Moses, Matthew, and me ( you too, but I was going for three M’s!)
Neither Moses nor any of the apostles were called to do something for God like what they were already doing. Could it be that his call to each of us will be similar?
Their assignment, our challenge: sheep, wolves, serpents, doves
Since when does a shepherd ever choose to put his flock in the middle of danger? Yet in Matthew, Jesus sent the 12 apostles out by themselves, warning them of danger that would accompany them the rest of their lives.
Psalm 17: a good model for my prayer today, and maybe yours, too
I really can’t add anything to Psalm 17, but I can invite you to pray it with me today.
Here’s what’s really necessary to turn the world upside down
How did these common, uneducated men bring a revolution that still lasts today? Their “secret” is as simple as something that’s available to every one of us.
What might happen because you decide to obey one, simple nudge?
“Go over and join this chariot.” That was all the information Philip was given. But lives were changed because he simply obeyed.
Why you should not underestimate God’s ability to redeem your story
If you think your failures have ruined the story so it cannot possibly have a good ending, you probably aren’t paying attention to the way God has woven his story and master plan all through history.
Why the Joseph story shows God can use even someone like you!
It’s remarkable how God used Joseph, even when he wasn’t trained for the jobs God gave him. With all that we’ve learned, how can God use us?
If you’re wondering whether God is with you, step back and look again
The Joseph story reminds me that sometimes I need to look at my difficult situation through a wider lens.
Narrow gate, difficult way, the path to wholeness for a few
It’s not much a sales pitch, but when you realize what if offers, you may realize it’s the only way to live.
What do we have ‘in common’? And is it good or even God’s will?
We do well to notice that the first believers had all things in common. And we do well to ask, “What do we have in common with the believers closest to us?”
God meant even ordinary people to shine his light in a dark world
What might happen if we dared to allow him to use us at dinner tables, in meetings, with neighbors, in government, wherever we go?
Angry about the state of your world? The solution is simple: Pray!
If you end up on a day where it seems everyone has abandoned the kingdom of God and you are the only one left, then run, don’t walk, to the Lord in prayer. Let him know your pain points and lonely thoughts.
Why God’s “Bless you” means so much more than ours usually does
Maybe it's just a Southern thing, but have you noticed there’s a whole lot of “blessing” going on?
In the majestic world God created, he has given us responsibility
Even as fragile and small as we are, we have been entrusted with responsibility to manage the planet. . . . The psalmist gives us not only inspiration but also hope in Psalm 8.
In God’s creativity we discover a mandate for believers today
This year, as in every year, we are called to join our Creator and our King in creating, renewing, restoring, and subduing until he comes again.
What Nehemiah did when all he worked for seemed almost wasted
Maybe prayers that ask God to remember are really more about us remembering that God keeps his promises. I think that became Nehemiah’s issue.
We can learn from what happened when Nehemiah finished the wall
Good leaders not only take on projects. They also develop the people that will lead when they have finished their assignments. The first step Nehemiah took was to appoint leaders for different functions to extend and continue the work of the city.
This kinder, gentler approach was nevertheless evil and rejected
Instead of threats, they offered him kindness. But Nehemiah knew their overtures were really just another effort to distract him from the work God gave him.
How he led well, even when faced with the worst sort of problems
Opposition from without was not the only problem Nehemiah faced. Just as dangerous were situations he found among his own people.
What to do when you experience opposition to your work for God
Too often today, if someone doesn’t like something another is doing, the response is to mock them or question their worth. That’s what Nehemiah’s opposition did, but it was not what he did. He chose to pray.