I love mentoring students at Lincoln Christian University. Every year, I volunteer to lead a small group of young men called a “spiritual formation group.” I also lead a one-week off-campus missions trip each spring semester, which has allowed me to take groups of students to Poland, Mexico, Quebec, St. Louis, Pittsburgh and Chicago. But … More Mentoring multiplies influence!
Everyone has special gifts, talents, abilities, and experiences. It would be a shame for you and I to go through life and not take the time to pour into others what we have received. I love the principle of equipping found in 2 Timothy 2:2. The Apostle Paul told his young protégé, Timothy, “The things … More We are all priests!
Life is too short to spend it only with people your own age. Intergenerational relationships can be some of the most rewarding in life, but crossing the generation gap takes courage. I deal with this divide every time I walk into the cafeteria of the university where I teach. In that moment, I have to … More Can I sit here?
Other-focused people are great listeners. Listeners can be selective, attentive, or empathic. When we listen selectively, we focus only partially on others, hearing only part of what they say—often only the parts we want to hear. When we listen attentively, we pay attention to the other person and probably will remember what he or she … More Listen and Learn
I love the picture Psalm 1:1–3 presents: A man who meditates on God’s Word day and night is pictured as a fruitful tree that has put down deep roots near life-giving water. In much the same way, author Henri Nouwen has challenged me to meditate and “chew on” short phrases of Scripture throughout each day. … More Roots and Fruit
A friend of mine who leads young people on short-term mission trips, gives a daily challenge each morning to the group. He tells them, “You will be in God’s classroom for the next twelve hours, now pay attention!” Before bed each night, he then asks them to share lessons God had taught them during that … More Learning from Ants
I spent seven years of my life earning a PhD degree in Intercultural Studies. The PhD has been called a “terminal degree,” but I take issue with that. I did learn a great many things on that seven-year journey—but mostly I learned how much I still didn’t know. I was able to answer some questions … More Don’t stop learning!
In earlier blog posts I have shared how my view of God became distorted due to my relationship with my earthly father. Somehow I ended up with a twisted, internal assumption that anything I desired in life could not also be something God desired for me. I almost missed my calling due to this screwed-up … More My Desire-Could it be God’s Will?
May 27, 2008, was a very sad day for me. On that day, Bob Szoke let people know that his son Steve’s earthly journey was over: Steve had gone on to be with the Lord. Steve lost a hard-fought battle with colon cancer, dying just a few days short of his thirty-third birthday and leaving … More You are Terminal
