Welcome can be defined as “a word of kind greeting to one whose arrival gives pleasure.” As I consider the definition, it seems to me that part of it can be faked, but part of it can’t. When the Welcoming Spirit Is Absent “A word of kind greeting” can be given with a cold heart […]
Week 28 Mission | Persevering Prayer
In a small community in Germany in 1727, a band of Moravian Christians began a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week prayer vigil that lasted for 100 years. During those years, Moravian men, women, and children prayed without interruption. They claimed as their motto the words from Isaiah 62:6, 7 which references God’s placing of watchmen on the wall. […]
Week 27 Mission | Transparent Discipleship
Avoidance of truth is the number one obstacle to discipling friendships. Scripture is clear, we need authentic, burden-bearing, truth-telling, iron-sharpening-iron friends. We all say we want them. We say we want accountability, someone we can be real with and who will keep it real with us. But when it comes down to it, the truth […]
Week 26 Mission | The Power of Example
The drive from Topeka to Denver on I-70 is efficient but not beautiful. Thankfully, the drive through western Kansas inaccurately portrays the whole state. There are, however, some eye-catching signs along I-70 like, “See the World’s Largest Prairie Dog.” The sign itself isn’t beautiful and the treasure it proclaims . . . well, it’s not […]
Week 25 Mission | How Do We Disciple the Urban Poor?
Christians throughout the world devote their lives to fulfill the Great Commission. With deep love and faithful endurance, followers of Christ obey his command to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything […]