This blog was originally published on February 12th, 2020.Worship isn’t a performance, nor is the gathered church an audience. Most church leaders would agree with this, however, is our methodology re...  Read More

There’s nothing ordinary about grace. The Greek word charis, translated “grace” or “favor,” is used so often in the New Testament that we might begin to think it’s commonplace, but nothing could be fu...  Read More

In a world looking for the next “high” and a contemporary church atmosphere yearning for the next amazing “worship experience” or “revival,” ordinary is becoming one of my favorite words.Why ordinary?...  Read More

One mark of a good friend is constancy. All of us desire to have friends who are loyal, and we cherish friendships that stand the test of time.Sometimes, though, we can begin to think it’s ok to be ru...  Read More

What is the true test of friendship? The ability to communicate about difficult matters? Does it have to be someone who shares interests and hobbies? Must it be a person you know isn’t fake, and you c...  Read More

In some ways, friendship is simple. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Apparently, it’s quite easy to be a fair-weather friend. In Proverbs 19, “wealth brings many new friends” (v. 4), and “everyone is ...  Read More

Consider the following sentence: “I had a date last night, though I was already engaged; then I saw a crane outside my window.” Without context, it would be difficult to discern the meaning. Is this a...  Read More

Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy friends.Money can be like a magnet. As soon as someone comes into wealth – whether it’s an inheritance, a large signing bonus for a contract, or winning the l...  Read More

What do you get when you combine money and friendship? Nothing. That’s right. You often lose both. As Lord Polonius opined to his son and daughter in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, “Neither a borrower nor a le...  Read More

Have you seen a good friend in action? Not only are they “friendly,” but they care! They follow up with a thoughtful text. Or remember to pray for you when you ask for it. They show up when you need t...  Read More

This is part of a series entitled, “When Double Is Trouble.”Espionage, suspense, and intrigue have always done well on television. Growing up, I remember watching actor Don Adams play Maxwell Smart in...  Read More

(This was published on January 19th, 2025, in the 2024 Annual Report Booklet). For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:“I dwell in the high and holy place, with ...  Read More