Smoke signals fascinate me. Somehow, with tiny clouds separated by space, the messengers summoned help or shared news. The payload of the communication medium limited the quantity of pertinent data, but what an ingenious mechanism for pushing news across great distances. Today we are spoiled with a plethora of communication options. I can send a […]
Motives can be God-honoring or self-serving. The teaching role can be about allowing God to use me to benefit others, or it can be an opportunity to promote myself. Motives can lead me to a ministry that builds up, or they can lead me to become a demolition expert. As you prepare to teach adults […]
John W Nichols offers a new e-book, Small Group or Sunday School?, to share his experiences leading adult-level ministries in both Sunday School and small groups. Nichols writes from the trenches rather than the sacred halls of the theoretical. His guidance, tips, suggestions and encouragement can help you become a better adult Bible teacher or […]
At breakfast Shawn expressed a desire or perhaps it was a need or a want. I am not sure which. Her exact words were, “Can you fix the dooflachee on the thingy?” No context. No surrounding conversation. No supporting documentation. Her mind is not equipped with a display and keypad where I might scroll up […]
The Greek word translated shipwreck in the King James Version of the Bible can be found twice, both times in the writings of Paul. In the first case (2 Corinthians 11:25) Paul listed some of the hardships he suffered while carrying the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the known world. During his career Paul suffered […]
I’m enjoying Shawn’s company during our days of social distancing. We have not run out of projects to complete or things we’ve always wanted to do but never had the time. The garden is well-weeded and the summer crops are trickling in. Last night we enjoyed a German Johnson tomato, summer squash and garlic all […]