When to Take Burn-the-Ships, No-Turning-Back, Massive Action

When to Take Burn-the-Ships, No-Turning-Back, Massive Action

Some decisions are so radical that there is simply no going back. They’re life-changing, and sometimes world-changing. The problem is, only a relatively few people will ever experience them. Out of twelve spies who scouted out the promised land, only two would...
How Worship Changes You From the Inside Out

How Worship Changes You From the Inside Out

God has far greater blessings planned for you in eternity than you’re ready for yet, and one of his primary means of maturing and growing us to be ready is the time we spend with him in personal worship. Isaiah’s story (in chapter 6 of the book by his...
The ONE Thing That Changes Everything

The ONE Thing That Changes Everything

I mentioned in a post about How to Plan a Daily Quiet Time with God that I had read Hal Elrod’s book, Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8 am). Hal makes a bold claim – that you can absolutely change your...
3 Pillars of Persuasive Public Speaking

3 Pillars of Persuasive Public Speaking

There is a relationship that exists between a speaker / teacher / preacher and his or her audience. The entire experience is built on three pillars and whether people remember what you say and act on it depends on these three factors: ethos, logos, and pathos. Ethos...
The Most Important Decision I’ve Ever Made as a Pastor

The Most Important Decision I’ve Ever Made as a Pastor

The church I’m serving as pastor just bought a new property for $1.1 million in the heart of Northwest Arkansas. We spent a lot of time praying over that decision and it felt like a huge step. But it wasn’t the most important decision I’ve ever had...
Boring Preaching Is A Crime! 7 Ways to Be Interesting

Boring Preaching Is A Crime! 7 Ways to Be Interesting

No, this is not a post about the loss of our religious freedom – it’s a reflection on a quote I’ve looked at many times since I first wrote it down about nine years ago at a conference on preaching… If you think the gathering of biblical facts...
3 Things You’ll Never Control as a Preacher

3 Things You’ll Never Control as a Preacher

I used to design websites for churches as kind of a hobby and side gig. I had to retire, but when I was active in the craft, I can well remember my biggest motivation. I would preach on Sunday to people who would listen and affirm my words with their thanks. But I...
I'm Called and I Know My Purpose… Now What?

I'm Called and I Know My Purpose… Now What?

I have a relationship with Jesus Christ. I’m saved and secure. I’m on my way to heaven someday. But I still live here and I know that my purpose is to glorify Jesus Christ in all of the life that I have left. But how? A common plight Christians suffer is...
8 Vital Instructions for Every Pastor and Church Leader

8 Vital Instructions for Every Pastor and Church Leader

If you’re a pastor or ministry leader, you can’t help but be drawn to the first and second letters of the Apostle Paul to his young apprentice, Timothy. Every time I read through them, my heart burns within me and I’m taken back to those moments when...