Years ago, while working as Associate Pastor and Personal Assistant to Dr. John MacArthur, I was tasked with coordinating the yearly donor cruises sponsored by John’s radio ministry, Grace to You. At one of the ports-of-call, I took advantage of an excursion to enjoy some deep sea diving in the pristine waters of St. Thomas. Accompanied…
My first recollection of an identity crisis dates back to my childhood reading of the book titled, Are You My Mother? In this story, a baby bird hatched while its mother was away. This placed the little fledgling right into the middle of its own identity crisis. Wandering all around his immediate world, this fearful feathered one…
Out of sight, out of mind. The statement sounds crass, yet I don’t intend it to be hurtful. Still, the fact remains: we are all “forgettable.” Over time many of our relationships are diminished by the reality of the “out of sight, out of mind” factor. Admittedly, it can be harsh and discouraging. Forgettable Us.…
Over the years, the Psalms have helped my soul in ways that have surprised and salvaged me. Like a rescue ship to a drowning life in a raging sea, they have lifted my spirits, given me hope, provided deliverance, offered new perspective, and lighted the way when the skies were dark. Not only have I…
We’ve all heard some pretty convictions on the story found in Luke 10:38-42 about Jesus visiting the home of His friends Martha and Mary. Typically, we readily identify with Martha, who sprang into action to make preparations for Jesus and His group. Her eager service turned to stress, then downgraded to a demanding spirit toward others.…
Over the years I have been amazed at the paltry desire I’ve felt to pray. I am especially aware of this aversion just prior to the times that I’ve specifically set aside to pray, whether in private or with others. I suppose this confession may come as a surprise to some. Others relate immediately and…
We can do all the right things for all the wrong reasons. The New Testament gives various examples of improperly driven religious people. These included the pious Pharisees who prayed and led in noble religious enterprises with all the wrong intentions. Jesus spoke of those who preached, baptized, and cast out demons but not for…
In my book, Defying Gravity, I describe nine gauges on the “leadership instrument panel” that can keep leaders from losing perspective and spiritual altitude as they encounter life’s storms. These gauges are helpful to any believer encountering difficulties. Last time I checked—that’s all of us. Wisdom For the Wounded One of the gauges that surprises readers,…
Last week, tragedy struck the family of a ministry colleague. He and his wife recently relocated to a church in another state, moving away from a city where they had lived for decades and leaving behind their adult children, grandchildren, and even their parents. Their profound sacrifice and faithful obedience to this calling was truly…
For many years, I was a confessed “leadershipaholic.” With a desire to be as effective and influential as possible for Christ, I devoured all the latest and greatest expertise from Christian and non-Christian gurus. Naturally, I hoped to be more respected, productive, and validated as a “leader.”I was also a “visionaholic, ”working hard to borrow all the best ideas from other successful ministries so I could inspire the congregation with the bigger and better ideas the Lord had “laid on my heart” in order for our church to continue to grow our numbers and expand our impact. Common wisdom stated that the bigger the dream, the clearer the path, and the more long-term the plans—the better the leader.
