Apr 15, 2021 | Inspiration
I remember when I first heard the word “vulnerable” a couple of years ago. My wife, Julie, and I had been invited to be the CityServe National Directors for the Vulnerable Initiative. But to be honest, I wasn’t sure I knew who “the vulnerable” were. I soon learned...
Apr 14, 2021 | Inspiration
The coffee bean is a tiny thing that drives many people through the day. Maybe we don’t “need” it to survive, per se. But, for some, it plays a critical role in our ability to function effectively. And apparently helps us live longer. Prayer similarly has this...
Apr 13, 2021 | Perspectives
In response to the lawyer’s question, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29), Jesus tells the parable of the good Samaritan. The lawyer’s motivation in asking this question, the Bible tells us, was to evade moral responsibility. But Jesus patiently unpacked the question...
Apr 9, 2021 | Perspectives
One evening, after decades of a Christianity driven by rules and performance, I came impulsively close to ending my life. Until that moment, my relationship with God had been primarily about Bible content and the discipline to obey. But that night, everything changed....
Apr 8, 2021 | Inspiration
Demonstrating gentleness toward others, especially when they’re against us, means we’re walking in the humility needed to handle others with care. In the ways we speak and the ways we act. Gentleness is a determination to encourage and bless others as we interact with...
Apr 7, 2021 | Personal Development
…and What You Can Do to Avoid Them It’s tax season again, and pastors across the U.S. are gathering the financial documents necessary to carry out their civic duty. With inherent complications of ministerial tax treatment, albeit with some benefits. How can ministers...
Apr 6, 2021 | Inspiration
Truck drivers see it all the time. I’ve seen it a few times when we’ve needed to drive through the night. It comes about the time you’ve opened the window on a frigid night. And you’ve turned to the most annoying radio station you can find. Because the night is...
Apr 2, 2021 | Perspectives
When Curt was diagnosed with brain cancer, all of us were heartbroken. All except Curt, who stood tall and resolute. He told us God was in control. On the eve of the day the doctors would operate, our group of seven held a healing service in Curt’s home. I had never...
Apr 1, 2021 | Inspiration
Why do leaders sometimes struggle with decision-making? There are at least five major reasons. The first is fear of the unknown. The leader may not have knowledge or experience concerning the choice at hand. He or she may be looking for some sort of assurance or even...
