“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season…” (Psalm 1:3) One of the many benefits of moving back to Minnesota is the opportunity to experience the four seasons in all their glory.  The summer is hot and dry. The fall is cool and colorful. The winter is cold and complicated. The spring is green and full of new life.  Each season provides its challenges and it...  Read More

I believe; help my unbelief! (Mark 9:24) How much progress are you making getting ready for Christmas? Tis the season to reflect onthe Baby in a manger, buy and exchange gifts like the Wise Men, and hang out with friends andfamily. But it is also a very busy time of the year!The presence of family in Minneapolis means a series of Christmas gatherings over the periodof the next week. We will come t...  Read More

“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”‭‭James‬ ‭5:7-8‬ ‭ESV‬‬This has been a challenging week for me. I have found myself waiting longer than I wanted on se...  Read More

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:1-2)Heather and I had the privilege of attending a marriage retreat at Camp Ironwood in Newberry Springs California last weekend. Camp Ironwood is an amazing oasis of spiritual en...  Read More

18 You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.  – Exodus 18:18I am a BIG FAN of delegation. I suppose Moses would have said the same thing if you had asked him. But when push comes to shove, somebody needs to get the job done!  Moses was a committed follower of Yahweh with a desire to care for the people in hi...  Read More

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.      (Proverbs 29:18 KJV)I rely on google maps to navigate around the city of Minneapolis. So many of the roadways have changed since we lived here 14 years ago.  No doubt some of you prefer Apple Maps to get you where you need to go.  In the end, I am grateful to have help when I need direction!Proverbs 29:18 h...  Read More

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”(Proverbs‬ 19:21)We traveled back to South Carolina this week to join Palmetto Baptist Church in the celebration of 11 years of ministry. It was great to see God’s continued hand of blessing on PBC and the leadership of their new senior pastor, Sam Horn.  I spent the rest of the week teaching a block cours...  Read More

"Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." (I Corinthians 4:2)Stewardship is the responsibility of a supervisor to manage the resources entrusted to him. The Greek transliteration of the word steward is oikonomous. Oikonomous is a compound word combining house (oikos) with manager (nomo). It literally means “one who manages a house.” Oikonomous does not refer to ownership....  Read More

Don’t panic. I’m with you.There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you.I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. (Isaiah 41:10 – MSG)I’ve never experienced a panic attack; but the thought of one almost creates one for me.  According to a quick search on the internet, the symptoms of a panic attack include:Heightened vigilance for danger and physical symptoms....  Read More

35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 theref...  Read More

"That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death." – Philippians 3:10Returning to North Minneapolis was a family decision. Our four oldest were all born in the Twin Cities.  Each had a general awareness of the adjustments we would experience in the move. They all expressed concerns to Heather and me regarding safety, sustainabilit...  Read More

"Then he said to his disciples, The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." (Matthew 9:37-38)On Thursday afternoon of this past week, I found myself sitting in my usual spot at the head of an empty table enjoying some form of rice and protein for lunch (chicken or fish). It’s my go to meal when I am...  Read More