I’m reading Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick and wrote the following devotional based off what I’ve learned in the book. Enjoy! The first Thanksgiving took place in 1621. The Pilgrims didn’t call it “Thanksgiving” at the time, but because the purpose of their feast was to thank God for His blessings, it was later given that name. What makes this so striking is the context. Of the roughly 100 people who arrived on the Mayflower, half died within the first year. They faced disease, … [Read more...]
How Do You Know Your Disciple Making Is Working?
I'm at a pastors' conference in New Castle, NH and we're discussing this important question: How do you know your disciple-making is working? Here's my take on it... Jesus said, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Lk 6:40) Therefore, you objectively know your disciple-making efforts are working when the people who attend your church start looking like Jesus (in character and conduct). Jesus was a servant. … [Read more...]
A Biblical Basis for Seeking Wise Counsel
I dedicate a good chunk of time each month to seeking wise counsel from other leaders who are more experienced, have greater knowledge and lead larger churches than our own. Here’s ten reasons why: If you lead anything, it is imperative that you regularly seek wise counsel. People who have already done whatever it is you're looking to do... Listen...when we fail to seek wise counsel the result is pain. Personally, I like avoiding pain. Personally, I like being successful. … [Read more...]
Setting the Example: Purity
The apostle Paul instructed a young pastor named Timothy “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 ESV This is the same instruction the apostle Peter gave. Addressing pastors he wrote “As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. … [Read more...]
Setting the Example: Faith
The apostle Paul instructed a young pastor named Timothy “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 ESV This is the same instruction the apostle Peter gave. Addressing pastors he wrote “As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. … [Read more...]
The Land Belongs to the Jews
The Jews and the Palestinians have been fighting for many years over which one of them is the rightful owner of the land the Bible refers to as Canaan (modern-day Israel). When you look to Scripture you quickly learn that God promised the land to Abraham and his descendants. It seems pretty straightforward but here's the rub. The Arabs and the Jews both descend from Abraham (the Arabs through Ishmael and the Jews through Isaac). So which group does the land truly belong to? That is the question … [Read more...]
Setting the Example: Love
The apostle Paul instructed a young pastor named Timothy “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 ESV This is the same instruction the apostle Peter gave. Addressing pastors he wrote “As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. … [Read more...]
Setting the Example: Conduct
The apostle Paul instructed a young pastor named Timothy “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 ESV This is the same instruction the apostle Peter gave. Addressing pastors he wrote “As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t … [Read more...]
Setting the Example: Speech
The apostle Paul instructed a young pastor named Timothy “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 ESV This is the same instruction the apostle Peter gave. Addressing pastors he wrote “As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. … [Read more...]