Busy. That is the word that describes most of us. We have a lot going on. Much to do. It may be your job. It may be responsibilities with your children. It may just be the culture in which we live. Not long ago, someone asked me what Charlotte and I were doing with… Continue reading Read Only If You Are Busy
Category: Self-Care
Leadership, Exhaustion, and a Need for Rhythm
Almost a dozen years ago, I was talking on the telephone with a good friend. My friend serves as a consultant and friend to many churches. He also knows many, many ministers who serve in a variety of roles. My friend said, "What churches need are ministers who are normal, healthy, genuine people who are… Continue reading Leadership, Exhaustion, and a Need for Rhythm
Becoming a Lifelong Learner
When we lived in Alabama, I spent several hours a month at the library at the University of North Alabama. Generally, I would spend part of that time skimming through the Sunday editions of the London Times and The New York Times. Then I skimmed through a dozen or so of the most recent issues… Continue reading Becoming a Lifelong Learner
What Drives You?
In his book Ministry in the Image of God, Stephen Seamands tells the story of Jack Frost (yes, that is his real name). In former years, he was addicted to drugs, alcohol and pornography. After he gave his life to Christ, he continued to struggle with a serious fear of failure that fueled an "aggressive… Continue reading What Drives You?
I’m Concerned…
When I was growing up in a church, I never wanted to become a minister. They all seemed to wear black suits and speak in a stained-glass voice. That seemed so foreign to what was going on in my little world as a boy. Besides that, what did these people do all day? (I can… Continue reading I’m Concerned…
Do We Want An Honest Church? (Part 3)
If we are going to be an honest church, we choose to live in reality and truth, not fantasy or deception. So what does this mean for me as an individual? What must I desire? I desire to be honest with God. After all, God is honest. Moving toward him will always… Continue reading Do We Want An Honest Church? (Part 3)
Do We Want An Honest Church? (Part 2)
I am still thinking about the idea of experiencing a church that practices more honesty. Thanks for your comments yesterday. What you said was helpful and caused me to give more thought to this. As I think about the question "Do We Want An Honest Church," I wonder what the implications are for individual… Continue reading Do We Want An Honest Church? (Part 2)
What Will We Learn? (Sexual Sin)
Many of us have been following the recent sad story of Ted Haggard. Haggard, who has been serving as the President of the National Association for Evangelicals as well as pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, has admitted to sexual sin. A statement regarding his dismissal from the church was released by the… Continue reading What Will We Learn? (Sexual Sin)
Who’s In Charge, Anyway?
You know fear. That jagged, raw edge of fear. Your stomach draws up in knots. Adrenaline surges through your veins. You may know what it is to experience a constant anxiety. Maybe you have become a brooding worrier. You fear that things won’t work out. Some fears happen during the storms we face (Mark 4:38-40). … Continue reading Who’s In Charge, Anyway?
Just Living or Fully Alive?
Today, being Friday, I’m off. Or, at least I am home. I’m not complaining. I’m very grateful just to be home. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about staying fresh and alive for the next twenty years. I am 53 years old. Not a bad age to be. In fact, I am really… Continue reading Just Living or Fully Alive?