When I was growing up, one of my father’s favorite moral lessons, that he reinforced at every opportunity, was to consider the consequences of a decision when making a choice, “It’s like taking a short step with a long view, … Continued
Jesus succeeded in His mission by choosing to die for his friends. Like a marine diving on a grenade to save his squad members, or a fireman rushing up the stairs of the world trade center to get one more … Continued
The only things that are obvious, are things you already know. So, when you are facing a new challenge, it can seem daunting to the point of impossible when, in fact, you actually are equipped for the challenge and are … Continued
I have so many good memories of back-to-school. The smell of new markers, freshly sharpened pencils, and the vinyl covers of 3-ring binders with that nice clean snap of the rings closing through those nice sharp edges of new paper … Continued
Jesus told the story of a merchant who sold pearls for a living who, when he found a pearl of great value, sold everything that he had so that he could purchase that single pearl. The question is, did he … Continued
When God considers what He has to offer in any specific situation, He is not looking for what He can get away with, the bare minimum that He can offer and still be respected, or the least amount of effort … Continued
In a criminal trial, two of the key events are the verdict and the sentence. The verdict determines what the court believes occurred in the case, and the sentence is a decision of what the court is going to do … Continued
Persistence is a key to success. I wonder how many times people told Jesus it couldn’t be done? How many people tried to discourage Him from pursuing His mission? How much of His life was spent with people who truly … Continued
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour … Continued
Christ’s plan for his church was simply that all churches should be local. Not papal. Not episcopal. Not congregational. Not denominational. Simple local groups of believers following Him and supporting each other. Led by a preacher who is called by … Continued
There are two types of followers: disciples and subordinates. Christ’s plan for His church is dependent on leaders who empower their followers as disciples, not those who would command and control their followers as subordinates. Jesus said, “…don’t you be … Continued