If I’m hurting, how can I give thanks?
I grew up in a church in rural Indiana. As a child I remember the uniqueness of the Sunday night before Thanksgiving. I remember that it was one of the few services that the pastor didnât preach. Instead I vaguely remember two microphones down front, and that people would just get up and share what they were thankful for. I … Read More
Good questions for a new year
In my reading this morning I came upon a startling quote by Jim Elliot, who,  this week in 1956 was killed by the Auca indians when he was attempting to share the gospel with them. Knowing that his venture into the South American jungle was dangerous, he was reported to have said, “When it comes time to die, make sure all you have … Read More
Diagnosing your spiritual health…
The first week of January is filled with hope. Past struggles and personal failures seem to be fading with our final singing of Auld Lang Syne. But I have found that my personal challenges don’t seem to disappear with the new calendar year. They stubbornly refuse to leave without a fight, and before long the facade of hope begins to crumble as … Read More
Questions for a New Year
Questions cause us to think. Sometimes they cause us to evaluate our lives. In our fast-paced society we donât seem to make enough time for either of those pastimes. We wonder who has time for thinking and evaluating when our days are an attempt to play catch up only to feel like we are falling farther behind. Yet, as you … Read More
Time with God: The right heart, time, place, and plan
When having an effective quiet time, itâs important to have the right heart, time, place and plan. If your time with the Lord is lacking, consider which of these four elements could stand a little improvement. Several years ago now I came upon an excellent article by pastor Zach Schlegel on the importance of all four elements. He granted me permission … Read More
Reading through the Bible in a year
As you prepare for the new year I’ve included several Bible reading plans to encourage your time in the Word. They are in PDF format so that you can print them and tuck them in the flyleaf of your Bible for a reminder as you develop the habit of reading the Bible daily. The six-day format will take you through the Bible cover … Read More
What we can learn from Church history…
One Sunday morning I took a chance. I did something Iâd never done before, and that Iâd never seen done before. We took the morning teaching time and studied church history. I confess I was a little nervous. History isnât known as a subject that inspires most of us. After all the dates, places, and names of the past may … Read More