Skipped
Recently, when I discovered that the majority of my choir members would be out of town on a particular Sunday, I decided to sing a solo for the special music selection. Having sensed some direction based on the theme our pastor had chosen, I picked a song that authentically expressed what God has been freshly doing in my heart.
. . .Finding Forky
Calling people "up" instead of "out"
Wanting to escape the relentless summer heat, my wife and I decided to set aside our normal Saturday chores to go to a local movie theater. Appreciating the clever story-telling of the previous three films, we decided to see Toy Story 4.
Though we enjoyed the movie, I left the theater with an unresolved heaviness that I had not . . .
Raising Halal
This summer, I had the privilege of leading worship with an amazing team of musicians at a national conference. One of the songs we sang was called, "Raise a Hallelujah."
This anthem became a battle cry for the attendees. It voiced their intention that in the presence of their spiritual enemies, they would, indeed, proclaim praise to the . . .
Posted in: #characterdevelopment#ministry#worship
What Do You Really Need?
Some thoughts about what is at the top of your ministry "Must Have" list.
A number of years ago, I had the privilege of sitting next to Dr. R.T. Kendall before he was to speak. Handing him a bottle of water, I asked him, “Is there anything you need?” He smiled warmly and with a relaxed tone answered, “the anointing.” His simple and profound answer impacted me.
A few weeks after that . . .
Posted in: #characterdevelopment#ministry#worship
The Director's Commentary
Some thoughts when you are dogged by the "Why?" question.
Taking advantage of one of those $5 DVD bins at a department store, I recently picked up a movie I had been wanting to watch. After viewing the film, I began to explore the menu and the Special Features. There were numerous choices: Deleted Scenes, Gag Reel, “The making of...” documentary, and Interviews with the Actors. . . .
Posted in: #characterdevelopment#hope#peace
A Self-Administered IV
Recently we experienced a physical plant malfunction at work. My explanation to our guests that afternoon was a tongue in cheek, "we have had a wee bit of a leak." Behind the scenes, our skilled management team carefully began to assess the scope of the situation and to decisively respond. Out front, the focus of the staff remained on calmly . . .
Posted in: #characterdevelopment#workplace#worship
Hold Your Peace
Recently, I have been listening to the Old Testament as I get ready for work in the mornings. As the drama of leadership transition unfolded through I and II Samuel, I and II Kings, and I and II Chronicles, one particular phrase grabbed my attention. "...But Saul held his peace" [I Samuel 10:27 BSB].
Saul was the initially reluctant . . .
Posted in: #characterdevelopment#relationships