In teaching students this past month, I am using the book of Philippians to teach students some basic principles of handling conflicting. The metaphor we are using is to fight clean (build a person up) instead of fighting dirty (putting a person down. Students, and … Continue reading Lessons from Philippians on conflict
The blessings of challenging times the push to look back at the why of things. That is, if we are willing to learn from our situations in life instead of putting up with them. In church circles there is the craze and emphasis of “loving … Continue reading Big: Because God is worth it
Like many places, Covid is a continual discussion in ministry circles. When we became aware of covid, precautions were taken to manage the risk. These procedures were eased up, and now they’re coming back. One field, mental health and its practitioners, communicated concern about the … Continue reading We are still human
“Indecision is a virus that will destroy an army’s will to win, or even survive,” said Henry Fonda’s character in “In Harm’s Way.” John Wayne’s character was tasked with turning things around. Only way was forward. Sometimes choices can cloud things. The movie is filled … Continue reading When forward is your only option
There is nothing better than stepping up to a tee box with your driver and crushing it. One time in a competition, my game was lousy. The last hole was a par 5 double dog leg. In sheer frustration, I just aimed for the green … Continue reading Work on your short game
We are forgetting that the Gospel is the solution. We too often treat the Gospel as a side issue, even though the current buzz states the Gospel is central. The questions we are asking right now is how do we live justly? The cycle of … Continue reading Lost, stuck, and the way out
A phrase I use often in conversations is: That doesn’t pass the 1 Corinthians 13 test. Love wants, compels, and requires us to work. What we want with the concept of love is a Hallmark moment. Love does not work that way. If we want … Continue reading Love wants work, we want flowers.
In a first world nation, particularly our own, we have not often faced our mortality up front and personally. When that happens it significantly disrupts how we process things. Our prosperity, overly busy lifestyles, and brushing aside all things pointing to death leave us Ill-equipped … Continue reading Why faith is needed
Optimism and hope are often misplaced terms. I would venture to day that thinking best is not optimism, and hope is not a plan. Running to positivity can destroy and overwhelm. Being a pessimist also does not help. Negativity can wreak havoc on your immune … Continue reading Look for more water
With the slow re-opening of the country back up, and the likelihood of church gatherings being restricted for awhile, leveraging small groups is critical. Many churches want to be a church a church of small groups. This crisis is a great test of how well … Continue reading Small Groups: the amazing opportunity of now
T.Woznek 