4 Steps Toward Joy in Repentance

There is a kind of joy in repentance. I say “a kind of” because repentance is also arduous, humbling, exacting. Think of Jean Valjean writhing in agony during his soliloquy: “I feel my shame inside...

5 Strategies for Daily Bible Reading

I’ve always been amazed by Jesus’ response to Satan’s first temptation: “if you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread” (Matthew 4:3). I picture Jesus there, looking at the...

What Does it Mean to Find Your Identity in Christ?

We are often told (or tell ourselves) to “find our identity in Christ.” And rightly so, because living out of our new identity in Christ is the defining root of true sanctification. But it can...

5 Ways to Encourage Your Pastor Without Exalting Him

Plenty have lamented the problem of “celebrity culture” in the church, and usually that phrase brings into our minds famous pastors and leaders in the church today. But “celebrity culture” can be an equal challenge...

5 Ways to Deepen Your Preaching

I’ve been blessed lately with the opportunity to preach a bit more. I love preaching, and I got excellent homiletics training at Covenant Seminary. But the more I learn about preaching, the more I realize...

3 Reflections on Cultivating Theological Poise

4 Appeals to Christians Embracing Gay Marriage

I was not particularly surprised by the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage. Nor do I feel alarmist about it. Some Christians are responding to it in doomsday tones, but to my mind that attitude...

How to Fight Unhealthy Snacking

A pastor gets home from a difficult elder’s meeting. It’s nine o’clock in the evening, and it’s been a long day. After a quick greeting to his wife, he beelines for the kitchen to reward...

5 Prayers for When Conflict Strikes

Nobody likes conflict. Especially in ministry/church settings. (If you do, I suggest taking some time to pray!) But conflict is an unavoidable part of life, and when it comes, it can provide an opportunity to...