Every year at this time I brush the dust off the old record player and listen to a Rock Opera popular during my teenage years: “Jesus Christ Superstar.” I love the way the crowd greets Jesus on Palm Sunday as he rides into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. Read more…
I received a number of interesting letters lately about our weekly devotions and sharing answered prayers. So I’m taking a spring break and letting others do the writing: Dear Larry, I thought you might be interested in knowing that your e-mail devotions have become “world travelers”. I just returned from Read more…
Lord, at the beginning of this Lenten season, I sense my need of you; yet, I am not quite sure how to reach you. I heard someone say, ‘Read your Bible.’ But too often the words are like bullets that ricochet off my brain. I heard someone say, ‘Pray.’ But Read more…
Last week, I wrote about a relative surprising me with a picture of my cluttered office. You could hardly see anything for the mess. I was embarrassed, ashamed and yes, even humiliated. To make matters worse, I realized my office wasn’t the only clutter. I am also guilty of a Read more…
“I found your office looking on the internet,” a relative said when we were visiting my wife’s home town.” “Oh really,” I answered, wondering why she would be so interested? “We’ve never had a chance to visit your church so I decided to check it out online. Your sanctuary is Read more…
“Welcome Home!” Last time, I described ten major trends and how we as the church can choose to make a difference in our ever-changing world? First, we pray for a vision from God. Second, we seek to turn the vision into concrete goals. Good ideas but is this what God’s Read more…
“What is Hot and What is Not: How Should We Respond?” I just described ten major trends to watch for in 2006. Now what? New trends present unique opportunities to offer ministry in the midst of change. As the year unfolds how will you choose to make a difference in Read more…
“What is Hot and What is Not” What if you could recognize major trends in world events, business and culture? Corporations frequently plan ahead in order to provide products which might meet the needs of tomorrow. Experienced automobile drivers constantly scan the road ahead anticipating potential hazards. Championship caliber chess Read more…
Amidst the rubble-strewn beach of tsunami-devastated Kalmunai in Sri Lanka, I picked up a cluster of fishing net and showed it to several men as they described a desire to go back to work. “We must fish to survive!” one man emphasized. We later learned that for approximately $3,000 we Read more…
Last week we learned God provides opportunities for us to be the church in a big way. Our response should be to say ‘yes’ to the invitation with faith knowing that serving God is more important than our occupation, our family or even our very lives. We say yes trusting Read more…