Easter Jubilee

Celebrating the resurrection is much, much more than a day. After completing 40 days in preparation for Jesus’ resurrection, the church fathers set aside 50 days to celebrate that resurrection. Why 50 days? For a number of reasons, including these listed below. It was 50 days later when the Holy Spirit was poured out on … Continue reading "Easter Jubilee" Read the article

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Easter Preparation

The Easter prep (Lent) season, which begins on Ash Wednesday and continues until Holy Saturday, is full of meaning for us.  On Wednesday, February 14, millions of our brothers and sisters around the globe will have a bit of ash on their foreheads in the form of a cross. Though our denomination doesn’t observe this … Continue reading "Easter Preparation" Read the article

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Epiphany

The “aha” moments of seeing the Light. There are three “aha” events associated with the season of Epiphany. They are the visit of the Magi (wise men) from the East, Jesus’ baptism by John in the river Jordan, and Jesus’ first miracle of turning water into wine. What is your “aha” moment? The Magi and … Continue reading "Epiphany" Read the article

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The Incarnation

The greatest event that has a beginning, but no end. I love the way the apostle John starts his Gospel, “In the beginning…” What is he referring to? The beginning of the creation? The beginning of the earth? The beginning of the universe? The beginning of time? The beginning of the plan of God? We … Continue reading "The Incarnation" Read the article

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The Greatest Celebration

Preparing for the birth of a child leads to a time of great celebration. I’ll never forget preparing our home for our first child. We didn’t have the internet to tell us what we’d need to prepare for our first child. Today you can go to several websites that give you lists to help you … Continue reading "The Greatest Celebration" Read the article

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The Truth About Healthy Church

A healthy church is filled with those who need healing. A man I highly respected made a statement that stuck with me. He said for years he looked for the perfect church in hopes he could join and be among those wonderful believers. But when he joined, he realized two things: one, his presence made … Continue reading "The Truth About Healthy Church" Read the article

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Jesus’ “How-To”

Jesus, the Son of God, gave us a new commandment telling us how to be Christ-followers and how to build healthy churches. I spent many years of my Christian walk in frustration because I didn’t know how to keep the Great Commandments. I wanted to love God, but I knew in my heart I wasn’t … Continue reading "Jesus’ “How-To”" Read the article

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The Hardest Part of Leadership

Bringing challenge is less about confrontation and more about love and the 4 Es. I often hear pastors and leaders share their struggle to bring up tough topics with their leadership teams. “I struggle with confrontation.” “If I bring this up, I’m afraid she will leave.” “He already has enough on his plate; I hate … Continue reading "The Hardest Part of Leadership" Read the article

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The Power of the 4 Es

I would not be where I am today if others hadn’t been practicing the 4 Es in my life. Allow me to share a personal story of the effectiveness of engaging, equipping, empowering, and encouraging.  Because of others speaking life into me, I have had opportunity to serve in various forms of leadership and ministry … Continue reading "The Power of the 4 Es" Read the article

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Loving the Trinity

The Trinity is more than doctrine, it is relationship. I am purposely capitalizing Trinity throughout this article to make a point. I love learning about the doctrine of the Trinity, and as June 4 is Trinity Sunday, I was inspired to write on this topic. I’ve been blessed to read books by some great theologians … Continue reading "Loving the Trinity" Read the article

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