On Wednesday nights, like a lot of “traditional” Southern Baptist Churches, we have a prayer meeting followed by a time of Bible study—basically like what we do on Sunday nights but without the music. We have spent the past 13 months quickly working through the entire Bible, doing a broad overview of all 66 books, one each week or sometimes one for a two week span. This past Wednesday we studied Philippians. The cool thing about short books is that in this study we actually get into more detail than we do with the longer ones like, say, Jeremiah. But I digress… Philippians is a book … [Read more...] about What If We All Thought This Way?
Devotional Posts
When God Seems Distant
I’ve had several people in my church come to me recently at different times but with the same issue: “I feel like I’m just going through the motions, and when I pray or read my Bible nothing is there. I’m not sure anymore if I’m even a Christian.” It’s those difficult moments where the God who has spoken and the God who is personal and near suddenly seems like the God who is so distant. We’ve likely all experienced those times—those spiritual valleys where we feel as if we’re alone, and no amount of prayer seems to break the depression. So, of course, it becomes easy to question and to … [Read more...] about When God Seems Distant
Comfort As Evangelism?
Juana hangs out in Plaza Bolivar, in front of the birthplace of South America's liberator. Caracas is not an extremely picturesque city as compared to, say, Prague, nor is it filled with centuries of cathedrals and places of historical note. The city's greatest claim to history is Simon Bolivar's house, or at least the one his mother occupied when he was born. It is restored and painted now, converted into a museum. Directly in front of the home lies Plaza Bolivar. The plaza is not large; being lined as it is by small stores, internet cafes, and copy shops only makes it appear more … [Read more...] about Comfort As Evangelism?
Why Do I Read the Bible?
This was originally published about a month ago on my blog, but I thought I would share it with you. I got to share it as a devotional on a Wednesday night recently too. I love helping folks foster an ever-deepening appreciation for God's Word. How about you, why do you read the Bible? Leave a comment! -AR One of the arguments Christians will cite for the Bible being the only book that really is the “Word of God” is its uniqueness compared to any other literature, ancient or modern. I thought of this when I was reading through Psalm 19 this morning. Psalm 19 was written to declare the … [Read more...] about Why Do I Read the Bible?
Hudson Taylor, the Ignorant Little Child of God
In a dramatic moment when it seemed that the Lord was expanding the work of the China Inland Mission (CIM) to establish offices in and send missionaries from North America, the mission’s famous leader, Hudson Taylor, knew exactly what needed to be done first. “Before we begin to plan, don’t you think we had better pray?” he asked. H.W. Frost, the man to whom he posed the question, recorded what happened next. “With hands folded and bent head, he told the Lord that we were little children and it was not in us to direct our steps, but that He, the Lord, knew everything—and would He not give … [Read more...] about Hudson Taylor, the Ignorant Little Child of God
Pursuing Holiness
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.—Hebrews 12:14 Holiness. Sanctification. Being saints. It’s all the same idea. If I were to put a simple definition to holiness it would be: acting like Jesus in all we do. God is the one who is “holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3) and we are to be imitators of God walking “in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us” (Ephesians 5:1-2). And holiness is a pretty big deal—after all, consider what the author of Hebrews tells us: without holiness no one will see the Lord. So how do we pursue … [Read more...] about Pursuing Holiness
Four Words that are Critical for Pastors (Part 2)
In Part 1, I told you that I think we should be doing a better job saying "Thank you" as ministers and church leaders. If I knew how, I'd link back to that here. However, I don't know how. If an editor does it, thank you for that... Thank you ought to be often on our lips. Often enough to be known, but not so often as to be trite. I've two more words for you that ought to be infrequent from our lips. Here they are: "I'm sorry." Now, some of you just checked out. Come back and finish the post before you pounce for me saying we shouldn't say "I'm sorry." "I'm sorry" should be … [Read more...] about Four Words that are Critical for Pastors (Part 2)
This is No Place for Cowards
I carry the past that each day I chose One step to another . . . now everyone knows. It isn't the past I would have wanted to claim But it is my past . . . it is mine just the same. I wonder sometimes about all of this Can there be no exchanging what was for what is? Will there be no will be because of what's done? Will yesterday's darkness eclipse today's sun? Is forgiveness a mystery, a want too far-flung? Is healing a melody not to be sung? Is change just a hold-out, dangled just past the grasp? Is grace to be rationed . . . with some of us passed? No mystery, no silence, … [Read more...] about This is No Place for Cowards
To Me or Not to Me?
Yes . . . that's me. Front and center on the merry-go-round, a fitting metaphor for much of my life, round and round he goes; where he'll end up, nobody knows. For too long, it depended on who was pushing and how hard. Just keep smiling and whirling . . . until you fall off. In the early days, someone picks you up and stretches a band-aid across your knee and offers you a Popsicle and tells you to hang-on better and go a little slower. In later days, they point and whisper and you are but a silly fool who should have known better than to go on the ride in the first place. The pain of the fall … [Read more...] about To Me or Not to Me?
Modification and Motive
Originally posted at Modern March There is a significant difference between teaching motive and teaching behavioral modification. For example: A husband is asked by his wife to help her clean the dishes and he refuses. After some arguing, he says, “FINE! I’ll do the dishes!” His wife is flabbergasted by his response and replies, “Nevermind…” The husband, of course, then becomes agitated that she no longer wants his help after all the fuss she made over it. His wife simply replies, “I want you to want to do the dishes.” The wife does not want her husband to offer a hand because she begged … [Read more...] about Modification and Motive