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Things go Wrong

Just because things go wrong doesn’t mean you’re in the wrong. Just ask John the Baptist. Jesus essentially said that (other than Himself) there was no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet . . . “Herod put John in prison, adding this sin to his many others.” Luke 3:20 John was doing what heContinue reading “Things go Wrong”

Falling & Rising

The Bible Reading Plan that I’m moving through had me reading Luke 2 (the best-known account of Jesus’ birth) on Good Friday. It was a fascinating juxtaposition — reflecting on Jesus’ birth and death at the same time. That backdrop gave greater depth to the prophetic words that Simeon shared with Mary when she broughtContinue reading “Falling & Rising”

Countdown from Kenya!

8 DAYS What a whirlwind trip. Two days of driving, waiting and flying. Four days of traveling all over Kenya. Two more days of driving, waiting and flying. Whew! 7 LIONS Our final day was at SweetWater Tent Camp, a spot we often take our teams to enjoy an African safari. I’ve been several times,Continue reading “Countdown from Kenya!”

Glory and Peace

Read Luke 2:8-14 Zero in on the angel’s announcement to the shepherds:“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14) They refer to something happeninng in heaven and something happening on earth. Do you see that? “Glory in the highest heaven” and “peace onContinue reading “Glory and Peace”

Figure, Fight or Follow?

Read Luke 1:26-38 Do you ever feel like there is more going on than you can control or even comprehend? Just trying to keep up is exhausting. I can imagine that Mary would have felt like that. We are introduced to her in the context of ancient prophecies, angelic messengers and an immaculate conception thatContinue reading “Figure, Fight or Follow?”

Your Mission in a Sentence

If you had to capture the essence of your upcoming trip in one sentence, what would it be? Could you capture the “why,” “what” and “how”? I’ll take a stab at it. Actually, I’ll just steal from Peter (to pay Paul!). He wrote this: “Each of you should use whatever gifts he has been givenContinue reading “Your Mission in a Sentence”

Unscrambling the Eggs

I was sitting in a diner, a young seminary student just getting started in ministry. The lead pastor at my church had graciously agreed to have breakfast with me every other week. It was my chance to pick his brain, share ideas, and ask questions. As usual, he ordered scrambled eggs and a side ofContinue reading “Unscrambling the Eggs”

Stop Starting and Start Joining

Let’s imagine that you look out your window next Saturday and notice your neighbor shoveling her driveway or mowing his lawn or doing some yard work. You’ve been looking for an opportunity to connect with your neighbor, and you have some time to spare. So, you decide to head over there and help out. You’veContinue reading “Stop Starting and Start Joining”

Redefining Poverty

What comes to mind when you hear the word poverty? Who do you think of when you think of “the poor”? If you’re anything like most Westerners, you probably think about poverty in terms of lacking material goods or simply not having enough physical resources. Homeless. Hungry. Naked. Unemployed. The World Bank did a studyContinue reading “Redefining Poverty”

If You Want to Make a Change, Then Stop Changing Directions

Change is possible, and you can be a catalyst. You can make a difference in the world, at least your little part of it. You’ll have a much better chance of doing that if you focus your energy and attention rather than scatter yourself all over the map. It’s easy to be scattered. It’s trendyContinue reading “If You Want to Make a Change, Then Stop Changing Directions”