This is an abbreviated outline with an expanded outline downloadable at the bottom of the post. I read about a Muslim in Africa who had become a believer in Christ. When asked why he converted from the faith he had known all his life, he replied, “Imagine that you have come to a fork in the road. It is extremely important that you choose the right way, but you have no knowledge as to which way is better. Two men are there from whom you could ask directions. One of them is living and one is dead. To whom would you go for advice?”

By now, preparations for Spiritual Leadership Conference in June are underway at a weekly—even daily—level. But even as we prepare the conference details and logistics, I’m asking the Lord to work in this conference this year in three very specific ways:

There are many issues churches need to address concerning modern missions. Should churches in the U.S. support national pastors on a monthly basis? What are the positives and the negatives? Is it good to fund national projects? There are many churches and individuals who have a heart as big as Texas and have a desire and capacity to help, but are we, in fact, helping or hindering?

Lot had made his greedy choice. He and his flocks and family would move to the plain of Jordan. There was a nice spot that overlooked the city of Sodom. It was a bad choice—one of many. But it left his uncle Abram with some moving of his own to do. Where would he go? Were there any good spots left?

Most of us have more ideas than time. That’s a good problem. It’s better than more time than ideas, for sure. The danger, however, is that we develop a tendency to also have more half-started projects than we have involvement. Once we’re convinced that an idea is something God has laid on our hearts—whether that be a new ministry, building, activity or event, project, or program—how do we act on it to bring it to completion?

I will admit that eighth grade General Science was not my favorite subject in school. But one day, as I took my seat in what was normally a boring, lifeless class, the teacher announced that we would look at the topic of metamorphosis. Immediately, I came to attention as I tried to imagine the monstrous dinosaur we would be studying that day.

Have you ever delegated a responsibility to someone who didn’t follow through? Or who didn’t care to do it the way you wanted it done? God has made pastors overseers of His flock.

The words that come out of our mouth say a lot about us. Solomon said, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” James said that the tongue is, “A fire, a world of iniquity.” He also said that although the tongue is a small member, it is very hard to control. Let us consider some ways our speech can be a blessing.

“What God has done is miraculous.” This was the recurring statement made by Mike Edwards when interviewed about Heritage Baptist Church in Woodbridge, Virginia. Dr. Edwards has been the pastor for thirty-four years.

As recently as a few weeks ago, I stood with Dr. Daniel Kim at the DMZ by North Korea. It’s a heartbreaking feeling to stand just a few hundred yards away from people locked in a country of repression and, for Christians, a place of severe persecution—and be able to do nothing to help them.