Sharing Jesus: The spiritual ‘three Rs’
When I was in elementary school my dad would jokingly say something like: “Focus on your three Rs Michael! They will help you the rest of your life!” I really didn’t get it. When I would ask what he meant, his response was the same each time. Laughingly, dad would say, “The basics in school: reading, riting and rithmetic.” I would smile and argue that only one of the words began with an “R.” My dad would just laugh. It took me quite a...
First Person: Your small group needs a leader!
In the midst of ministry, I often have both church members and pastors ask me what the silver bullet for a growing, healthy small group or Sunday School organization. Although there are a number of things that are helpful to a healthy small group, there is no “silver bullet.” However, there are a number of things that are beneficial to having healthy small groups such as starting new groups; an outreach/evangelism strategy that...
Are we there yet?
After school dismissed for the summer, we packed our bags and headed out for a family vacation. This was the longest road trip our children ever experienced. I prepped their favorite snacks and new activities to ensure calm and happy travels. As you can imagine, we hit a few bumps in the road as we traveled across the plains on I-70, attempting to entertain our 3-, 4- and 8-year-olds. With 45 minutes left in the drive, the kids began...
Powerful prayer: Breakthrough prayer for family & friends
The biblical practice of united prayer is one of the most powerful principles for spiritual breakthrough. Sadly, this awesome power is often neglected by individuals and couples. Yet there is good news in the fact united prayer is not out of reach for any believer, group or family. A process I call the “united prayer blitz” combines several biblical principles in one dynamic process (A more detailed description is in the resource,...
Christian health: Healthful summer time meal preps
Planning is helpful to simplify meal preparation. Ps. 104:27-28 (HCSB) tells us, “All of them wait for You to give them their food at the right time. When You give it to them, they gather it; when You open Your hand they are satisfied with good things.” God provides us with so many wonderful foods, and each of them contains nutrients our body needs. Simple preparation is all that is needed to enjoy our food. Protein is an essential...
Guest Editorial: A letter to my fellow Southern Baptists
After being compelled by the Lord and with prayerful consideration, I write this letter with a redemptive intent. From moral failings to public accusations, it is easy to be concerned about the present condition of the Southern Baptist Convention. Is there a lack of humility across the board? Has years of harsh criticism, comparison, and condemnation finally caught up with us? Perhaps, a few reading this would say no. But I believe...
