you share a faith experience with someone, week in and week out, you come to know them on a personal level. One of the ways church members are called to do their part is to care for older churchgoers....
Reclaiming Sunday Morning as the Church’s Primary Formative Event
One of the unique values of corporate spiritual practices —those experienced regularly on Sunday mornings —is that they shape and direct our desire for God in ways that private disciplines fail to replicate. Over time, habits and rituals, combined with pertinent...
How to Stop Feeding Your Victim Mentality
Born of trauma, loss, chaos, and injustice, the Victim mentality often feels like a strange form of justice or protection. It can cause you to become so self-focused and defensive that you incrementally push others away. The Victim Identity continually seeks attention...
The Ninefold Path of Jesus – Trust
Imagine being significantly free of worry and anxiety. What would that be like? Deep peace. Sound sleep. Full attention. Is that a quality of life you desire? Do you think it’s possible? In the teaching on the hill Jesus said, “Do not worry about your life.” The...
6 Ways (Minus 3) to Know God Is in Your Life
My good friend Jason used to be an outstanding pastor and preacher. After a church split and two other hard experiences, though, Jason no longer felt God was in His life. “God,” Jason prayed, “if You are real, say something. I need to hear You speak to me.” Jason...
Comparison Games
After a year of social distancing, isolation at home and all the overarching pandemic woes, most of us are itching for a proper summer vacation. Dreaming about returning to that holiday ritual, my wife, Amy, recently found an old picture of me on the beach in San...
Recruiting the JV Squad
It’s recess on the blacktop back in elementary school and all the kids are lined up eagerly awaiting your finger to point in their direction. While their self-esteem hangs delicately in the balance, the only thing on your mind is winning. That’s the job of the captain...
Helping Your Small Group Thrive
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