For people in the West, the rise of Islam around the world is at times bewildering. What could motivate young men or women to strap explosives to themselves and then blow up innocent civilians in a crowded square? What prompts thousands of angry Muslim protesters to shout curses upon the United States and Israel? To…
New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately they have become synonymous with broken promises and wishful thinking. Most people are embarrassed to confess to them because they fear it will soon be apparent that they have not kept them. But aren’t resolutions for change actually a pretty good idea? In essence they represent the fact that we are…
I have lived in the South for two and a half years. While it has involved an adjustment, having previously lived 19 years in Canada, it has been enjoyable. Perhaps a little too enjoyable. At a doctor’s appointment this summer I was shocked to be told that for the first time in my life, I…
We have to be so careful with our words, especially when they reflect our theology. What can appear like mere semantics to one person can have enormous implications for how people live their lives and relate to God. For example, the most common way today to invite people to become Christians is, “Would you like…
So much of the quality of our life depends on where we look. It doesn’t take much to draw our attention to the wrong things. I am 34,000 feet above Greenland as I write this. I am returning from a conference in the Swiss Alps. The meeting was tremendous, the weather gorgeous, and the scenery…
I had a fascinating lunch meeting yesterday. A man flew from New York City to Atlanta to have lunch with me and my dad. He leads a Christian ministry to the United Nations and wanted to make us aware of an important upcoming event. On January 9, 2011 Southern Sudan will vote in a referendum…
This Fall, Experiencing God will celebrate its 20th anniversary. It is hard to believe that it has been out so long. This coming March there will be a special event in Nashville to commemorate the anniversary and to provide special training for those who are leading Experiencing God groups. One of the wonderful things I…
There are few leadership assignments any more challenging, or rewarding, than parenting. History has often demonstrated that just because you can lead fearlessly on the battlefield or brilliantly from the presidential or corner office does not mean you will automatically be successful in your home. That is why this last month has been particularly rewarding…
Travels While I was in South Africa in May, I had the opportunity to meet Angus Buchan. Angus is an ordinary farmer with an 8th grade education. He was forced to immigrate from Zambia to Greytown, South Africa because of political unrest. Angus was a hot tempered man who neglected his family in his efforts…
I am getting older. If you don’t believe me, just ask my kids! Let’s just say I don’t have the same lean, muscular physique that I used to have! My mind seems to be going too. I struggle to remember names more than I used to (and that’s when I’m talking to my kids!). This…