Tag Archives: Pastors

“Hold that thought!” 3 Questions to ask before Posting

Social media is a powerful tool. Welcome or not, it’s become a common thread in the fabric of our lives and influences many. That being said, I was reminded this week of something I want to pass along. You see, there … Continue reading

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More than Silence at Ground Zero

Today, with a moment of silence our country remembers the terrible events of 9/11 in Manhattan, DC and Pennsylvania. I understand the reasons for generic “silence” and appreciate it being included, but what if there’s more? What if God is … Continue reading

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Hot on Sunday, Cold on Monday

As I’m preparing to lead small group discussions this week (using The Gospel Project material), I’m pondering a principle that helps me visualize properly relating to people. Whether it’s personal, professional, or in small group; there are some interesting applications. … Continue reading

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What a Starbucks Mistake says about the Daily Grind

I love coffee, but I’m not a big fan of Starbucks (even though I’ve waded through crowds slurping frap-a-shakes to get a cup before). However, they have a lot of experience in the coffee biz and I’m continuing to learn … Continue reading

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“OK, Who Trashed the Living Room?”

  “What a mess!” Those words were my first thought when I noticed the clutter scattered around the living room. No, not the space in our home with the TV, but the one that’s more personal. I mean the living space … Continue reading

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Is “Man of Steel” a Christian Film?

In recent weeks, several articles have suggested the new Superman reboot titled “Man of Steel” has Christian overtones (including some of the studio’s own marketing efforts). After seeing the film, I can see where it comes from, (although not exactly C. S. … Continue reading

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That Feeling of Being Stuck in Your Walk

Recently, I came across a devotional (that also happens to be today’s reading) from Oswald Chamber’s “My Utmost for His Highest” and if you ever feel “stuck” in your walk with Christ, consider the following paragraph: “A saint is not … Continue reading

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Memo: As Culture Declines, Remember Elijah

If shell-shock is starting to set it from the endless bombardment on traditional values, then a brief newsreel from 1 Kings 19 may be helpful. Elijah the Prophet was on the run. After a spectacular victory on Mt. Carmel against the … Continue reading

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How about “Man-up Day” instead of “Father’s Day”?

ENDANGERED SPECIES: Real Men While contemplating “Father’s Day” this year, I’ve been reflecting on what constitutes a “real man”…and sadly they’re becoming rare qualities. Today the media norm seems to be examples of “testosterone-deprived-pansies”, “crude-sexist-thugs”, or “bumbling-idiotic-slobs”; all of which … Continue reading

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Great Stuff to Pray for your Children and Others you Love

Ever worry about your kids or someone you’ve invested in spiritually? Maybe you’ve experienced the nagging feeling of nervousness about their decision-making and choices? I have (and to be honest, will continue to wrestle with it as our kids get … Continue reading

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3 Ways to Check Level in a Tilted World

This past weekend I worked on a fence project and as I checked the level of a trim board, I discovered a curious thing (yeah, I notice the odd stuff). After adjusting to “level”, it actually appeared to be “un-level”. … Continue reading

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Memo: How to Change a Person’s Day

You have the ability to greatly influence someone’s day for the better. I was recently privileged to have the tone of my day completely changed for the better. It was totally unexpected and got me thinking how powerful a personal … Continue reading

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Memo: A Little Known Fact about Prayer

Prayer is an incredible gift. As followers of Christ, we have the amazing privilege of personal conversation with the King of creation. The Bible contains many truths about prayer and three of them I was recently reminded of. These two … Continue reading

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Life is What Happens While You’re Making Plans

That quote grabbed my attention recently and I caught myself daydreaming right in front of the person who said it (not unusual for me). How true though, life really is happening…every moment…of every day.” It was one of those reminders … Continue reading

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A Little Solid Ground in the Shifting Marriage Debate

In the past couple of years, the conversation about gay marriage has taken several turns. First there was mass criticism of Kirk Cameron and Dan Cathy of Chick-fil-A, followed by a string of dust-ups and legal battles. With the steady stream of … Continue reading

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3 Quick Reminders from the Seed Parable

One of the cool things about the seed parable is that Jesus explained it. Found in Luke 8:4-15, it describes 4 different results of seed falling onto the ground. A combining of the story & explanation produces these pictures: The Hard Soil-no fruit … Continue reading

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Women’s Liberation and Jesus’ Ministry

Bible stories are unvarnished. Heroes of the faith are presented as they really were, including their struggles. Instead of glossing over faults, we get the true picture. When considering the Gospel narratives of Jesus’ ministry, we should take note of … Continue reading

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When Doubt Creeps In

John the Baptist was rugged, bold and popular. Imagine what the hipsters at Jerusalem U. were posting about him on FaceScroll; with the camel hair clothes and “Brood of vipers!” preaching! OK, maybe it wasn’t EXACTLY like that, but John … Continue reading

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Just in case you ever wonder if Jesus cares…

Jesus was busy. There’s no doubt about it, the gospels show Jesus’ ministry years to be very demanding. With daily ministering and traveling, there was little down time. If we’re not careful, we can let that mental image influence our view … Continue reading

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“Aw man, I was just about to say Amen too!”

Growing up, the good old-fashioned “Amen!” was common place in our church and others.  You can imagine the scene…strong preaching and sturdy words of affirmation working together in harmony. I guess it’s more a part of me than I realize, … Continue reading

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