The very first time I tried my hand at woodworking I went to my Italian neighbour who lived across the street from our childhood home.   As a builder he knew a thing or two about putting together a wood project.   Many years later I met a true wood craftsman -- a Dutch immigrant who had a way of turning a piece of lumber into a work of ar...

How do you measure success? How do you know whether or not your achievements measure up? What does “well done” mean? These are questions I keep asking myself no matter what I do. Personally and professionally. Whether I exercise physically or engage in ministry. In my doctoral studies I wrestled with these issues as it applies to the preaching of G...

The waitress had just filled the glass cup in front of me. The water in the glass looked inviting. I was thirsty. But as I raised the glass to my lips I noticed a bug floating at the bottom of the cup. No matter how thirsty I was, I was not going to take even a sip. The cup was dirty. I wonder sometimes if God feels the same way when people pray to...

I enjoy woodworking.   For years this was my hobby.   Every week I would spend some down time cutting, gluing, and joining pieces of wood to create much of the furniture in our home.  One of the axioms I held on to all those years was this:   "Measure twice, cut once."   Working with expensive pieces of oak, walnut, or even...

All you need is a good hook.  It needs to be sharp.  And clean.  And shiny.   The same is true if you are using a lure with their fancy three-pronged hooks.   If you want to catch a fish, you need a good hook.  You might have some tasty bait or a bright new lure, but if the hook is no good, you won't be catching many f...

Most discipling in churches today is done with Christians who are already committed or desire to be more committed.   This is where we begin when we think about making disciples.   But when I read the gospels I find Jesus beginning with those who desperately need saving.   The lost.   The outcast.  The misfits. Jesus was no...

Have you ever been desperate?   Really desperate?   So desperate that it drove you to your knees in prayer?    I have been there.   Often.   Really desperate for God to hear and answer my prayers. One time of desperation I remember so vividly.   My wife Jeannie and I moved to a new city to plant a church.   W...