I’ve been involved in pastoral ministry since 1976, and in a full-time capacity since 1979. Recently, I’ve been thinking about pastoral motivation. What is it that keeps us pastors going? By that I don’t mean, what keeps us going professionally, as though our motivation were derived from statistics, budgets, salary, and benefits. What I do […]
When I began seriously walking with the Lord in 1973, there was much talk about Jesus coming back. Hal Lindsey’s The Late, Great Planet Earth had been out for a few years by that time, and had created quite a stir among many Bible believing Christians. The signs seemed to be everywhere. Matthew 24 prophecies […]
Two of my favorite Christmas time movies (or plays) are It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol. You’re probably familiar with both productions … I watch them every year for entertainment and inspirational purposes. The message of each is similar. A man’s life is evaluated by its effect on others. George Bailey (It’s a […]
NOTE: I wrote this back in July, 2006 for “Bill’s Musings.” But every time I re-read it, I smile. Oftentimes, I draw on its lessons. So with that as a background, I share this with you today. ________________________ Tonight, I’m in pain. It’s 11:43 PM (7/11/06) as I type this. My left palm is aching, […]
My favorite holiday of the year … Thanksgiving Day. I love it for its Christian meaning, as the thankful life is the Spirit-filled life (Ephesians 5:18-20). I love it for its social benefit, as it’s a great time to reconnect with family, and reach out to others. I love it for the food, fun, and […]
One of the primary emphases of my teaching ministry as a pastor has stemmed from my own personal need and study to learn about my identity in Christ, and of God’s love for me personally. It’s been quite a journey, indeed. Last year I had the blessed privilege of sharing this message with the saints […]
A while back, while reading through the book of Job once again, I found Job speaking these words: Job 23:8-10 “Look, I go forward, but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him; when He works on the left hand, I cannot beholdHim; when He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him. But He knows […]
(2 Chronicles 1:7-10) On that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask! What shall I give you?” {8} And Solomon said to God: “You have shown great mercy to David my father, and have made me king in his place. {9} Now, O LORD God, let Your promise to David my father […]
A while back a seminary student asked me the following question: “If you were going to teach a class titled ‘Introduction to Pastoral Ministry’ what would be the top three things you would want your students to grasp? Why?” I’m passing my response along to you. While my response is geared toward those sensing a call […]
Dear Everyone, This is long … perhaps you’ll think it worth it to bear with me. I want to spend some time talking about a phrase which has found its way into my mind and heart the past several weeks and even months. Here it is: “Clarity produces confidence.” The meaning of the phrase (as […]