(Article Originally posted 11/18/20) Proverbs 11:1 (NIV) The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him. In Acts chapter 5:1- 11 we find the story of a couple who had deceived their church. It’s the account of the fate of Ananias and Sapphira who had sold a piece of land but only gave a portion to the
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I recall a billboard advertisement for a church in a town where I once served. It simply stated the name of the church and the words, “Not your mama’s church.” Now I’ll be the first guy to say that my mama’s church wasn’t perfect but this particular marketing angle begs the question, how is this church not like my mama’s
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When I first entered the ministry I had no idea that I would be required to take up arms in spiritual battles with such regularity. It wasn’t that I questioned the reality of the enemy but I never realized how real and personal the battle was for those who lead. As I look back on nearly thirty years in pastoral
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This month I had the opportunity to sit with David Schnittger of Southwest Prophecy Ministries and discuss my latest book: The Cardinal Element: A Trust Manifesto for the Church. In this podcast I ask the question, Why is it that we begin the Christian life in an act of trust but then are tempted to continue as if the rest
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A rash of Evangelical bad behavior has made landfall in news outlets creating a social media scuttle. There is outrage and we have reason for embarrassment. As if our movement isn’t already suffering enough under the weight of an increasingly secular culture and a less than favorable political climate. The misdeeds of once respected leaders have recently become a
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One Wednesday deep into the fall, I found myself waiting in the car with the engine already running. It was the start of our midweek routine, our harried race out the door for our church’s weekly youth and children’s programs. The kids and I would grab a pizza on the way over, to be inhaled in my office before we
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My in-laws just left town and I need to offer a disclaimer right up front. This in no way is a reflection of my relationship with them. I love Lee and Carol and I always look forward to their visits. I was sad when they left the other day. We all have that crazy cousin Eddy however, whose visit we
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Every child who is going to the doctor has one thought on their mind, am I going to get a shot? I remember as a kid dreading for days before a doctor visit the possibility of getting a shot. Around third grade there was a notice sent home stating that the school would be administering the polio vaccination a few
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Psalm 62:5-8 (NLT) Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him
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1. Shepherding without listening to the sheep. You simply cannot shepherd unless you are listening to the sheep. “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” James 1:19 2. The elevation of “deciding” over “doing” (serving). Yes, decisions must be made but if you spend
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