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 …
Month: July 2019
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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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