Encourage: Four expectations of Jesus’ disciples
Sometimes people of God struggle with disappointment. Things don’t always turn out the way we expect. Could it be that our disappointment comes from unrealistic expectations more than unsatisfying experiences? I have been studying an exchange between Peter and Jesus. “Peter began to say to Him, ‘Behold, we have left everything and followed You.’ Jesus said, ‘Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters...
Encourage: ‘Slow & steady’ guidance
May is the month of graduations. In 2014, I delivered the commencement address at Oklahoma Baptist University. I would like to share with you an abbreviated version of that address. Feel free to pass this along to a new graduate. ********* “Don’t brag about your lightning pace, for slow and steady won the race!” Do you recognize that line from an ancient text? It is the moral of a story about a turtle and a rabbit—better known as “The...
Encourage: He is risen
This is the second Easter since I began serving Oklahoma Baptists as executive director-treasurer. This will also be the second time you have read this exact column. I will continue to resubmit this same piece every Easter for two reasons. First, I like holiday traditions. I hope you will come to anticipate and enjoy this same good word as part of your Easter celebration. Second, and more significantly, we focus on the Resurrection of...
Encourage: The sacred value of a child
Recently, the Lord blessed us with a new grandchild. Our son’s dear wife gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Psalm 127 comes to mind every time I see new parents holding a precious bundle in their arms. “Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They will not be ashamed when...
Encourage: Is God calling you to pastor?
The summer after I finished high school, God called me to be a minister of the Gospel. My experience was rather sudden and unexpected, yet compelling. Spending my life serving the Lord in His church went from totally off my radar to the center of my vision in just a few hours while at Falls Creek that summer. I am grateful for that clear experience of God’s call, yet I have learned that for most, the call comes more gradually over...
Encourage: Church check-up
I have an appointment with my physician for my annual check-up on the day most of you will read this article. My doctor will check a few basic indicators of health: blood pressure, blood sugar, reflexes, weight, etc. If your church had a similar check-up, what would be the best indicators of its health? What are the signs or symptoms of a healthy church? Over the course of the last 30 years serving as a pastor, I have come to love the...
