Many churches in our nation have an unrecognized, unused opportunity for evangelism not far from their front door. There is a place where the gospel can be preached regularly to a captive audience. That place is the prisons and jails of our nation. There are more people in prison in our nation than ever before. …
Monthly Archives: October 2011
What a Spiritual Family!
Our visit with a different part of our “forever family” yesterday did not disappoint. The opening scripture and prayer led by a young teenager, songs of praise and adoration, a thoughtful and challenging meditation as we surrounded the Lord’s Table, prayers for special needs including a special time of assembled prayer to send a member …
It’s Sunday Again: Are You Part of My New Family?
The little girl, only six years old, was in awe at the number of people who attended the ceremony as her mother remarried. Since the accidental death of her father three years earlier, the little girl and her mother had struggled. Her mother’s family was quite small, her mother an only child. Few relatives lived …
Continue reading “It’s Sunday Again: Are You Part of My New Family?”
“Missioning”
Today has already been a busy and productive day–lots of birthday greetings sent, prayers for special people in my life, meditation and reflection, an online “chat” with a brother who lives in Central America, a review of upcoming activities…. In one of the birthday greetings, I used the word “missioning” to describe my activities for …
This I Will Do
Perhaps my readers will put up with a little personal contemplation. I am thinking today about how aging changes one’s perspective. I marvel when I consider that Paul was probably near 50 when he wrote his earliest letters, or that most of his letters in the New Testament were written when he was near 60 …
Where’s the meat?
Recently I spoke on Wednesday night in a church. It was the last night of a mission emphasis series. Wednesday night often provides an opportunity for a little more feedback or “give and take” during the presentation, and on this night the presentation and discussion was lively. During the presentation, I noticed a man whom …
Developing the Habit of Consistent Bible Study
Every day is a good day to develop good habits. Many Christians I talk to long for a way to develop better spiritual habits, especially related to systematic Bible study and regular prayer. For about eight years during my first years in ministry, I read the New Testament through each month. I developed a reading …
Continue reading “Developing the Habit of Consistent Bible Study”
Moving Ahead Where God Leads
Today I will give a mission report and update to the church, telling what God is doing and where God is leading us in our ministry and mission work. The process of collecting information and reflecting on God’s leading has encouraged us. Today’s blog is a brief version of the summary I will share today. …
Not By Our Power!
Listen to the words of Zechariah 4:6: “Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of Jehovah unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith Jehovah of hosts.” This verse was impressed upon me when I saw it posted above the stage in the chapel …
Family Matters
The Bible teaches the importance of the family. Church leaders across Latin America, when given the opportunity to tell me what topics they want me to address in seminars, often ask me to focus on the Christian family. There can be no strong, biblically-qualified church leaders without strong families. The church must be a supporter …