A husband and wife team in the first community of faith sold a piece of land and brought all the proceeds to the Apostles. At least that's what they said in the story recorded in Acts chapter 5.But...They actually kept part of the proceeds for themselves.  Luke, the writer of Acts, says that they liedContinue reading "Truth-telling & the fragile fabric of trust are so important in God’s Kingdom"

I wrote this column on smartphones going to church.  It appeared in the October 20th, Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette.  I wrote it mostly for those newspaper readers who wonder about those who take their smartphones to church every Sunday.  Of course, that would be millions and millions of people.  And I I don't see that changing...

The greatest words ever spoken came from a dying man...1.  Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.  When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, forContinue reading "The greatest phrases ever spoken"

Self-awareness is a really good thing.  The better you know and acknowledge the truth about yourself the better off you'll be.  So no pretending.  As you assess your life today, asking the Father what He has for you and He to do together,here are four verses from Luke 24 for you to put on theContinue reading "Keep a realistic assessment of yourselves as you stand firm"

Rita Hancock's book The Eden Diet was really interesting to read. Hancock is a physician in Oklahoma who lost more than 75 pounds almost 30 years ago.  And she's kept it off!  Her book explains how.  Here is her October 2013 weight loss newsletter with her thoughts about breaking free of our candy cravings aroundContinue reading "Breaking free of our cravings for candy around Halloween!"

Sam Storms, lead pastor of preaching and vision at Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City, recently reflected on 40 years of pastoral ministry.  Here's one point with which I totally agree: "I wish I had known about the delusion of so-called confidentiality. Pity the man who puts his confidence in confidentiality. You can and must controlContinue reading "The delusion of so-called confidentiality"

There are some things God never says to you.  Period!  And yet....we let the enemy say so many lies about us.  And so often we allow him to use our own voice.  Here's Pastor John Piippo, one of the most thoughtful, praying pastors I know, writing about how to break down these spiritual strongholds.

Rich Nathan is the incredible visionary pastor of Vineyard Columbus in Columbus, OH.  He's one of my favorite preachers and pastors. He's an excellent leader, thinker and communicator.  His latest book is called Both-And.  I like it a lot; review it here on Amazon; and recommend it to you if you want to get aContinue reading