I believe that the desire to be significant is within everyone. In some people it is a driving motivation for everything. In others this desire lies dormant - all but extinguished - underneath discouragement, criticism and self-hatred. But regardless of whether a person takes a passive approach … [Read more...] about The Desire for Significance
TV and Wasting Your Life
I usually don't read the quotes on the side of Starbucks coffee because the sleeve covers them up but today I took the sleeve off, and found this quote from Michael Medved. American's spend an average of 29 hours a week watching television - which means in a typical life span we devote 13 … [Read more...] about TV and Wasting Your Life
The Hardening Effect of Sin
"Sin always has a destructive effect, but often that effect isn't immediately obvious. Over a period of time, however, where sin is indulged, there'll be a hardening effect on the soul of a genuinely converted Christian. To differing degrees we're all familiar with this hardening effect. Perhaps … [Read more...] about The Hardening Effect of Sin
The Privilege of Repentance
When we think about "repentance", I think most of us think of it as a duty, something that is good and necessary, but certainly not as a "privilege". This year I am reading through the Bible in the New Living Translation. As I was reading Acts 11:18 really struck me. It is in the context of the … [Read more...] about The Privilege of Repentance
10 Observations on Growing Churches
Church consultant Chuck Gaines recently posted an article in which he shares 10 observations on growing churches. Characteristics of growing churches include: 1. Positive spirit of excitement. 2. Spirit of expectation. 3. Celebrative worship service. 4. Opportunities to build meaningful … [Read more...] about 10 Observations on Growing Churches
Persecution: Then and Now
I'm currently reading The Church History by Eusebius of Caesarea who lived apprximately 260-339 A.D. He records some pretty horrific persecution of Christians during his day. For example he writes, "...why need I give example after example of the godly martyrs' contests throughout the world, … [Read more...] about Persecution: Then and Now
Need Financial Peace?
As our nation is fighting through a recession, many people are struggling more than ever before to make ends meet. Such pressure is causing many to seriously re-evaluate their spending habits and seek wisdom on how to attain financial peace in the midst of national distress. Dave Ramsey's 13 week … [Read more...] about Need Financial Peace?
5 Reasons to Study Church History
1. Church History can help us avoid bad theology. 2. We can learn from the greatest pastors & theologians of all time. 3. It can help us set/maintain traditional boundaries (History can serve as a great reference point for church related decisions we need to make in our time.) 4. Church … [Read more...] about 5 Reasons to Study Church History
George W. Bush vs. Karl Rove – Reading Contest
At the begining of 2008 I set a goal of reading 20 books by the end of the year. Unless I do a lot of reading in the next two days I will fall just short of that goal at 19 books read. I was thinking of keeping my goal the same for 2009 when I read this article by Karl Rove in which Mr. Rove … [Read more...] about George W. Bush vs. Karl Rove – Reading Contest
Christian History Highlights – Coming Soon…
As some of you may already know I am pursuing a masters degree through Reformed Theological Seminary on a part time basis through distance education. (This will probably take me a few years, but is a lot of fun for me as a Learner and an Achiever!) My first class in the M.A program is History of … [Read more...] about Christian History Highlights – Coming Soon…
Tribute to our Armed Forces
I really appreciate all those who lay their lives down in service of our country. At several different points in my life I have seriously considered joining various branches of the armed forces. I am really drawn to many values that are day to day realities within the U.S. military. Though, I don't … [Read more...] about Tribute to our Armed Forces
The Measure of Success in Ministry
Last week at the Every Nation Winter Conference for campus ministers and church leaders in the Every Nation movement. One of the conference sessions featured a panel discussion on "The Measure of Success in Ministry". - A great topic, especially for someone like me who has the Achiever theme in his … [Read more...] about The Measure of Success in Ministry