The church is an easy target. We follow a perfect Saviour (but are far from perfect ourselves); we have a moral voice through the Scriptures (but often find ourselves on the “wrong side” of shifting contemporary values); we have a history of building hospitals, feeding the poor, working for justice, and providing free education (but … Continue reading The ongoing billboard of Satan’s defeat
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A tough (refining?) time for the church
Like other people and organizations, the church is collectively going through a tough time as the pandemic drags on. Barna recently reported that 38% of pastors are seriously considering leaving the ministry. That’s a huge percentage, and it’s a 9% increase from just 8 months ago. That number jumps to 51% for pastors in a … Continue reading A tough (refining?) time for the church
Backward is not an option
Hebrews 12 says that “since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…” What in the world is a “great cloud of witnesses”? Whatever that is it … Continue reading Backward is not an option
People we don’t like—and our true source of unity
Hebrews 10:24-25 says: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing…” Let me say something which is perhaps a bit awkward. People can be difficult. They can rub us the wrong way. You know … Continue reading People we don’t like—and our true source of unity
People… people who need people.
I never thought I’d start a devotional by quoting a Barbara Streisand song, but here goes: “People… people who need people.” Yup, it’s true. Or, in the words of poet John Donne: “No man [or woman] is and island.” Hebrews 10:24-25 says: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and … Continue reading People… people who need people.
Two steps to a successful church
I know, I know. It’s a cheeky title for a devotional. But hear me out. Over the years I’ve read countless books on the church, on being the church in today’s world, on strategy, and on leadership. But recently I’ve been thinking about how to be a successful church, and how you can boil it … Continue reading Two steps to a successful church
Avoiding the crash
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Earlier this year I invited therapist Sarah Covey to speak at a workshop. She talked about the possibility of a post-pandemic “crash.” Not for everyone, but for some. Generally speaking, we’re designed to handle crises for short periods of time. But the COVID-19 … Continue reading Avoiding the crash
Borrowed light
This past Sunday at church, several people shared video statements about being part of a small group. [Link below.] A small group is where people get together to study God’s teachings in the Bible, to discuss and learn, to get to know one another, and to pray. I am so thankful that they took the time … Continue reading Borrowed light
Make a plan
At first you establish your habits, and then your habits establish you. Let me explain what I mean by that and why it matters. If you do something consistently over a long period of time it becomes a habit. Some habits are good and others are bad. Smoking is a bad habit. Eating well is … Continue reading Make a plan
The best thing first
What unites us as God’s church? I think it’s a productive thing to think about—not only for my or your local church, but for the church as it stretches all over the globe. Is it a certain political cause? What about a social justice issue? What about events which are designed to have people smiling … Continue reading The best thing first
The Up Devotional 