I read a story this week that reflected on some early missionary efforts in the Africa bush. Apparently, some of the young converts were very earnest and regular in their personal devotional life. “Each one reportedly had a separate spot in the...

In Acts chapter 20, Luke records for us some words of farewell that Paul gave to the elders of the church in Ephesus. In a whole list of things, he urged them to remember, he remarks in verse 28, “Keep watch over yourselves and the flock of which...

I recently read about some missionaries in Eastern Europe who are employing a creative method to start conversations about the gospel. Using social media, they have posted a single question referenced in the story about blind Bartimaeus in the book...

Right around the new year, most of us start to think about resolutions, personal organization, self-discipline issues and the like. In that context, I got to thinking about how many more years, days or hours I have left here on earth. That kind of...

One of my favorite things to do with the children in our school is to go from class to class with cans of whipped cream in my hand. I make sure none of them are allergic or anything and then I fill their mouths with that creamy sweet treat! We...

In order to clarify God’s plan for his life, Gideon asked for a sign from the Lord. (You may remember that he used some rotating wet and dry carpets.) Well, the Christmas story has some “sign seekers” too. One group was the “wisemen” who followed...

The pastor and author, Warren Wiersbe has remarked that “The trouble with too many of us is that we think God called us to be manufacturers when He really called us to be distributors.” He was making the point that all too often we begin to think...

A week or so ago, LA County held a ceremony at a Boyle Heights cemetery. It was to honor the 1457 individuals who were cremated by the county in 2016 but whose remains have gone unclaimed for these past three years. The men, women and children who...

Yesterday was the first Sunday in the Advent season. The next four weeks are an important part of the liturgical calendar. That “church” calendar includes feast days, spiritual celebrations and some denominational specifics like themes and colors....

Our staff does devotions together twice a week and this morning one of the teachers was sharing out of I Samuel 9. The primary focus of that story is Samuel anointing Saul as King. But that chapter has so much more to say to the busy, distracted,...

Been thinking some about my own walk with the Lord. I long for a closeness with my Savior. And I came across an old teaching outline of mine that discussed some circles of intimacy outlined in both the Old Testament. It was instructive. So, I pass...

In just a few weeks, we will all be eating my favorite meal of the year. It doesn’t get any better than turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, corn, and pumpkin pie! But Thanksgiving starts the “holidays” and they are difficult for many people. With...