Many of you know that I’m now “retired.” Someone asked me what does that mean? I joked that it means that I was now officially “a nobody.” Seriously, during this new season, I want to be doing the things that matter. One priority is to help others succeed in their life and ministry. That’s why…
Category: Spiritual Growth
More Questions
I love good questions. Good questions allow us to reflect rather than react. They draw out deeper observations about ourselves, others, and the situations we face. Todd Henry from The Accidental Creative writes, “I believe that the questions we ask define us. Why do I believe that? Because our questions are an indication of what…
The Grace of Easter
This weekend, billions of people around the world will celebrate this one event in history—Jesus’ death and resurrection! So what is the significance of Easter? Easter shows us what God is really like. The Bible tells us that “God is gracious and compassionate; slow to anger and rich in love” (Psalm 145:8). The Apostle Peter…
Finding Time To Be Bored
It is difficult to find time to be bored. We now can fill our lives with so much stuff. One of the biggest culprits is our electronic devices. When I was young, I remember standing in a long line for an event with nothing to do – except talk with someone or stare at the…
I’ve Got This, God
By Linda Myers I have a frightening verse underlined in my Bible. When the people of Gibeon heard how Joshua had conquered Jericho and Ai, they came up with a ruse. A delegation of men went to Joshua saying they had come from a distant country and asked that a treaty be made between them…
R-Rated Prayer
Is God too pure to listen when his children suffer violence? By Wayne Schock As Christians, we are often aware that polite conversation excludes certain words and even whole topics, especially when young people or children are present. But how serious can I be about talking with God, when there are topics that I choose…
Break Down Every Idol
There is a beautiful phrase of surrender from an old hymn. It goes like this: “Break down every idol, cast out every foe. Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” I believe that every one of us grapples with idols. An idol is anything we trust or love more than God. Who…
Lessons from a Sabbatical
Part 3 “CHURCH & CULTURE” Remember that finger motion rhyme we learned as kids? It was called, Here is the Church. It went something like this… Here is the church (fold hands, fingers inside)And here is the steeple (index fingers up)Open the doors (thumbs apart)And see all the people (wiggle inside fingers) That was so fun to do! Sadly,…
Lessons from a Sabbatical
Part 2 “REFLECTION & DIRECTION” Another takeaway from our Sabbatical was the need for reflection. Reflection doesn’t solve problems; in fact, sometimes it reveals them. A Sabbatical is not a cure-all for all that ails us, but a time to seriously think through where you are in life and what God has for you in…
Lessons from a Sabbatical
Part 1 “REST & RENEWAL” Taking a Sabbatical is a privilege. Most people don’t have the time nor resources to take an extended time off. I want to thank the Conference and the team that made it possible for us to take nine weeks off. Our Sabbatical centered around four important elements: Renewal, Family, Insight,…
Staying out of HARM’s Way
by Linda Myers A few years back, we took a guided hike along the San Andreas Fault. Somehow I ended up in front of the line, leading the way. The guide ran up and said, “You’d better let me in front since I know how to spot snakes that are hiding along the trail. That…
Pray For One Another
COVID has led some people to think they don’t need to be part of the church family. They say they are getting everything they need online or on their own. Guess what? The Bible says that’s impossible. There are no Lone Ranger Christians. Every metaphor of the church is about others. We are the “body…
Coffee with Randall 