It was Pastors’ Popcorn Night at AWANA meaning it was my night to stop by AWANA, listen to questions, and give devotions. Some of my favorite questions were: What is your favorite color? Blue. What is your favorite Bible verse(s)?…
Why Jesus’s Warning “Judge Not That You Be Not Judged” Is So Popular
Our culture is infatuated with Jesus’s admonition, “Judge not, that you be not judged (Matthew 7:1-2).” But, as I explained in Sunday’s sermon, the reason this is a favorite saying may not be good news. There are, arguably, two reasons, our…
Augustine and Luther: A Common Excuse for Not Giving
Augustine: It is a great duty of natural affection (it will be said) for a father to lay up for his sons; rather it is a great vanity, one who must soon die is laying up for those who must…
9 Points of Encouragement for Those Who Recruit in Churches
If you are struggling to find enough workers to staff your nursery or teach Sunday School, you are not alone. Even Jesus recognized that the workers are few. Here are some truths I remind our church family of in the…
Dear 2015 Graduate: Never Forget . . .
Every May, since I became a pastor over 20 years ago, I review what I want to say to graduating students on one page. I prayerfully refine it every year. This year I have consolidated points that were previously separate…
A Biblical Approach to Homosexuality
This Spring I will be speaking at the Church and Culture Conference in Wisconsin. This year’s topic is, “A Biblical Approach to Homosexuality.” A central part of my preparation is meditating on 1 Peter 3:13-17. You can watch a promo…
Reminders from Our Church Children
Sunday I wasn’t preaching so I had the rare privilege of spending time with some of our church children. Here’s how they encouraged me (with some reminders too): One little girl improvised her own songs during craft time. To an…
BB Guns, Brothers, and Biblical Imagery
This post is published with the modest expectation that readers have the capacity to recognize foolish behavior and determine not to follow the examples described. As I do qualify in the body of the narrative, I preemptively point out that,…
Help for a Family That Lost Everything in a Fire
Update 4: I am hearing that the family has solved their immediate housing need. I am thankful for a community where so many work together to care for the hurting. Rural northern Illinois people are good neighbors! UPDATE 3: The…
Gospel Thoughts for Graduates – 2014
Earlier this week I posted a version of the letter I share each year with graduates. I asked for your input and it was such a great help that I made my most extensive revisions to the letter ever. It…