Category: New Beginnings

Who’s in control? Ultimately, of course, God is in control. But what if we narrow the scope a bit? If I think about myself and my own reactions or responses, who’s in control? I asked that question earlier this week in a group of eighth grade boys. How do you think they answered? I worked […]

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…get me in a lot of trouble. I got disappointed this week.   Disclaimer: I’m only telling this story because I think it contains some valuable lessons. The details don’t matter—this is about my personal failure, nothing else. # # # # # A couple of years ago I was invited to be a very small […]

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I read a story this morning that disturbs me. A missionary had been a bed-ridden invalid for eight years. During that time she prayed for healing so she could do the work to which she’d been called. No response. Finally she got tired of asking. Basically she said, “Okay, you decide if I’m going to […]

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Have you ever asked a question and received a less-than-helpful answer? A few days ago my Internet connection decided to demonstrate its absolute power to control my life. For no apparent reason I’d suddenly have no signal. A few moments later everything was fine. This cycle recurred several times. I did all of the standard […]

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The title of the talk seemed a bit odd: The God of “RE.” I figured I was about to discover that “re” was a Greek or Hebrew word with deep theological significance. Pastors are good at digging out this sort of stuff. I suspect it reflects a need to justify the value of their seminary training. But […]

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When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on […]

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Do you think your story is worth telling? I believe the answer is emphatically “Yes!” God tells us about Himself through stories. Most of the Bible is stories about real people in real circumstances who struggled and failed and got it wrong more than they got it right. God’s own story comes to us through […]

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Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, […]

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Don’t you love it when a really cool idea just drops into your lap? This morning I met with eight people who are part of the year-long workshop I mentioned last time (How To Know What’s Right). We enjoyed a great conversation about courage, communication, and character. One of my companions told us about a slogan […]

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Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. [1 Thessalonians 5:16-18] Ever had one of those days? Well, I’ve already had one today, and it’s only 9:30 am. Nothing catastrophic; my spinal cord injury decided to remind me of its ability to disrupt […]

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“And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins.” [Luke 5: 37-38] Have you ever wanted to start over? I sure have, lots of times, […]

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Someone recently posed an interesting question about questions. He asked, “What questions hinder you from a complete and full relationship with the Lord?” As a teacher I always maintained that sincere, authentic questions enhance any interaction. I welcome questions because they’re a window that allows me to see what the other person’s thinking. I was […]

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