Hope germinates in the rocky, hard, and dry times. Hope is for these times. There is nothing earth shattering in these thoughts. But what matters is this: do I really believe it to be true? Hope is for my difficulties, times of uncertainty and discouragement. Because God is good, He gives hope — something to …
Category: Blog
Leaders, Face the Impossible
Last time the focus was on not losing heart. We continue this theme in facing the impossible. What feels a little impossible for you right now? An assumption is made that good leaders are sort of fearless. And great leaders make the impossible possible. In reality, even the best leaders have challenges they would rather …
Leaders, Do Not Lose Heart
Overwhelmed. This is one word to describe how I often feel at the beginning of something new — a new school year, a new week, a new project, or even the first few days after coming home from a trip. If I am honest, it is a common and unwanted companion when I feel disappointed …
Convinced
I was not an avid reader as a child like Dad. He had numerous books going simultaneously. I was always amazed by the wide variety of subjects he read. I, on the other hand, had a difficult time even finishing a book. And there were many times I peeked ahead to find out how things …
Really Good News for All People
Today is a pivotal time for the church. What do we do with Jesus’ commission? Uncertain times do make us hesitate. When the church scattered in Acts 8, they probably did so out of fear. Though we may know Jesus’ commission is not suspended, we can feel stuck.
To the Ends of the Earth
Part 2 Fear filled the air, as a result of the martyrdom of Stephen. Within a few chapters, the church went from gladness and gathering to fear and scattering. The whole church was in crisis and lives were in danger. “That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem” (Acts 8:1). Living here meant …
Extending the Gospel in Uncertain Times
Part 1 As I study Luke and Acts, a theme I notice is one of uncertainty in the early church. Yet Luke, the author, also brings in a sense of assurance in the midst of it. It was the most certain of times. It was also the least certain of times. It was an unprecedented …
3 Successful Women in Luke and the Question they Might Ask
Today is a challenge. It is a challenge to know if what we are doing is the right thing. What we do, does it matter? Are we being “successful” though we are working from home, schooling our kids, meeting virtually, and tentatively planning for the future? In my questioning, I came across 3 women in …
5 Things We Want Every Student to Experience
By Tim Norman As a leader it is easy to give attention to many things, but not to the few right sort of things. Often the loudest voices get our attention first. Because of our need right now as spiritual leaders, to not only remember why we do things, but to remember and emphasize a …
Rethinking Rest in Our Digital World
By Brian White Because of constantly changing times, as leaders we might find ourselves or our teams tired and in need of rethinking how we find rest. My husband Brian is going to share today about this. Recently I read Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport and was challenged by it. I have had a …
A Test of Leadership
I can’t do virtual,” I heard another person say recently. ” And I don’t know if I can continue in this work if everything now is online.” Their work is in ministry with college students; and they do their work to be in the same space as students. “Why continue, if this is not what …
So You Want to Make Disciples?
Making and Multiplying Disciples Framework Let’s start with a basic framework, the Making and Multiplying Disciples Tool. This might become your new best friend for spiritually multiplying! You can download this document and watch the attached video that gives a general overview in using it. One way to use this document is to print it …
The Trinity: Puzzling or Understandable?
Do you ever feel puzzled if asked about the Trinity? I know I have. It seems safer to sidestep a question about the Trinity, change the subject or say something like this, “That is a good question, the Trinity is a mystery and hard to understand. I can’t really explain it.” I grew up in …
The Father is God
(There is) one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4:6). A good part of my life I had a certain picture in mind of God and what He was like. He was sitting on His throne and really far away. This heavenly Father (with maybe …
The Son is God
In the last post about the Trinity we discussed, The Father is God, and now we turn to the Son. What we believe and understand about God shapes us. And we pray the kinds of things we believe to be true. Every once in awhile I hear a prayer that goes like this, “Thank you …
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