If the kinds of people with whom Jesus associated came to your church, would they be welcomed? Consider carefully before you answer (1) the kinds of people with whom Jesus associated and (2) the meaning of welcomed. The People Who … Continue reading the [un]welcoming church
“You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.” — Winston Churchill It’s an unpleasant but inevitable fact of life that if you attempt to do anything of significance, you will be criticized. J. Oswald Sanders … Continue reading 5 keys to handling negative criticism
“Thought should be given to a more extensive use of the Word of God among us.” With that declaration, Philip Jacob Spener launched into a list of proposals he believed would reform the church. The book, Pia Desideria (“Pious Desires”), was published … Continue reading Small groups do big things
The great heresy of the church today is that we think we’re in the entertainment business. A.W. Tozer believed this to be true back in the 1950s and 60s. Church members “want to be entertained while they are edified.” He … Continue reading The heresy of worshiptainment
Not everyone should adopt, but more should than do. I could list numerous reasons to consider adoption, but here are my top 4: 1. 153,000,000 orphans worldwide. We should not think the orphan crisis is not just an issue for the … Continue reading 4 reasons to consider adoption
I need community. Real, authentic, biblical community. Not because I’m an extrovert and get energized by being around people. Not because I need more friends. Not because I’m looking for people to hang out with. These are not reasons I need community. I need … Continue reading 3 benefits of authentic community
My favorite time of year has arrived. Football season is in full swing. College basketball is gearing up. The air is turning crisp. The leaves are turning. The holidays are just around the corner. That can mean only one thing: … Continue reading 5 reasons we pack Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes as a family
My pastor needs prayer, and so does yours. Every pastor needs prayer. The apostle Paul acknowledged repeatedly that he needed the church to pray for him. He appealed to the Romans: “strive together with me in your prayers to God … Continue reading 10 ways I’m praying for my pastor
I pray daily for my children. To be honest, though, my prayers too often fall short. They fall short because they focus only on immediate concerns, like behavioral issues, a good day at school, or good health. There’s nothing wrong … Continue reading 17 things to pray for your children
“God’s favorite color is blue,” she said matter-of-factly. “Why?” “Because that’s my Daddy’s favorite color.” I wonder what other characteristics of mine my 5-year-old daughter has projected on God. I wonder if she would say … “God is kind, because … Continue reading A father’s influence on his child’s perception of God
Mike Livingstone 
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