This is the lesson we must learn. The gospel is good news for those who recognize themselves as sinners, not for those who trust in their own righteousness.
All tagged humility
Sticks, Sandals and the Spirit of God—Lessons from a Journey of Faith
As I’ve spent time sitting with the story of Jesus’ sending out the disciples, I feel a sense of urgency to take seriously not only the humility, trust and faith of the disciples but also the compassion, awareness and hospitality of the countless communities that received them along the way. I pray that you and I, in whatever our ministry may be, will be ready to respond with the trust of the disciples on the journey, and to show up with the compassion of the disciple who invites the stranger to become a friend.
Humility over Pride
We should recall who God is and what He has done for us, remembering that our blessings are a result of His righteousness and not our own. Instead of puffing ourselves up pridefully and patting ourselves on the back for our good fortune in life as a result of being so honorable, we ought to stop comparing ourselves to others.
Gospel: God’s Power for Life
In these days, the gospel matters. And it matters when churches listen for the gospel and choose to repent. Churches that declare the truth of the gospel to the world matter. Such work is the work of Christian leaders today. The challenge in our world is not that the world has gone crazy; the challenge in our world is whether leaders will truly embrace the powerful word of gospel news for themselves, for their congregations, and for the world.
Humility in Leadership
Once you understand that your identity is grounded in God’s love, you are free to take risks, to grow and learn from your mistakes, and to try and fail because the outcome will not affect your identity in Him.
Enter My Rest…
Our need to control everything contradicts the posture we need to have before God, destroying the very thing we seek: REST!
The Game-Changers
Why are humility and courage so difficult? Wouldn’t it be easier to handle things with humility and courage to prevent pain and suffering? Conflict has such a high price tag.
Preschool for Adults
Adopt the attitude of a small child. Rely on our heavenly Father. Reaching up to take hold of his hand, you can let him guide you through the storm.
For Ministers Who Aren’t Famous
As I’ve been reminded over and over during the last few months of studying the prophets, God’s plan of redemption is powerful, a solid promise, and a far, far cry from the often-hijacked definition of success.
The Approach of the Spirit
I’m not sufficient unto myself. Without God, I am nothing! We will never be content in ourselves. We only find ourselves when we lose ourselves.
Eastertide
Rather than a single Resurrection Sunday, Easter is an entire season in which Christians explore new life containing eight weeks total.
Humbler Church, Bigger God
If there were one lesson most churches ought to learn right now, it would be this: we should become humbler so that God might seem bigger.
Refiner of Hearts
Scripture tells us repeatedly that God wants to take possession of our stubborn, evil hearts, but it’s difficult when we are kicking and screaming.
Making Decisions About Decisions
The past 18 months have given ministers and leaders ample – if unwanted – experience in making difficult decisions.
The Parable of the Lost Sons
Like the older son, we can all remain with the father. Comfortable in our church building, performing our occasional goods works, while expecting the father to return our efforts with great reward.
Did God Give Me COVID?
For the great dis-ease among us and in us may not be the pestilence itself, but the way we react to, ignore, and weaponize the suffering of others.
Praying for People as a Leadership Practice
How much of our leadership practice is prayer – prayer for people who live in our neighborhoods and cities? What of our decision-making?
Five Steps to Restore Your Church’s Vitality
Sometimes, a health crisis hits a church squarely in the face. If the church possesses enough self-awareness, it then faces the choice to either make dramatic changes or else permanently lose health and vitality.
Love Requires Vulnerability
Hate is about controlling others, while love is about becoming vulnerable to them. Vulnerability opens us up to suffering because people will inevitably hurt us.
Reflection Roundup: “The Gift of Unhurried Time”
Ask, seek, knock. Pray those bold prayers and there will come a day when God’s responsiveness comes tumbling after you. Expectantly wear sturdy shoes every day of your life lest you be bowled over by the love of God.