Many of us are very busy, overcommitted, and burdened. Some of us feel as if we are carrying the weight of it all on our shoulders. And yet, we want to stay fresh and alive for the long haul. Taking steps to stay fresh for the long haul is important because too many people crash… Continue reading How Someone Like You Can Stay Fresh and Alive for the Long Haul
Category: Spiritual Disciplines
Men and Their Spiritual Battle
The spiritual battle for the hearts and lives of men is very real. Our struggle as men, is not against flesh and blood (though is all too often where we put our focus) but is against the powers and principalities of the dark world and the spiritual forces of evil. I have spent much of… Continue reading Men and Their Spiritual Battle
What People Who Live Well Do Differently
What do people who live well do differently? What do the people who finish well do that others don’t seem to do? What do men and women do that so many others seem to ignore or pay little attention to? People who live well live in the present instead of the past. Yes, they may… Continue reading What People Who Live Well Do Differently
Four Essential Practices for Any Church Leader
The following are four essential practices for any church leader. In fact, these might be helpful to any Christ-follower. 1. Take care of your mind. Too many ministers do not read widely and consequently get stuck in a mental rut. Some read only the latest books from well-known preachers. The mind, however, needs exercise. For… Continue reading Four Essential Practices for Any Church Leader
Held Hostage By the Least Mature (Leadership)
Perhaps you’ve known one or more of these people. He or she is the least mature person in the group. He is the most difficult elder in the group. Time after time, the other elders have attempted to appease their fellow elder. Yet, no matter what they do, he remains unhappy and demands other concessions.… Continue reading Held Hostage By the Least Mature (Leadership)
Enough is Enough
This morning I began reading a life of being, having, and doing by Wayne Muller. I never got beyond the opening chapter. The chapter “A Life of Enough” made me think. …the bar keeps rising, nothing is ever finished, nothing is ever good enough. So we work and add and never stop, never back away, never… Continue reading Enough is Enough
My Most Important Hour
Of all the hours in the day, the hour after I get up in the morning is probably the most important. For many years, I have practiced an early morning discipline of preparing for my day. This takes place before anyone else in my family awakens. I am convinced that this hour helped me to… Continue reading My Most Important Hour
Soul Starvation
When Christian leaders are not regularly nourished, burnout can be the result. Ministry can become something that one gets done by sheer willpower. There is no longer any sense that one is drinking from strong and deep spiritual wells. This can become deadly. The demands of life and ministry become intoxicating. Our lives are fueled… Continue reading Soul Starvation
Did Becoming Older Bring Me Closer to Jesus?
Did becoming older bring me closer to Jesus? Henri Nouwen in his book In the Name of Jesus, reflects upon a time when he asked himself this question. The book is not new.Perhaps you read the book some years ago. I did — and now have read the book five or six times. That question… Continue reading Did Becoming Older Bring Me Closer to Jesus?
Make Your Move Now (2)
Pay attention to the front porch The front porch is what people see. The front porch determines whether people have a desire to come any further. If the front porch looks cluttered, dark, and uninviting, people may see this as a sign that they are really not welcome in your life. Begin this year by… Continue reading Make Your Move Now (2)