When You’re Always the Helper, It’s Hard to Ask for Help Some people are always the ones who show up. They bring the meal, give the ride, cover the opening, and remember to check on everybody else. At home, they may also be caring for a spouse, raising children, or...
You Don’t Need All the Answers to Start Growing “I’d like to grow in my faith. I just don’t know enough yet.” Maybe you’ve felt that way. The people around you seem comfortable finding Bible passages and talking about things you barely understand. You worry that...
“Welcome Home” Takes More Than a Friendly Sign Someone can walk into a church and find an empty seat without finding anyone who will sit beside them. That thought has stayed with me. At Lake Lynn, we use the words “Welcome Home.” I love those words because they...
“I Can’t” May Be the Beginning of Growth Have you ever read a command in Scripture and thought, “I cannot do that”? Forgive the person who hurt you. Love your enemies. Consider the interests of others. Serve without seeking recognition. Stop living for yourself. If we...
Humility Is Stronger Than Pride We sometimes confuse humility with weakness. We imagine a humble person never speaks firmly, takes responsibility, confronts wrong, or exercises leadership. We may think humility means having a low opinion of ourselves or allowing other...
When Preferences Become Requirements Every church has preferences. Some people prefer hymns. Others prefer newer worship songs. Some enjoy structured programs, while others prefer informal gatherings. We have preferences about schedules, decorations, preaching styles,...
Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and Trust Are Not the Same Thing Forgiveness releases personal vengeance. Reconciliation requires truth and participation. Trust may need time. Knowing the difference helps us practice mercy without denying harm. Forgiveness releases...
Mercy, Not More Time: Why We Cannot Repay God The servant in Jesus’ parable did not need a better payment plan. He needed mercy. So do we. An impossible debt Jesus told a story about a servant who owed a king ten thousand talents. This was not a debt he could...
Stop Keeping Score: What Jesus Meant by Seventy Times Seven Peter wanted to know when forgiveness could end. Jesus answered by taking away the scoreboard and calling His followers to a life shaped by mercy. Peter was still counting Peter’s question sounds...
Church Discipline Is a Rescue Mission, Not a Firing Squad The words “church discipline” can produce uncomfortable images. Some imagine public embarrassment, angry business meetings, or a church looking for an excuse to remove someone. That is not the pattern Jesus...
