In recent years, more churches have recognized the value of granting their pastors a sabbatical—a designated period away from the regular responsibilities of ministry for the sake of rest, renewal, and spiritual rejuvenation. But while the Pastor steps back for a season, the Church is called to step forward in prayer. A sabbatical isn’t simply… Continue reading How to Pray for a Pastor on Sabbatical
Last year, my church graciously granted me my first sabbatical. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity, and I wanted to take a few moments to explain why a sabbatical matters—not just for me but for any pastor. This article isn’t about burnout horror stories or some “woe is me” tale. It’s a biblical reflection on… Continue reading Why Pastors Need a Sabbatical
Wisdom That Calms the Storm Conflict is everywhere—on our screens, in our neighborhoods, and sometimes even around our kitchen tables. While some people seem to thrive on stirring the pot, God calls His people to something far better: peace. The book of Proverbs constantly contrasts the wise and the foolish. One of the clearest distinctions… Continue reading Peacemakers and Pot-Stirrers
Why the Resurrection Changes Everything Easter is not merely a remembrance of something extraordinary that happened long ago. It is the declaration of a cosmic victory that changes your present, your future, and your eternity. The resurrection is not simply something that happened to Jesus — it is something that now happens to us because… Continue reading Graveyard Victory
How Jesus Conquers Through the Cross We live in a culture built on judgment. Everywhere we turn, someone is keeping score. Social media remembers our words. Employers measure our performance. Schools assign grades. Courts issue verdicts. Even when no one else is watching, our own conscience reminds us of what we wish we could forget.… Continue reading Victory Over Condemnation
In one of His shortest yet most potent parables, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a hidden treasure and a pearl of great value (Matthew 13:44-46). In both cases, those discovering these treasures respond similarly: they joyfully give up everything to obtain them. This is the essence of the gospel—a valuable treasure that, once… Continue reading The Priceless Treasure of the Gospel
How many times should we forgive someone who wrongs us? In Matthew 18:21, Peter asked Jesus this question. He suggested seven times, likely thinking he was being generous. But Jesus’ response—seventy times—reveals a more profound reality about forgiveness in God’s kingdom. True forgiveness isn’t about keeping count but reflecting the mercy we have received. The… Continue reading Forgiveness: The Mark of God’s Kingdom
Many people today have an imbalanced view of Jesus. Some see Him only as loving, kind, and accepting, while others focus solely on His authority, judgment, and righteousness. Both sides miss the whole picture. This imbalance isn’t new, but it seems more pronounced in our culture. In a world that values personal freedom, many prefer… Continue reading The Full Picture of Jesus in an Unbalanced Age
Over the years, one of the common questions about Jesus is when He began to exist. There are some, like the Muslims, Mormons, and Jehovah’s Witnesses, that believe that He was created by God the Father or just another person who was created. In the Christian tradition, it has always been understood that Jesus was… Continue reading The Importance of Jesus’ Eternal Existence
Having joy is different from being happy. Happiness depends on our happenings. What goes on around us affects whether or not we are so glad. Our health, finances, relationships, spiritual state, work, or mental and emotional well-being can affect this. Know that joy is not just a fleeting emotion. It’s a promise, a gift reserved… Continue reading How to Receive Joy Despite Having Problems
