I'm what they call in Student Ministry a "lifer." Out of the 38 years I've spent in full-time, vocational ministry, 24 of those years were in Student Ministry. And, for some reason unknown to me, Christ continues to allow me to minister within the Student Ministry arena. I affectionately refer to Student Ministry as the … Continue reading What to do when you and your teen-aged child have drifted far apart
Scary Prayers
There's a thing in scripture called "imprecatory prayers." These prayers are summed up like this: "help me; hurt them." (Psalm 137 is a prime example.) Isn't it good to know it's ok to unload on God like this? Presently, I'm in the Old Testament book of Nehemiah in my daily devotions. One significant aspect of … Continue reading Scary Prayers
The Peculiar Planet Known as Uranus
The favorite planet of every middle school boy, right? While astronomers pronounce the planet’s name with the accent on the first syllable, the planet gets a lot of giggles at the expense of the many who place the accent on the second syllable. But, for a moment, let’s move beyond the planet’s name and try … Continue reading The Peculiar Planet Known as Uranus
Revenge
The Old Testament character, Samson, is a lesson in two overriding biblical principles. (His story is recorded in Judges 14-16) 1) We can waste our life if we want to. However,... 2) With God, it’s never too late to ‘come home’. (Samson is among those listed in the ‘Hall of Faith’ in Hebrews 11.) Threaded … Continue reading Revenge
Lambs and Dragons
Read carefully the following passage from the biblical book of Revelation: “Then I (John) saw a second beast (the false prophet), coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon." Never forget what John described: The false prophet looked like a lamb but spoke like a … Continue reading Lambs and Dragons
Mind Games
As believers, our battle with the enemy begins in our mind. Temptations, doubts, fear, etc., all begin in the mind. One author wisely wrote, “Our feet, hands and bodies follow where the mind leads us. It is in our minds that we remember, we understand, we make decisions and we evaluate truth from fiction... [So … Continue reading Mind Games
Small Group Teacher Workshop Notes – August 2021
The 7 Laws of the Learner: No's 2, 3 & 6 In this final workshop on the 7 Laws of the Learner I covered Law's 2, 3, and 6 - but not in that order. For me, the logical progression was to teach them in the order of 6, 3, and 2. ***See the notes … Continue reading Small Group Teacher Workshop Notes – August 2021
Christian Theology: What is it, exactly?
What is Christian theology? "Theology" simply means "the study of God." While some are vocational theologians, all Christians are theologians. Paul's instructions to Timothy (and us) were a command, not a suggestion: Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a worker who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and … Continue reading Christian Theology: What is it, exactly?
The Ministry of Presence
Job (rhymes with robe) buried ten children in a single day. He suffered so terribly he wanted to die. His story is found in the Old Testament book bearing his name. It was customary in those days for friends to come and sit in silence with those who were grieving. To weep with them. To … Continue reading The Ministry of Presence
Nowhere to Run to – Nowhere to Hide.
"Nowhere to run to, baby - nowhere to hide...", sang Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. Despite how secretive you may think you are - God sees everything. God hears everything. God knows everything. The Old Testament prophet, Ezekiel, records, "Then the Lord said to me, 'Have you seen what the [corrupt] leaders of Israel are … Continue reading Nowhere to Run to – Nowhere to Hide.