The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) Thankful for our two Johns today: only John the Baptist says this and only the Gospel writer John records it. John the Baptist was in the sin business, offering people a ceremonial dunk (sprinkle?) … Read More
Praying to Rely on Goodness and Mercy
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:6) My favorite collection of 24 words of the English language, David’s conclusion to his rich, powerful and gorgeous 23rd Psalm. As we go through Sheep Week, I’m happy to know two shepherds who get … Read More
Praying to Recognize the Voice of Jesus
“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his … Read More
Praying about my Future
Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. (Matthew 13:8) One of the things Jesus’ teachings do for us is give us a voracious appetite for the future. This is the conclusion of his famous parable about the farmer scattering seeds over hard, rocky, thorny and good soils. … Read More
Effective Christian Leadership: Before You Can Do It, You Have to Know It
Before you can teach and lead others, you have to live it. But in order to live it, you first have to know it. I experienced this (or better put, failed at this) in my first experience as the senior leader in an organization. To be honest, as I walked in the door I was questioning my own preparedness, unsure … Read More
Praying with Thanksgiving
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in … Read More
Effective Christian Leadership: God Has A Plan
The work of leadership is hard, and it is not for the faint-hearted. There are decisions to be made, problems to be addressed, challenges to be solved, tensions to be managed, conflicts to be resolved, tasks to be managed, and numerous other responsibilities that ultimately have an impact on many people. And add to that the work of leading and … Read More
Praying for My Hands, Knees and Heart
Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come…(Isaiah 35: 3-4) Isaiah is writing about the days of the Redeemer — our days. I wonder why he chose these three particular anatomical parts? My hands do the fine-work of my life — the writing, cleaning, cooking, touching. … Read More
Praying to be Called Forth
“To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. (Isaiah 40: 25-26) Who God is defines … Read More
Praying to Draw Near
Draw near to God and God will draw near to you. (James 4:8) This simple fact of our faith life should strike us a staggering reality. I can’t meet with a president or a CEO or a Hollywood celebrity. I need an appointment to meet with my dentist and doctor and hair-cutter. But God — who creates, sustains and redeems … Read More