Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? (2 Corinthians 11:29). We are not called to follow Christ because we are strong. It seems that human weakness is a qualification for serving the Master. And we are all weak. I’ve heard Billy Graham say many times, “If God takes his hands off me, my… Continue reading MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR WEAKNESS
ELIJAH – 4: Standing Alone in Spiritual Conflict
– I have always liked to serve as part of a team and have been part of many great teams – I have always enjoyed being part of a pastoral staff that worked together – I don’t like to work as a loner – There is encouragement, support and help when a team works together… Continue reading ELIJAH – 4: Standing Alone in Spiritual Conflict
ARE YOU A GREAT LOVER?
I once asked a group of young men, “What kind of lover are you?” After some sheepish looks at each other, one of them said, “It depends what girl I am with!” These guys missed the point of the question. I did not ask them about the girls of their dreams; it was a question… Continue reading ARE YOU A GREAT LOVER?
GOD, THE MASTER MUSICIAN
Sometimes I have felt that I was pastoring the Goldilocks church as I listened to the comments of parishoners about the music during a service. It was always hard to get the music just right to please everyone. I’ve heard it all. “The music is too loud. The music is too dated, can’t we sing… Continue reading GOD, THE MASTER MUSICIAN
SPIRITUAL MATURITY
When I was small, I made some dumb choices. One Christmas, an aunt gave me my choice of either of two presents. One gift was a rather expensive item that had lasting value. She thought I would choose this gift and tried to persuade me to take it. But I chose a cheap, plastic game… Continue reading SPIRITUAL MATURITY
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Those of us who travel regularly on airplanes are capable of giving the attendant’s spiel about safety on a jet in case of emergency. One thing that has always fascinated me is the line about putting on your own oxygen mask first, before attempting to help someone else. The point is, in an emergency, you… Continue reading PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
BUILDING TRUST
Recently, I made an appointment with a friend to meet at 2 o’clock the next afternoon to review some important activities we were doing. It was an important meeting for me. I rescheduled my entire day so I could be at the appointment. However, when 2 o’clock came, I was left alone, waiting for my… Continue reading BUILDING TRUST
ELIJAH – 3: Ready For A New Assignment
God’s will is not static; it is progressive. Learning God’s will is not a one-time event; it is an ongoing process. No one can predict what God is going to ask us to do and where he will ask us to go. We may have a general idea of his directions but each new day… Continue reading ELIJAH – 3: Ready For A New Assignment
QUIT TRYING TO FORGIVE YOURSELF
When Carol asked for an appointment, I had no idea what her problem was. It seemed that she and her husband were happily married and they had three beautiful children. Carol came to the office and told me her tragic story. Twelve years earlier she had had an abortion and she was still plagued by… Continue reading QUIT TRYING TO FORGIVE YOURSELF
ISSUING INVITATIONS: What about Altar Calls?
As I have travelled in ministry in recent years, I am amazed at the questions preachers have about “altar calls.” Some well-known preachers are outspoken in their opposition to giving “altar calls.” On the other extreme, some feel that without an altar call, a preacher has denied or at least compromised his calling. The term… Continue reading ISSUING INVITATIONS: What about Altar Calls?