Posts in Heart
Chasing the Wild Goose

The term “Celtic Church” is used to describe one of the earliest forms of Christianity in the British Isles. Dating from around the year 400 A.D., the Celtic Church established itself as the most successful evangelistic movement ever seen in the countries of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.

Read More
Positioning Yourself to Hear From God

In the course of my ministry life, I have met many people who claim never to have received a prompting or sense a whisper from God. Not even once. Yet, when I probe a bit deeper, I discover that the reason why is that they have not positioned themselves to be able to hear from God.

Read More
How Do I Know It's Really God?

In my two previous posts, I tried to make the point that our relationship with the Lord is more than theoretical – it’s real. And any loving relationship has at its heart communication.

Read More
The God Who Speaks

If there is such a thing as a biblical understatement, “God spoke to our ancestors…at many times and in various ways” (Hebrews 1:1) qualifies. Consider the following Old Testament examples.

Read More
Hearing God

I’m sometimes asked by those I coach, “What’s the best advice you could give me about being a good leader?” My answer often surprises them. “It’s being a good follower.”

Read More
The Sacred Gift of Listening

I have a bad habit. Okay…who am I kidding? I have a bunch of bad habits. But one of my worst is my tendency to interrupt others. They begin to share something and then I butt in.

Read More
The Timidity of Timothy

One of the most interesting New Testament characters, to my way of thinking, is Timothy. This young man, the son of a Jewish mother who had become a believer and a Greek father (who apparently had not) met Paul…

Read More
A Momentary Rest

Most of us are familiar with the four notes, though we might be hard-pressed to name the symphonic work. Here they are: Da-Da-Da-Dah. Recognize them?

Read More
Epic Challenges, Epic Life

Screen-writing sage Robert McKee is considered one of the masters of storytelling. In his “Story Seminar,” McKee offers this overarching observation regarding creating a compelling narrative: No conflict. No story.

Read More
The Importance of Unlearning

Pastor and author Mark Batterson got my attention in a big way when he wrote, “Half of learning is learning. The other half of learning is unlearning. Unfortunately, unlearning is twice as hard as learning.”

Read More
How the Mighty Have Fallen

One of the most popular business books in recent decades was Good to Great by Jim Collins. For a season, it was a must-read for leaders and their teams.

Read More
Every Leader Needs a Coach

Once again Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has won the MVP for the National Football League. It’s the third time he’s been given this high honor.

Read More
Responding to Mistreatment

As shepherds, we who lead in the church have both the privilege and responsibility of tending and guiding our flock. We can take great satisfaction when that flock is flourishing and healthy.

Read More
The Solution for an Unsustainable Pace

Every now and then I will hear a leader say, “I am absolutely out of gas! I’m going to ask my board for a sabbatical.” I’m hearing it even more often in these current trying times.

Read More
The 5 Best Books I Read in 2020

I’m a voracious reader. On the fiction side, my taste ranges from historical novels to detective mysteries. On the non-fiction side, I enjoy devotional, professional, and developmental publications.

Read More
A Word From Immanuel

One of the most beloved names given to Jesus in the Scriptures is Immanuel – God with us. But more than a theological truth regarding the incarnation, or pretty words to sing at Christmas, Immanuel – God with us - is a reality you and I can experience every day.

Read More
The Subtle Threat of Mixing Religion and Politics

Most of us are probably familiar with C.S. Lewis’ classic work, The Screwtape Letters. For the uninitiated, Lewis writes from the perspective of a senior demon, Screwtape, to his nephew and protégé, Wormwood, on the various ways to get “the patient” to turn away from “the Enemy” (God).

Read More
Addressing Your Exhaustion

I have talked with scores of pastors since COVID hit in the middle of March. Every single leader has said the same thing: “I’m exhausted.” It seems that it’s the one thing everyone can agree on right now. Eight months of pedal-to-the-metal leadership has left many feeling totally depleted.

Read More
The Practice That Transformed My Devotional Life

In my 40 years of walking with the Lord, I’ve worked hard to maintain a disciplined devotional life. While that commitment has proven to be valuable, I’ve got to admit that at times it’s been more duty than delight.

Read More