Posts from 2016 (Page 3)
Reflection: A Plant Grows
“Somewhere a plant grows—a stalk of wheat, an ear of corn—and this assures us that our God reigns. We have so much to do, so many worries, so little money, so many hardships. We pray about these things, yet before we complete a sentence we are off solving our problems or fretting about what could be. If only Jesus’ words would slow us down so we could listen and consider the realities of our Father’s care. It certainly would be…
You Don’t Really Know Who Your Friends Are Until…
“For as long as you and I have lived, at least if you have lived in this Western, first-world culture, friendship with Jesus has been beneficial. At worst this friendship has been neutral so the benefits have balanced the drawbacks. And while I am no prognosticator of doom, it seems increasingly clear that a relationship with Jesus will soon be more and more of a liability before this watching, judging world.” Read more…
Parental Failings
Pastor John did a little thinking about his parenting today as he revisited some old letters. Maybe these thoughts will be helpful for some younger parents. Read more…
When life gives you oranges
“Discovering your children have special needs is like being given an orange. You’re sitting with a group of friends in a restaurant. You’ve just finished a decent main course, and are about to consider the dessert menu when one of your friends gets up, taps their glass with a spoon, and announces that they have bought desserts for everyone as a gift. They disappear around the corner, and return a minute later with an armful of spherical objects about the…
Who Will You Serve and Surprise This Week?
“Life is never less than duty, but at its best it is so much more. Duty usually comes easily enough whereas delight requires thoughtfulness, effort, and creativity. If we are to live in such a way that we bring glory to God by doing good to others, we owe it to them to serve and surprise, to fulfill duty and express delight. So who do you need to serve and surprise in the week ahead?” Read more…
When Christians move on
“People leave churches for all sorts of reasons. People get married. People move house. People accept new jobs that take them elsewhere. People heed God’s call to ministry in different pastures… Nevertheless, when good friends move on and we are left behind, how are we to deal with our sadness and grief?” Read more…
Prescribing Hospitality for Growth in the Christian Life
“Hospitality offers a vital prescription for growth, because it touches so many aspects of how we live our lives. According to the New Testament we need to consider the needs of others, to share the gospel, to love, and to be intentional with our resources; hospitality provides a tangible way to practice all of that.” Read more…
Don’t forget the punchline!
What’s the punchline in our conversations with people who don’t yet believe in Jesus? Read more…
The Two Kinds of Conversation You Need To Have With Your Children
If you have something important to speak about to your children, you just have the conversation, right? Or should we think more carefully about *how* to have the conversation? Read more…
Satan’s Strategies
“In a world of shysters and cons, you are wise to be alert to their strategies. When at the train station in Rome, pickpockets are everywhere so keep money and important documents secure. When you receive internet requests for money, ignore them. When you are promised a 10% return on your investment, don’t give up a penny. And when you have an enemy who is always out to get you, stay current with his schemes.” Read more…