The recent episode of This American Life is entitled Crybabies. If you are familiar with this show, you know the hour long broadcast (usually 3-4 chapters) centers on one topic. This week’s show highlights the complainers among us. The show producers insist that people who “make lots of noise” ultimately “win” (gaining the attention and [...]

As I spend considerable time in the book of Acts each week, I am confounded by the movement of the Holy Spirit. Just when I think I understand His movement, I encounter a surprise. In Acts 21, Paul journeys to Jerusalem. He has been warned of trouble in the city. He is apparently following the [...]

As I have been teaching through the book of Acts, the Spirit’s movement is unmistakable. He leads, prompts, warns, and directs the apostles. This week, in Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders, I am struck by one word. Paul relates that he is “compelled by the Spirit” to go to Jerusalem. The word translated as [...]

I have been reading A.W. Tozier’s book, The Pursuit of God as devotional reading. His words, over fifty years old, speak to the heart of discerning. The sixth chapter is especially applicable. Tozier maintains that God is actively communicating with his people. God is speaking. Not God spoke, but God is speaking. He is by [...]

Several weeks ago, I read Alan Roxburgh’s Missional Map-Making: Skills for Leading in Times of Transition. As I continue to reflect on this work, particular aspects seem worthy of note. In much leadership literature, the leader is encouraged to buck the system. Renegades become heros who dare to upset the system. Arrogant, haughty CEOs are [...]

Church picnics are fun. You usually have the kids running around, homemade desserts, and plenty of time to talk. The purpose is often to strengthen relationships of those who attend a particular church. Yesterday, we held our annual church picnic, combining with a sister church in our city. This year the picnic took on a [...]

Sometimes our plans are not God’s plans. In my preaching this week, we are dealing with Paul in Acts 16. Luke records a curious statement. Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7) When [...]

I recently completed a paper for a summer course. Here are a few thoughts concerning our building. First Baptist Muncie, for better or worse, has a tremendous building. Built in 1929, the gothic style, ornate building is a community landmark. The dark wood interior and stone exterior communicate power, prestige, and institution. When a church [...]

I have been reading Tozier’s, The Pursuit of God. It has been a tremendous experience. In today’s reading, He speaks of God’s omnipresence. God is active in the world around us, in all places. We have often limited God’s activity to religious places. Today, our city holds a street party called Rib Fest. People gather, [...]

Yesterday, our worship arts director emailed me; He asked for direction in choosing someone to share a testimony in an upcoming service. I left the email in my inbox, planning to deal with it later. Last night, I was at a prayer group. I thought about a student who is on a summer mission trip [...]