Christian Living

In one sense, any trial that comes into our lives is unplanned and disruptive to our expectations. But some trials last longer than others and are disruptive to everything in our lives. The COVID-19 crisis has, in many ways, been this kind of trial.

A city broken down and without walls is open to attack. It is vulnerable to the enemy. It is easily destroyed. Scripture tells us that if we do not accept responsibility for keeping our own spirit right, we become equally open to attack.

The songwriter echoed the words of those who were eyewitnesses of the resurrected Saviour, “I serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today, I know that He is living whatever men may say… He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart. You ask me how I know He lives; He lives within my heart.”

Trouble has a way of interrupting our otherwise great lives. How irritating, how unfair when we were busy getting our lives just how we wanted them for trouble to show up on our doorstep!

These next few weeks are going to hold changes for all of us as our communities work through the challenges posed by COVID-19. In the midst of these uncharted times, we who know Christ, can still proactively practice faith. And even when our world is turned upside down, we can trust that God is in control and that He is working.

One of the most special times between a mother and child is when they spend time reading a book together. I always loved it when one of my kids would crawl up in my lap and ask me to read a story. Now, I especially love it when one of my grandkids asks me to read a story!

The word steward in the New Testament speaks of one who is given the administration of a master’s household. A steward oversees the property and affairs of another person.

With the rise of interest in real, scriptural revival has come concern in some quarters that seeking and preaching revival might do us harm. Some voices express the fear that a revival emphasis will bring disappointment that will hurt faith.

Have you ever found yourself thinking: “I wish I had more time?” When flying back home from the East Coast, I have sometimes had the ridiculous notion—“This is going to be an awesome day! I gain three hours flying home. I have twenty-seven hours today to get everything done.”

At Lancaster Baptist Church, we give “Christmas gifts to Jesus.” It’s an opportunity for us as a church to tangibly give to the Lord whose birthday we celebrate, and it’s a great way for children to be reminded of the real purpose of Christmas.

Christmas will be difficult for many this year. Perhaps the death of loved ones is becoming incredibly real all over again, or maybe financial hardships have brought a family to the breaking point. I hurt deeply for those who are struggling, suffering, or sorrowing this Christmas.

Great potential can come out of nowhere, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Christmas narrative. Jesus is the greatest and most impacting Man to have ever walked the face of this planet, because He was God that came as man as stated in John one and Philippians two.

Without a doubt, our greatest resources for Christian servant leaders are the indwelling Holy Spirit and the Word of God. But a leader’s greatest commodity (something useful that when in plentiful supply diminishes the importance of other factors) is influence.

There is no doubt that God expects His children to maintain and practice a spirit of thanksgiving and sincere gratitude. This is, first and foremost, to be directed toward our Heavenly Father from whom all blessings flow.

This Thanksgiving season I am taking a few moments to reflect on one question: Am I truly a thankful person?

As we approach Thanksgiving, our hearts turn, perhaps more than usual, toward God in thanks for His many blessings. Indeed, our lives are full of His blessings. As Psalm 68:19 tells us, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.”

Speak to nearly any believer and they will usually agree with two general statements. The first being that to accomplish what God has called us to do requires a commitment to a disciplined prayer life. However, the second general truth that nearly every believer agrees with is that they do not pray enough.

Memorize verses that have helped you. They will do you even more good if you have them ready the next time you need them.

You cannot be a recluse and be effective as a pastor. If you are called to a shepherding role of ministry, you must be actively engaged in healthy relationship building you want to be eternally effective. Ministry, and life for that matter, is all about relationships.

Our recent Journeys of Paul tour was full of highlights for me. But perhaps the most impactful locations we visited were on the island of Crete, where Paul left Titus to “set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city” (Titus 1:5).