Following Jesus

Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’    (Mt. 16:24) Are you all-in?  Do you live with urgency, conviction, and purpose?  Or, do you hesitate, dabble, hedge your bets, play it safe? One of the most striking characteristics …

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In The Kingdom Business

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church…  (Mt. 16:18) I’m tremendously grateful for the church.  I’m grateful for its worship and fellowship; its ministry to needy people; and its service to the world.  I’m grateful for the many times the church has given care and solace …

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Worshipping and Praising God

Worship the Lord in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth.    (Ps. 96:9) I recently led a workshop on Emotional Intelligence at the sheriff’s academy.  Before starting to present the material, I asked the participants what it was like to be police officers these days. They were very forthcoming about all the strains, …

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Jesus at Our Side

But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified.  But immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.'  Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased.(Mark …

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Faith Lost and Then Found Again

Then Job answered the Lord: ‘I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted…. Therefore, I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.’   (Job 42:1-3) His name was Will.  He was a retired clergy person who …

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Formed, Known, Consecrated, and Appointed by God

Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’   (Jer. 1:4-5) Most of us grew up hearing these words: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but …

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