The Practical Disciple

  The shocking discovery I never suspected was…   You are 5 times less likely to quit your bible reading plan within 30 days if you will only… HAVE A SET READING TIME! As part of my Through The Bible in a Year program I have been surveying participants after 30 days. Several months ago, I analyzed the first 18 responses and discovered that readers with a set bible reading time where nearly twice as likely to be still … Read entire article »

  I really doubt many people remember Amaziah.  In fact, I have been reading scripture daily for over 25 years and I didn’t recall his name at all.  However, this morning Amaziah caught my attention as I was reading through 2 Chronicles.  Let’s get real.  2 Chronicles is one of those books where it is easy to glaze over as you read the litany of kings with unpronounceable names.  It becomes almost sing-song, alternating between kings who “did right in the sight of the Lord all the days of…” and kings “who did not do right in the sight of the Lord but walked the ways of the kings of Israel.”   Today though, a phrase arrested my attention because it was just slightly different than the norm.  2 Chronicles 25:2 says of … Read entire article »

From Pastor to Millionaire… Giver! from Generous Giving on Vimeo.   I ran across an amazingly inspiring and challenging video about giving today while checking in on one of my favored blogs, http://discipleshipguy.com. I was particularly struck by this video because yesterday I preached on having a passionate anguish for others. The sermon point was simply about how when we are stirred by compassion a door is opened for God to work miracles.   We reflected specifically on the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand with two fishes and five loaves. Upon hearing the tragic news of the twisted murder of John the Baptist, Jesus tries to withdraw only to find himself faced with a sick and wanting crowd. Rather than being put out he is “moved with compassion” more literally … Read entire article »

I recently interviewed a senior executive of a major company in our community. I spoke with him about his greatest concerns for his company. The conversation was illuminating.   One of his greatest personal needs as a leader was simply time to think. He needed time for strategic planning. He said that the CEO frequently reminded him, “He was not paid to be busy. He was paid to think.” As our conversation continued he admitted ironically, that when he actually carved out time to think he was almost uncomfortable with it and would find himself filling the time with busyness.   I fully understood what he was talking about both as a pastor in leadership and from a parallel issue in my prayer life. I realize that … Read entire article »

  90 Days Makes a Difference Who do you want to be as a disciple 90 days from now?   Have you given that any thought?   Every 90 days I take time to reexamine what I believe my God given purpose is in life and I set 90 day goals for work, home and personal development. I first started doing this when I began using The 7 Minute Life Daily Planner by Allyson Lewis some time last year. This process of quarterly reevaluation of life has been really valuable. I am healthier, more productive and more focused.   I have realized though that I need to layer into that process a distinct spiritual reevaluation every 90 days. Sometimes I will find myself setting spiritual goals as part of my personal development reflection, but … Read entire article »