Work. Sometimes it's a place where you're cranking out ideas and projects like a well-oiled machine. Other times, you're squeaking through the day, easily distracted. And trust us, we know it's tough to get everything done. With the workplace in a constant state of change and many companies forced to consolidate job responsibilities to keep down costs, there's typically more work than seems possible to accomplish. But before you let out a sigh or start screaming, “Is it Friday yet?” for the third time in an hour, there is hope for a … [Read more...]
It’s Important to Have That Someone
Last week I was sitting at a local coffee shop answering emails and catching up on work responsibilities. It was mid-morning and there were several conversations going on around me. I never intentionally listen other conversations, but sometimes the talking is so loud it leaves no doubt about the topic of conversation. A real estate deal was being brokered a few tables over from me. Another guy was trying to sell a new client on why his company should be chosen to do his marketing. There were also two students discussing a project … [Read more...]
How Can We Live Lives of Authenticity?
Buzzwords. They're everywhere. If you work in the business world, you might hear buzzwords like "synergy," "move the needle," "drill down," or "best practices." In the church world, you might hear phrases like "relevant," "missional," or "creative." When I graduated from college and took my first job working at a church, the word “authenticity” reached buzzword status. It had been spoken to the point that the meaning and value of the word was deluded. While the buzzword is still true and relevant, listeners have begun tuning it … [Read more...]
7 Ways to Stick With Your Daily Bible Reading
So you'd like to begin spending time with God daily? It's a noble goal and one that every Christian should strive for. Whatever it is that has moved you to act, you'll have a better chance of developing a daily habit of time with God if you follow these seven tips for nurturing a daily devotional time with God. 1. Pick a time. Make it a priority by calendaring it as you would any other important meeting. We set appointments for much less important things like oil changes, haircuts, and lunches. Set a specific time to meet with Him … [Read more...]
7 Prayer Practices for Every Day
A man prayed, and at first he thought that prayer was talking. But he became more and more quiet until in the end he realized that prayer is listening." ~ Soren Kierkegaard For those of us struggling with perpetual busyness, the Apostle Paul’s instruction to “pray constantly” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) may not be as out of reach as we once thought. Here are a handful of creative ideas for weaving conversational prayer with God into your daily routine: Pair Up. Form a unique prayer alliance with a fellow Christ-follower. Take … [Read more...]
Why Your Ministry Should Be a Model
Are the ways I minister on a daily basis establishing an appropriate model for my college students? This is a question I've been pondering a lot recently. College ministry is both a wonderful privilege and a deeply heavy responsibility. We're doing our students a disservice when we model something that runs contrary to the gospel. What you do and don’t do, the way you carry yourself, and the time you spend says just as much as your words. The ways in which we minister to our students are a model for their life. Everything we do … [Read more...]