Knowing About vs Knowing
I got the opportunity recently to be part of E-Team training, which is made up of various teams of teenagers going for an extended experience on a mission field. After training and preparing for their trips with their team here in Nashville, each team heads out to their distinct mission field. After these teams got...
Make Your Encouragement Count.
I think it’s part of every believer’s calling to be a passionate, Spirit-filled encourager. It’s not an option; it should be who we are as children of God. But, for encouragement to be most valuable to someone, it must be caring, specific, and (here’s the big one) truthful. Being a great encourager is not fluffy,...
Maintaining Margin
Margin is a reserve from which you may meet the needs of others. It applies to time, energy, money, etc. If you maintain margin in an area, you have a constant reserve available to help other people. Maintaining margin also helps you to have what you personally need in times of crisis. For example, if...
The Source of Your Worth – part 2
In part 1, I expressed the thought that the source of your worth begins with an understanding of who you are. In the thoughts below, I hope to articulate that it continues with an understanding of what God expects. Self-esteem is a term used in psychology to reflect a person’s overall evaluation or appraisal of her or his...
The Source of Your Worth
It is tempting to seek self-worth among earthly things like popularity, athletic ability, good looks, musicianship, or possessions. For an earthly minded person, their level of self-worth is directly proportional to the amount of attention, love, and/or commendation they receive from people. But, if the source of your worth is in earthly things you will...
Starting with the Similiarities – some thoughts for solving conflict
Whether you want to admit it or not, everyone has watched Sesame Street at some point in their life, and liked it. Remember the song… One of these things is not like the others, One of these things just doesn’t belong, Can you tell which thing is not like the others, By the time I...
Wuv. Twue wuv.
One of Kimberly’s favorite movies is Princess Bride… whenever the word “marriage” is said, you know she’ll blurt out “melwedge” and then “Wuv, twue wuv” is soon to follow. I haven’t watched Princess Bride in a while… I need to! This weekend I will have the privilege of officiating the vows of my little bro...
Give People Permission to Dream.
One of the things I love most about where I get to minister is something that my pastor and general board told me early on. When they told me what I’m about to tell you, the Lord spoke to me in such a clear way that this was the place I needed to be; it...
Sowing and Reaping
I had planned to write a more in-depth post this week regarding biblical teaching on marriage and the Spirit, but crying kids and a lack of sleep seem to be hindering the thought processes necessary to dive into such a topic. So instead, I’m going to share with you a little biblical truth that I’ve...
Don’t Be Numb Toward Sliding.
I want to bring my best in everything I do for the Lord. I know Christ cares more about who He wants me to be than what He wants me to do; however, what I do MUST be of eternal value and be the best I can bring in praise to Him. So, no matter...
FOUR REFLECTIONS FROM THE FIRST YEAR PASTORING
Last week brought the last business meeting from my first year as a lead pastor. God’s been good to our congregation, and it was exciting to outline goals for the coming year. Now I am no master yoda, but here are four simple reflections I have for young pastors. When people trust you will bring a clear...
Log Extraction Is Painful
I don’t like to admit when I’m wrong. Let me rephrase that: I absolutely HATE having to admit when I’m wrong. Every ounce of my being fights it as I angrily look for any excuse that it’s the other person’s fault. Being in the wrong hurts my pride, and that’s quite a tender spot. Well,...
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