Category Archives: Leadership
A Radical Book
Though I love to learn new things about the God I love and the ministry He has called me too, I’m not an avid reader. Ashley, on the other hand, can read a book in a day. Despite my lack of reading, this week I finished my second book in three weeks. You would think that during this busy holiday time I would have less time to read, but this book captivated my attention. I kept wanting to go back to it again and again.
Radical is the new book by David Platt. Platt writes with a sincere conviction for the American church to return to the purpose for which Christ died for them. His passion for the lost and his heart for world missions is contagious. I’d highly recommend reading it. Be warned that if you do, be ready to be convicted by the Holy Spirit to step away from the American dream and into the dream God has for the world to hear the Good News. It’s an easy read – but hard to live. That’s what’s so great about it. I pray that God will continue stirring in me what he wants me to do with what He has taught me through David’s book.
Tebow’s Faith…in USA Today
Yesterday in a USA Today opinion piece in the religion section, Tom Krattenmaker, makes some outlandish remarks about his study of organized sports and religion. He highlights Tim Tebow, quarterback for Florida, as one who’s actions off the field are good (his service and mission work), but criticizes his thought of Christ being the only way to salvation. On the one hand he commends Tebow’s actions, yet condemns his thoughts. Krattenmaker also attempts to generalize organizations that minister to athletic teams as being manipulative and not accepting of players from other faiths. He goes on to say…
Evangelical players and ministry representatives in sports aren’t out to harm anyone, of course. On the contrary, they see themselves as fulfilling the Bible’s Great Commission (“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Matthew 28:19). In this sense, their mission is pure altruism: They seek to share the gift of eternal life. But there’s a shadow side to this. If their take on God and truth and life is the only right one — which their creed boldly states — everyone else is wrong.
Though I don’t follow sports very closely, it’s hard to miss hearing about Tim Tebow. In my opinion, Tebow is a breath of fresh air in light of the scandals and junk that surrounds so much of college and professional sports. He’s a young man who not only knows what he believes, but is a strong enough leader to be straight about his convictions. Though we ought not treat others with contempt because they believe differently than we do – Truth is Truth – and The Truth of John 14:6 rings ever true. Jesus Christ, is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him…period.
Click here to read the USA TODAY article.
Just Finished the Greatest Story
For the last 90 days I’ve been encouraging our students at Morningside to read though the entire Bible for their summer reading. Though I love to read God’s Word, I have never actually read the entire Bible. So, when I gave this challenge back in late May, I new I was asking the students to make a big commitment. If I was going to ask them to make it – I had to lead by example. So, on June 1st I began with Genesis 1:1. I even wrote about it in my blog titled, God’s Word This Summer.
Today I finished reading John’s Revelation. This has been the most amazing summer. It has been difficult at times, but so worth the extra 1-2 hours reading His Word. Everyday I was able to see God’s story being played out in my own story. Time after time I saw his Word being fleshed out in the experiences of my day. Because I read the whole Bible in 90 days, I didn’t have much time to do in-depth study of any one passage. However, because it was only 90 days, it was much easier to see all the connections between books because it was easier to remember what I had read.
I’m not sure if any of our students joined me in this adventure, but it made a difference in my life. Even if this reading challenge was just for me, I’m glad I hung on for the ride. God’s word is meant to change the way we think and live. Maybe by taking this step in my walk with Christ and the emphasis I’ve put on the Bible this summer will help these students take the next step in their walk with Christ too.
