Revitalize Your Church

A powerful thought I gleaned from Mark Batterson's new book, Primal: (an awesome read, by the way) What brings the most joy to God's heart: singing songs to Him, or caring for the poor?

Christmas is For Giving. Santa asks, “What do you want for Christmas?” Little kids write letters with lists of things they want. Some of those cute letters made their way to the Sawyer County Record last week. That’s a precious thing, and I certainly don’t want to detract from the wonder little children experience at Christmas. But, at the essence, Christmas is not for getting – it’s for giving! Tis the season of unselfishness. Tis the season to share with those you love. Tis the season to be compassionate for those less fortunate. It’s not about spending money you don’t have on stuff they don’t need. This year, especially, with financial squeeze we’re all feeling – how about simplifying? How about being creative, spending a little less, and giving a little more of yourself? How about shopping locally, so you when you DO spend, it’s helping your neighbors put food on their tables? How about giving something homemade? How about giving your time? How about remembering those who are in n...

My friend, Roger Ciskie, isn't letting any moss gather during his retirement. He's one of the most inspiring people I know. "I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink."

"What in the world am I doing here in Ethiopia?" I wondered, as I rode in the jeep with missionary doctor, Dr. Harold Adolph. Our motor vehicle was the only one in sight. Slowly, we navigated our way through a sea of pedestrians, ox carts, and chickens, down the dirt road into in the village of Soddo. It was just as if I had been plucked from the northwoods and dropped into a National Geographic documentary on Africa. Arriving at the clinic, we got emerged from the jeep, and were immediately met with hundreds of needy people seeking medical attention. Most had been waiting for hours to see the doctor. Many would have to wait much longer. I saw a grieving mother, holding a lifeless infant in her arms. She looked at me with pleading eyes. I looked away. The immensity of poverty and human suffering was absolutely overwhelming. Never, in all my life, had I witnessed such need, and felt so powerless to do anything about it. A grotesque begger approached me. One eye and most of his...

It has been a beautiful Sunday. At services today, we took some time in the service to pause and remember our loved ones who passed away over the last twelve months. We projected a photo of each person (there were 29) as I read their names aloud. We also included a moment to remember those who sacrificed their lives in the service of our country. The Memorial Day Tribute ended with Brittany Adams playing "Taps". It was a deeply moving experience. I preached on the last half of Ephesians 6, "The Armor of God." In the message, I told the story of how God helped me overcome the fear of speaking in public through this verse . After the last service, a young Native American man approached me. I could tell that God was really working in his heart. He asked me to pray that verse over him, which I joyfully agreed to do. I sense that God has special plans for this young man, as he continues to grow in grace. In the afternoon, our family went to some graduation par...

Kudos to Greg Westgard and the other Northwestern College students who launched a Cheeseburger Ministry to homeless people.

Over 15 years ago, I had the privilege of having lunch with Rick Warren. A couple of other guys and I met him at his office, and we walked to a little taco shop. I agreed to buy the tacos. They were 49 cents each -- and that was the best investment on a buck I've ever made! I went to talk to him about how to grow a church -- instead, he turned it around and talked about growing disciples through small groups. He also enthusiastically promoted church planting -- the best way to reach new people is through new churches. That conversation so long ago, still lives in me. I have seen the tremendous value of small groups in the spiritual formation of people -- and this year, like a time bomb, the "church planting" enthusiasm has exploded in my heart. Now, once again I am inspired by his vision. A warrior is measured by the size of his opponents. Rick Warren is quite a warrior. He's attempting to take on some hefty opponents. 1. Spiritual Darkness 2. Lack of Servant Leaders ...