Luther’s Prayer Lesson #2

pray

Prayer is many things – quiet, still for many isn’t a great description. Let’s be short here. There is nothing more goofy, misleading, and typically American than for us to tell one another what “normal” is in terms of something as personal as prayer.  The very idea of saying “Quiet Time” = thus and such……

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How Do We Equip?

Socrates

How do we walk into the future equipped, with as few surprises as possible? It’s not about merely reading. I have been a big advocate of reading over the years – I will always read, watch, listen. I am hooked on learning as I hope all I have an influence upon are. Yet the ultimate…

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20 Quotes to Encourage Church Planters

Church Plants

I’m pretty picky when it comes to quotes. I think you will find the following list filled with memorable sayings that will come in handy. Here are 20 quotes that I hope you find encouraging as you live out the calling and adventure we call Church Planting: “Desperation is a funny thing. It either humbles…

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The Poetry of Kindness

Nikki Giovanni

I once met a poet and didn’t know it. There is a poetry to God’s kindness, and every once in awhile we are able to hear the whisper of it.   I used to think that I first met Nikki Giovanni after a poetry reading at Miami University.  I would go on to interact with her…

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Kindness in the News

Belle and Abby

Belle and Abby: Kindness in Middle School for All Belle holds open one door, Abby the other, and they go to work. “Morning Jack! How’s football going? Have a great day!” “Morning Jordan! How are you? Have a great day.” They stand there and greet every kid that walks through the door. “I think I’ve…

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Veni, Vidi, Velcro (I came, I saw, I stuck around)

Girl leaping from log

The Roman army was at its peak in Jesus’ generation. During this timeframe, they were able to rule enormous parts of the world. Roman soldiers are along the lines of Marines, but all are lifers. One way generals kept the morale and focus on the same page was to develop little sayings that summarized what…

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Have You Made a Fool of Yourself Lately?

girl jumping

To phrase it that way may seem a little sideways. Instead think of it as, “I made a human of myself.” Leaders spend energy worrying about the appearance of things – or at least how they think others see our lives and what we do. Drop your guard. Choose transparency. Make a genuine connection with…

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Reading in the Power of Spirit

Yoda

I’ve heard the adage, “Leaders are readers.” That seems to be generally true. I want to suggest another adage that is just as true – “What is written in the power of the Spirit needs to be read in the presence of the Spirit.” As with most things in life, as Believers, we can operate…

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The Way of Influence

rock sea

Want to be an influencer? Lots of people ask that question and they come up with almost as many answers. There is no end to the books that are written about how to direct people. Do you ever grow weary of seeing leadership books galore? I do. For one, I think it’s because the very…

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