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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
As Jesus approached the cross, he prayed, “So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.” (John 17:5 NRSV) The ascension of Jesus signaled the successful end of his earthly ministry, the return of his heavenly glory, his exaltation by the Father, … Continue reading "The Ascension and You" Read the article
“Tis impossible to be sure of anything but Death and Taxes,” said English actor and dramatist, Christopher Bullock in 1716. We can be even more sure of the resurrection. In 1789, Ben Franklin changed Bullock’s statement a bit and said, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” Theologically, Ben Franklin’s quote is … Continue reading "Resurrection Blessings" Read the article
