When that question is posed to many people their instinctive response is to say, “No, God only allows pain, suffering or difficult situations.” The instinctive response seems to be in some way a desire to protect God’s character. We need a God who cares for us. We need a God who is concerned for us …
Category: Musings
Thoughts, Questions, Prayer and the Electoral Process
What was my prayer life like before the election? Will my prayer life be different after the election? We have an unusual privilege in our country to both vote for and pray for our leaders. Scripture commands us to pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-4)–even in situations where people can’t vote for them. So will …
Listening to the Bible
One of the elements I’ve added the past couple years to my own devotions is listening to the Bible. I still read it–and I can’t read without a pencil in hand. But I’m finding when I listen through the “voice” of someone else, there are elements in the tone that I have not picked up …
Economics and Taxes
Since economics and taxes are on the minds of many–including me–and political ads complicate the issue. Check out the link below for a creative way to explain our tax laws. http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/2008/10/bar-stool-economics/ (Hopefully you can overlook the “drink” and see point.)
Leadership Characteristics
Leaders motivate–they inspire others to be better than themselves, to reach for something bigger than themselves. Leaders are positive, they help people see potential not obstacles. Leaders prioritize–they clarify purpose and set boundaries. Leaders provide perspective–they see the big picture, they understand the consequences of decisions but are not limited by current negative circumstances. Leaders …
Characteristics of a Leader
A week ago I attended a conference aimed at helping churches do a better job of helping people grow and impact their communities. It was a very positive and productive conference, and while the conference was not primarily about leadership–some of my key “takeaways” were related to leadership. As I listen to, interacted with and …
The Essential Church
I’m in the process of reading The Essential Church by Thom S. Rainer and Sam S. Rainer III. The book deals with why Christian teens and young adults leave the church. While there are a number of factors, the factor that stood out most-strongly is parents. Teens whose parents attend church and are authentic in their …