03/10/17 Serve the Lord

READING: Deuteronomy 10-12, Mark 12:1-27 “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do.” Deuteronomy 12:32 The commands just echo throughout today’s Old Testament…

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03/09/17 Prosperity

READING: Deuteronomy 7-9, Mark 11:19-33 “Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’” Deuteronomy…

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03/08/17 Guard Yourself

READING: Deuteronomy 4-6, Mark 11:1-18 “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen.” Deuteronomy 4:9 “You…

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11 Pains of Being a Pastor

Thirty-six years ago at this time of year, I was talking with a search committee as I considered my first local church pastorate. I was so pumped that I’m sure I was obnoxious around my family and friends. Nobody except a pastor can fully understand the excitement that comes with a first pastorate.

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03/07/17 Learning from History

READING: Deuteronomy 1-3 Mark 10:32-52 “Go up, take possession, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has told you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy…

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03/06/17 Trust and Adventure

READING: Numbers 35-36, Mark 10:1-31 “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Mark…

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7 Reasons It’s Harder to be a Faithful Church Member Today

Last week, I posted a blog on “7 Reasons Pastoring is Harder Today.” That post gained traction – and then forced me to consider whether it’s more difficult to be a church member today than it was when I started ministry 35+ years ago. I think it probably is more difficult today, and here are some reasons why.

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03/05/17 Discouragement

READING: Numbers 32-34, Mark 9:30-50 “Why will you discourage the heart of the people of Israel from going over into the land that the Lord has given…

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