Encouragement

Inside all of us there is a longing for something new, something better. It is seen in how everything goes out of date so quickly. Last year's car model needs to be replaced as they have changed the body style for a new year. No teenager would not be caught…

I can’t believe it. Christmas is over. The season has come and gone. Just last week my to-do list was a mile long including buying gifts, wrapping gifts, decorating, planning, traveling…the list just kept going and going! Whew! I get tired just thinking about it. But even in the midst…

It remains the most humiliating moment of my pastoral life. I can now laugh about it a little these few years after the incident, but I still wake up with a start sometimes and feel the cold chill of disbelief and embarrassment creep over me. I cringe even as I…

At first glance, most of us have little in common with Charles Spurgeon. Many of us who grew up around church have heard the name of Charles Spurgeon but know little about who he was or what he is remembered for. Ask any pastor, and they will surely know quite…

If you are in leadership, especially the role of pastoring/shepherding God’s people, let’s be clear, it is a beautiful yet difficult calling. The possibility of burnout is very real. There are so many facets to your role, in fact, you are probably taking care of things you never imagined you…

Hey there! How are you doing? Wait. Don’t answer that. Let me guess…you’re busy. Ha! Isn’t that the answer we give anyone who asks us how we are or how we’ve been? “Oh I’m great, just been real busy lately.” Maybe it’s a stamp of maturity. Maybe it shows our…

Reflection Recently I’ve been reflecting on Memorial Day. Its meaning. Its purpose. Its significance. The impact it has on my life. And the impact it should be having on my life. Should we even celebrate Memorial Day? Isn’t that out of character? When I think about Memorial Day, I think…

Whenever I read a passage of Scripture, whether it's in my personal devotions or to prepare for a study, my first question is always, ''What am I supposed to do?'' Now, there is nothing wrong with this question. Each passage of Scripture does have some call to action. God does…

Still on the fence about whether to give something up? Here are 5 quick reasons you should go for it: 1. Discipleship   At its core, discipleship means following and becoming more like Jesus. Early in his ministry, Jesus fasted for 40 days (Matthew 4:1-11). He also assumed that his followers…

One of the most common questions I’ve heard my fellow pastors ask, my staff ask, and I myself have asked is “How do I know if God is leading me elsewhere?” One of the clearest ways to know is if God speaks to you in an audible voice in the…