Competence Failure
“Work gravitates toward competence until failure” It is a curious proverb reminding us that sometimes competence can lead to failure. How? Because in organizations and institutions, (the church included), “work gravitates toward competence until failure.” When there is more to be done who gets asked to do it? Do the incompetents get asked? Not usually.
The Problem with Labels
The longer I live, the more I detest being labeled. I resent being labeled by the region of the country that I live in. Typically, those of us in the South have labels for Yankees (oops, there’s a label), and those in the North have a label for those below the Mason Dixon Line. The
Aches and Pains — and Prayer!
There’s that wonderful word sufficient again! “My grace is sufficient for thee!” Jesus Christ is able to meet our physical needs as well as our spiritual and material needs! Perhaps you, too, have a “thorn in the flesh,” some physical affliction that God has permitted in your life. Paul’s affliction was not the result of
A Revival of Honesty
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Ephesians 4:25 Paul, true to form, starts Ephesians with a doctrinal statement of what God has done for us in Christ (Chapters 1-3) and follows that with the practical implications (Chapters 4-6).
The Heart
“Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the Lord always. Surely there is a future and your hope will not be cut off.” — Proverbs 23:17-18 Thirty years ago, Dana and I rebranded our singles ministry in the city of Houston with the logo, “SINGLEHEARTED: Marked by Sincerity and
Life in the Rear-View Mirror
During the 1920’s, Arthur Berry was considered the world’s most famous jewel thief. However, Berry’s notoriety was not due to the fact he was a thief, but because of his rather ingenious, bold style of only stealing from the elite rich and only taking high class jewels. Known as a “Gentleman thief,” Berry was always
Giving Living
A little boy was sitting in church one day when the offering plate passed by. He didn’t have any money, so he tore off a piece of the sermon note page and wrote, “I give myself.” I’m not sure how much was given in cash and checks that day, but that little boy gave the
Better Than a “Silver Lining”
Read 2 Corinthians 9. During the early days of the Great Depression in the United States, people talked and sang about the clouds having a “silver lining.” One skeptic said, “It’s fine for a cloud to have a silver lining, but how do you get it to the mint so you can spend it?” Jesus
8 Lies that Destroy the Marriage Covenant
PURPOSELIE: My happiness is the supreme goal of marriage (God just wants me happy!).TRUTH: God’s glory and others good is the goal of marriage. “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) AFFECTIONLIE: When love is gone, the marriage is over.TRUTH: Loss of love teaches me
The Authority
“Many a man proclaims his loyalty but who can find a trustworthy man?” – Proverbs 20:6 Recently at “The Response” in Houston, Texas, Tony Evans delivered a powerful six minute message that crystallized the role of pastors and the churches they lead during these tumultuous times. He gestured towards the playing field of Reliant Stadium.
The Call of Duty
I once read a story that emerged from World War I of a soldier who became so discouraged and defeated during the war that he went AWOL and deserted his fellow troops in the heat of a battle. The soldier made his way to a nearby house and exchanged his uniform for the clothing of
The Seven Deadly Sins of a Pastor (Part 2)
TREATING STAFF LIKE SECOND RATE CITIZENSMaybe you’ve only served as a pastor, and you’ve never served on a staff under someone else’s authority. If so, this is a real and subtle temptation, especially for those who are called to serve in multi-staff situations. Satan and our flesh can suggest to us that the attention, applause,