A lifeguard who pulls a drowning man from the water, saving his life, has done his job, but how much better would it be if that lifeguard took that man under his wing for a few weeks to train him to be able to swim better and avoid mishaps in the water? That would be…

Did you know the word “adolescence” didn’t exist until 1904 when psychologist G. Stanley Hall coined it to describe a bridge between childhood and adulthood? We typically think of it as encompassing the teen years, but that bridge keeps growing. Many now stretch adolescence all the way into their late twenties, delaying responsibility and commitment…

Dolly Parton recently passed away. Man, she was one of the best on so many levels. She seemed timeless, but time stops for nobody. As one generation dies, another rises up. And with all the greats in every generation, we wonder: will there be anybody to replace them? In fact, I’m reminded of that song…

Over the years, I’ve learned this truth: you can easily tell a lie, but it’s hard to live one. Your mouth can say anything, but your life will always tell the truth about your heart. In Titus 1, Apostle Paul addresses this very situation, giving a warning about those who profess to know God but…

Have you ever heard somebody described in this way: “His talent outpaced his character,”? That’s somebody who had a lot of skills but didn’t have the integrity to support them. And that’s a dangerous situation for anybody, especially for church leaders. Pastor Eric Gieger once wrote, “When skills outpace sanctification, a leader is headed toward…

Your pastor can’t be in two places at once. He can’t sit with a grieving widow and lead a men’s Bible study at the same hour. He can’t counsel a struggling marriage and visit the hospital simultaneously. One person, however gifted, has limits. Titus 1:5 shows Apostle Paul knew this. He says, “This is why…

“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” That’s a quote from Helen Keller, and she understood something Apostle Paul knew well in his Roman prison cell. We need friends. In 2 Timothy 4, the great apostle, church planter, theologian, missionary to nations, who seemed almost superhuman, begins…

One of my kids’ favorite singers is Noah Kahan. Do you know him? He’s a sort of folk-pop singer and has several good songs, one of which is called “Stick Season.” With all the pines around here, we don’t really have a stick season, but up in Vermont, where Kahan is from, they sure do.…

Have you noticed that wolves rarely face the herd straight on and go after the strongest member of the herd? No, they creep in from the side and target the most vulnerable. It’s the same way with false teachers. They rarely announce themselves at the front door. Instead, they creep in from the side, targeting…

Every faithful follower of God wants to make the most of the opportunities God has given them to serve. They want to make a real difference, to be handed real work. We want to be useful to God. But it’s important to understand that usefulness isn’t automatic. It’s determined by how we show up for…