Last night, before we all turned in I shared with the family “the other side of the nativity.”Award-winning author, Philip Yancey, in his book, “The Jesus I Never Knew” shares,“Christmas cards of the religious genre typically depict a serene manger scene with Mary and Joseph surrounded by shepherds, animals, etc. All is calm. But when … Continue reading Silent Night? Not so much…
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Just Another Day? Sometimes, but not always.
Wow… what a day this must have been for Simeon. You get up like you do everyday. Nothing particularly different about this day. Next thing you know, you are face-to-face with the Savior. Luke records it this way… “At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and … Continue reading Just Another Day? Sometimes, but not always.
Beware of these pitfalls of ministry
I was recently asked what pitfalls I saw in ministry. Below is what I wrote in response. The list is not exhaustive and in no certain order. Even if you're not in vocational ministry, the principles can easily be translated into volunteer church leadership. nw Thinking it will always be wonderful. It will get … Continue reading Beware of these pitfalls of ministry
October 31, 1517
504 years ago, a man fearless in his faith did something that could have well cost him his life. And it almost did. Historians call it “Reformation Day.” Pastor/author, John MacArthur, is spot-on: “Clearly, the greatest triumph to emerge from the Protestant Reformation was the Bible being placed into the hands of the people, in … Continue reading October 31, 1517
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.
How I Survived the Worst Day of my Life – one last thing…
For brevity, I did not include the following in How I Survived the Worst Day of my Life. But, I believe it bears sharing because it provides greater theological context to how I - and my family - survived. As I was listening to the voice of Jesus that day assuring me of his presence … Continue reading How I Survived the Worst Day of my Life – one last thing…
How I Survived the Worst Day of My Life
In 2014, a year after my son took his life, a regional magazine asked me if I would consider writing about that experience. The online link to that article is no longer available, so I've included the text below. Of note, a gentleman in a local retail store stopped me and asked, "Are you Nick … Continue reading How I Survived the Worst Day of My Life
The 23rd Psalm
It's often called "The Shepherd's Psalm." In his Treasury of David, a commentary on the Psalms, the 19th century British preacher, Charles Spurgeon, wrote the following powerful words regarding Psalm 23: "It has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more … Continue reading The 23rd Psalm
Keep Your Pastors Accountable (here’s why & how)
It usually goes something like this: A pastor (or another church leader) says, "I'm accountable only to God, not the church." The first part of that claim is true, but the man has a serious blind spot because the Church is the Body of Christ. And every pastor (or committee) elected by the Body is … Continue reading Keep Your Pastors Accountable (here’s why & how)
The Privilege of Drawing Near to God (and what it cost)
There are people in important roles whose office I could call today and be told either it will be days or weeks before I can see them, or that I can’t see them at all. Not so with the God. The Old Testament Law was given by God not to make us perfect by "checking … Continue reading The Privilege of Drawing Near to God (and what it cost)