I was sitting in a coffee shop with a friend–a pastor–talking through Mark. We were deeply engaged in what Mark wrote, seeking to get in on what the Spirit inspired him to record for our benefit. As we drew our conversation to a close, a gentleman at a neighboring table asked if he could say […]
Today begins. And, for most of us, we have either a mental list or written list (or electronic schedule) of the things we intend to get down today. We want the day to be fruitful, to be significant; we don’t want to simply waste the hours. So we plan and prepare and execute. But that […]
Let’s begin with a little good news: You are alive . . . today . . . reading this. God has granted you the breath of life for another day. His lovingkindness is new and fresh every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). That’s a sweet gift, rightly to be enjoyed. But here’s the not-so-good news: You are […]
In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote about the growth that comes in the Christian life. He explained that some ministry is like sowing seed, some is like watering plants, but it is God who brings the growth (1 Corinthians 3:5–9). Thus, in one sense, all ministry is a kind of spiritual horticulture—we participate […]
We recently purchased a small fire-proof safe for our home in which to keep important papers. As I was learning to work the combination dial, the first time or two I couldn’t get it opened. I initially thought there was something wrong with the safe . . . until I re-read the directions. I simply […]
