READING: One-year plan: 2 Samuel 15-17, Luke 24:13-53 Two-year plan: Numbers 15, Mark 9:30-50 ——— Four times in the Gospels, including the passage in Luke we’ve read today, are Jesus’ words about getting the gospel to the nations: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations . . .” (Matt 28:19) “Then he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’” (Mark 16:15) “He also said to them, ‘This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day, and repentance for forgiveness of sins&nbs ..read more

This week, I talked with a friend about the importance of being able to trust your leader. Clearly, it makes a difference when you have confidence in your leader’s credibility, character, and competency. Here are some ways that’s the case: You are more willing to take risks for the sake of the mission. That’s because you trust your leader has a sense of vision and direction.  You aren’t afraid to ask questions and push back when needed. You trust your leader will be willing to hear feedback because he or she really wants to do things well.  You always give your leader the ..read more

READING: One-year plan: 2 Samuel 12-14, Luke 23:32-24:12 Two-year plan: Numbers 14:11-45, Mark 9:14-29 ——— Similar thoughts about Jesus echo throughout our New Testament readings for yesterday and today:  Pilate said, “I find no grounds for charging this man.” (Luke 23:4) Pilate and Herod agreed, “Clearly, he has done nothing to deserve death.” (Luke 23:15) Pilate repeated, “I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty.” (Luke 23:22) One thief on the cross said, “This man has done nothing wrong.” (Luke 23:41) The centurion said at Jesus’ death, “This man reall ..read more

READING: One-year plan: 2 Samuel 8-11, Luke 23:1-31 Two-year plan: Numbers 13:1-14:10, Mark 8:34-9:13 ———- Today’s another one of those days when it might be best to let the Word speak for itself with little commentary. The first part of today’s Old Testament reading speaks of David’s strong and ongoing victories; in fact, the text twice reads, “The Lord made David victorious wherever he went” (2 Sam 8:6, 14).  By chapter 11, however, the story takes a dramatic turn when David sees Bathsheba bathing: “David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her ..read more

These words of Gary Millar regarding one reason why the church prays so little today are penetrating: The Communications Revolution One of the challenges of this generation is to process and adapt to the radical shift in the way in which we live, which has been brought about by developments in information technology. The immediacy of the flow of information across the globe is staggering. I think nothing of having a face-to-face online meeting with colleagues spread across multiple time zones. I expect instant answers to messages during waking hours. My day is punctuated by a bewildering varie ..read more

READING: One-year plan: 2 Samuel 4-7, Luke 22:39-71 Two-year plan: Numbers 11-12, Mark 8:22-33 ———- The Lord told David to attack the Philistines, and He would hand them over to the king. So, David did just as God commanded—and God did just as He said He would. The Philistines apparently left in haste, for they “abandoned their idols there” (2 Sam 5:21). Their gods were no gods at all; indeed, David and his forces carried them off to burn them. To carry off defeated “gods” was, in fact, a custom in the ancient world.  I can’t imagine what the Philistines thought as they left their gods be ..read more

2 Chronicles 20:3 “Jehoshaphat was afraid, and he resolved to seek the Lord.” The king and his forces faced three enemies. Fear struck the king–but he did what was right: he sought the Lord. If you’re afraid of anything today, just seek the Lord ..read more

READING: One-year plan: 1 Samuel 27-31, Luke 21:20-22:6 Two-year plan: Numbers 8:5-9:23, Mark 7:31-8:10 ——— Today’s New Testament reading shows us that Jesus taught in the Temple throughout the day during the final week of His life, retired to the Mount of Olives in the evening, and then found a listening crowd the next morning. In fact, the text says, “Then all the people would come early in the morning to hear him in the temple” (Luke 21:38). Apparently, the people wanted to hear Him, for they prioritized getting there in the morning. So many people were there that the religious leaders were ..read more

Forty-three years ago last month, I began full-time ministry. Looking back, I realize now how many misperceptions I had about ministry then. Here are some of them—without much elaboration, since they’re usually self-explanatory: Everyone will listen to me when I preach. I know better now.  I can win over anybody in my church. Not always the case.  My evangelistic zeal will never wane. It can, and it often does.  All the church members will love their pastor well. Most will, but not everybody.  Church leaders will not be competitive or jealous. Not ..read more

READING: One-year plan: 1 Samuel 24-26, Luke 20:27-21:19 Two-year plan: Numbers 7:40-8:4, Mark 7:11-30 ——— In today’s Old Testament reading, we read of instances when David could have taken Saul’s life but did not. His own warriors had encouraged him to do so, knowing the king wanted to harm David. For example, David secretly cut the corner of Saul’s robe while the king was relieving himself – and his ability to do so was an indication he could have unexpectedly brought great harm to the king. At the same time, though, David realized that his cutting Saul’s robe was in itself an act again ..read more