Enjoying the Journey
Churches are beginning to open back up. Pastors are trying to find some rhythm again. It will take some time to get everyone back and schedules fully normal, but it is a start. In fact, it is an opportunity for a new beginning! Over the last months I have had the privilege of working with and talking to many pastors who have had to “get out of the comfort zone” and do some thing for the first time. We all have been stretched, and the world should see a difference among the people of God. Some things should not change. Our doctrine, our commitment to Scripture, our faithfulness to biblical distinctives – all of these must never change. On the…
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Every Christian should read biography. Through the years God has used the story of believers in history to both instruct and inspire me. First, let me say that not every biography I read is Christian. There are lessons to be learned from military leaders, businesspeople, athletes, and government figures. Sometimes we learn what to do and sometimes we learn what not to do! However, there are men and women who have faithfully followed the Lord and their lives can lead us to do the same. We follow in the footsteps of those who have gone ahead. It is for this reason that I think we should continue to study the examples who have blazed the trail before us. I have…
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America is in desperate need of revival. Our nation needs the healing that only God’s holy presence can bring. But great awakenings never begin as national movements – they begin as personal meetings with God. Spiritual awakenings come when God’s people connect their prayers to God’s purpose. I am frequently asked when I plan to write a book. Through the years I have learned that speaking and writing are very different! Pastor Sexton gave me two pieces of advice early on: begin with small writing projects and don’t publish anything until you are 40. Wise counsel. I began nine years ago writing short articles on our Enjoying the Journey blog. Now, at 43 years of age, I am burdened to…
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These are unusual days for everyone and unique days to serve in a church. Over the last few weeks I have spent a great deal of time talking and praying with pastors who are doing their best, under God, to lead their churches through this crisis time. While these faithful pastors are working to help God’s people, we should also be thinking about how God’s people can help God’s pastors. Remember, we are all in this together! Be prayerful. The most effective use of our words is always in talking to the One who can do something about it! In Hebrews 13 we are encouraged to “remember…follow…obey…and submit” to spiritual leaders (Hebrews 13:7, 17). However, one of the most overlooked…
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“Truly God is good…it is good for me to draw near to God” (Ps. 73:1, 28). In these unusual days I am reminded that God is good, and that it is good for me to stay as close to Him as possible! Thank you for continuing to pray for us as we seek to fulfill the call of God to preach the gospel, teach the Bible, encourage churches, and help pastors. We sense your prayers and see answers to them every day. This month has been full of drive-in meetings, recorded messages, and online services. These are unique times! You may be interested in watching some of the messages given for churches across the country. They are available on our…
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