American culture is very future-oriented. We simply don’t think we have the time to hit the pause button and reflect. We want to get on to the next thing and then the next thing, etc. We are in a hurry to get to whatever is next, because we don’t want to miss out on anything. … More It’s time to look back!
Do you have any intentional plans to grow this year? A few years ago I saw a quote on the preacher’s door at my home church, that said, “If you are not growing, then you are coasting. And if you are coasting, you’re going downhill” One of the major purposes of the Church is to … More Are you coasting?
How regrettable to reach the end of your life still wondering about its purpose! Many people seem to get stuck earning a paycheck, eating, sleeping, spending the paycheck, and then starting the cycle all over again. But life is more than earning money and spending it. Inside every person, something asks why am I here? … More That’s what I wanted!
Churches have two major problems when it comes to new Christians. First is spiritual infanticide. We often leave new believers on their own after their baptism, expecting them to figure out the Christian life on their own somehow. We fail to mentor them and disciple them, neglecting to teach them how to obey the teachings … More Growth is evidence of life!
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
