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”

Follow Me! Jesus came to start a movement not build a monument!

His first words to His first disciples were, “Come, follow me.” He gathered a group of men and women and got moving. From the Sea of Galilee to the Mt. of Olives. From Jerusalem to Calvary. He was on the move. And his final words before ascending into heaven we, “Go into all the world.“Continue reading “Follow Me! Jesus came to start a movement not build a monument!”

Culture Shock: Grey is Okay

Do you wear glasses or contact lenses? How old were you when you got your first pair? Can you still picture some of those awesome, eyewear fashions?  I’ve been wearing specs since I was five-years old. You should have seen some of the styles! Thick, plastic frames. Thin metal ones. I had one pair withContinue reading “Culture Shock: Grey is Okay”

5 Ways to do Missions That Will Actually Change the World

It’s the thought that counts.” That sentiment helps us feel better when we get someone a gift they really don’t like. It implies that our good intentions are enough. Unfortunately, they are not, especially if we want to see lasting change and global impact. The world is littered with examples of people who mean wellContinue reading “5 Ways to do Missions That Will Actually Change the World”