“Do everything in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14). Jesus had a love-first mentality. Therefore, we also want to have a love-first mentality. Love isn’t wishy-washy or wobbly. It is a resolute commitment to seeking the good of others. It honours God and is often self-sacrificing. But it takes some work. Our default setting is to take … Continue reading A love-first mentality
leadership
Unofficial leadership
The great physicist Albert Einstein once said: “The significant problems we face today cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.” True! We need better thinking to get better results. But what is “better”? It’s certainly not coercion, power-lust, or blind conformity. I think we’ve had enough … Continue reading Unofficial leadership
Courage for the battle
Imagine three scenarios. In the first, there you stand with your fellow troops about to head into a life-or-death battle. But you don’t know who your leader is going to be. Out he comes from the tent behind you. None of you has any idea who he is. That certainly doesn’t give you much confidence … Continue reading Courage for the battle
For your pastor and spiritual leaders
When I was growing up, do you want to know who I NEVER prayed for?—my coaches, teachers, Sunday School teachers or pastor. It was an insane oversight. Granted, I was just a kid. But they had a huge impact on me. And as far as I can remember, I never prayed for them. So today … Continue reading For your pastor and spiritual leaders
One thing we should expect from politicians
On Sunday at church I talked about Christian attitudes toward government. To be honest, I was kind of nervous about it. After all, government and politics is a touchy subject these days. There are divisive and polarizing issues. And sometimes it seems that common sense and civility go out the window! I think the congregation … Continue reading One thing we should expect from politicians
Drunk on novelty?
One of the invisible values of our society is novelty. That means we often prioritize and cherish ideas that are NEW. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m a big fan of new ideas. The problem is when new ideas aren’t necessarily good ideas. When we’re star-struck with the “latest and greatest,” we get drunk on … Continue reading Drunk on novelty?
That’s what normal awesome people do
Before I became a pastor I had a number of different jobs—and therefore, a number of different bosses. I saw different characteristics at work in each of them. Some were positive, and some were negative. But one of the most problematic bosses was unpredictable. He was so inconsistent that he put everyone on edge. If … Continue reading That’s what normal awesome people do
The first person you have to change
There's someone in your life who really needs to change something, right? Here's another way to look at things that is more productive, helpful and positive.
Decidophobia
Proverbs 11:14 "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." (ESV) Today's Thought I wonder how many decisions a raccoon has to make in a day. Get up? Or stay sleeping? Stay in the bushes? Or jump out and terrify that kid? Pry open that garbage … Continue reading Decidophobia
Why you should pray for your leaders
Psalm 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (NIV) Today's Thought I want to start today’s devotional by addressing my American readers. Today, Donald Trump is your 45th President. To say he’s controversial is an understatement. But regardless of what you think of him, I encourage you to pray … Continue reading Why you should pray for your leaders
