Monthly theme: Why Wellness? Reading time: two minutes. “For all this…” is the reason. Self-care is the what. Why wellness? So far this month, we’ve discussed resilience, longevity and witness to the Gospel. The fourth answer to “Why wellness?” is “Thank and praise, serve and obey.” When Luther recounts all of God’s goodness to us […]
Monthly Theme: Why Wellness? Reading time: two minutes. I know how flight attendants feel. We’ve all heard the “oxygen mask speech.” And we all wonder if anyone is listening. I hope you are. When traveling with those who need your assistance, putting on your own oxygen mask first is a testimony to your core value. […]
Monthly theme: Why Wellness? Reading time: two minutes. Who’s your fitness idol? I hope it’s not the muscle-bound gym freak or the wispy super-model. How about Moses? Moses was a great example of the wellness in decline curve that God designed for us. Here’s what I mean… You can’t fight the decline of aging through […]
Are you well? Here are 4 four wellness touchpoints for 2022. Monthly Theme: Why Wellness? Reading time: two minutes. So, what does flourishing in ministry look like? How do you define wellness? It’s essential to consider what your spiritual, emotional, physical and vocational health look like when you’re at your best. Otherwise, as the saying […]
You’ve been a faith-full proclaimer, now be a grace-full receiver of Christmas blessing. May the hope of a God who is with us bear you into a new year of Gospel ministry. May the peace of which angels sang fill your heart as you rest and renew. May the joy of knowing Jesus and seeing […]
Monthly theme: “Yes, with the help of God!” Reading time: two minutes This week’s calendar says you’ll be working hard. Why not build renewal into next week’s calendar? These next few days have potential to be spiritually draining. Our souls and spirits leak; we’re daily in need of baptismal, spiritual renewal, regardless of the month […]
Monthly theme: Yes, with the help of God! Reading time: two minutes Here’s the bad news about the Christmas season at your church: There’s more to be done than is humanly possible. Here’s the good news: There’s more to be done than is humanly possible. Yes, that’s good! When the Lord of the Church brought […]
Monthly theme: “Yes, with the help of God” Reading time: two minutes You defined what your ministry would be in your first day at the church. It may be your best, (and shortest) sermon ever. When you were asked if you were ready to fulfill the duties of your call, you said, “Yes, with the […]
Reading time: two minutes You’re entering into one of the most challenging, busy seasons of ministry. I know your heartfelt thanks for all the blessings in your life: family, fitness, food, faith, friends. Can you be thankful in the midst of challenges and hardships, such as those the days ahead will surely bring? How about […]
Monthly theme: Intentionality Reading time: two minutes When’s the best time to plant a tree? Thirty years ago. When’s the second best time? Today. Our good friend from Concordia Plans, Eustolio Gomez taught this “Canadian Proverb” at about 200 Grace Place retreats! Isn’t it odd how thirty years can seem to disappear overnight? We would […]
Monthly theme: Intentionality Reading time: two minutes Fleetwood Mac sang, “I can’t help it ’bout the shape I’m in…” True. Sort of. We’re all born with certain physical limits, some with greater limits than others. The sudden onset of illness or an injury will certainly affect our physical capacity. But while physical incapacity is sometimes […]
Reading time: two minutes. Thank you. Even if every last person who was blessed by your ministry in the past month has said it, you haven’t heard it enough. Thank you. One day, when we are all over-awed by the glory and splendor of the heavenly Jerusalem, you’ll hear it more often. At least that’s […]
A Word from the Lord I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 2 Timothy 1:5 A Word of Encouragement What discipline would be of the greatest benefit to your spiritual life as you […]
A Word from the Lord For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 A Word of Encouragement Intentional self-care requires exercise of the Spirit’s gift of self-discipline. How is the Lord calling you to care for your physical self today? […]
A Word from the Lord May the Lord show mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. 2 Timothy 1:16-17 A Word of Encouragement Onesiphorus knew Paul and […]
A Word from the Lord To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Timothy 1:2 A Word of Encouragement Baptismal renewal is an intentional welcoming of God’s grace, mercy and peace. Take a moment to remember God’s working of grace in you! We’re Praying […]
A Word from the Lord Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 2 Timothy 1:4 A Word of Encouragement Which of your friends would offer you the most joyful conversation? Renew yourself. Make a call. Be intentional about your need for friendships! We’re Praying for You […]
A Word from the Lord I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 2 Timothy 1:6 A Word of Encouragement You are gifted and called for ministry. Be intentional this week about acknowledging and finding confidence in the Lord’s call! We’re […]
A Word from the Lord Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:15 A Word of Encouragement God is using yesterday’s hardships to shape and mold you, to grow you up to be more like Jesus. Wounds turn to […]
A Word from the Lord But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. Ephesians 4:7 A Word of Encouragement Forget the legalistic New Year’s Resolutions about diet and exercise! Treat your body with kindness for the pure joy of the grace of the gift of life! We’re Praying for […]
A Word from the Lord Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 A Word of Encouragement No relationship, no matter how strained and broken, is beyond the scope of the healing touch of Jesus. May peace prevail in all your friendships! We’re Praying […]
A Word from the Lord …to be made new in the attitude of your minds. Ephesians 4:24 A Word of Encouragement People will try to define you with their comments and criticisms, but God has defined who you are in Baptismal grace. Pause and remember who (and whose) you are. We’re Praying for You “I […]
A Word from the Lord Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another is love. Ephesians 4:2 A Word of Encouragement Relationships experience little cuts and wounds every day. Healing comes with gentleness, patience and love. Who needs your healing touch today? We’re Praying for You “Your love, O Lord, binds me […]
A Word from the Lord It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers…” Ephesians 4:11 A Word of Encouragement No matter the hurts of yesterday, God still calls. Welcome the call that he offers you today as a healing […]
Were you saved or healed? When Peter said, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” in Acts 4:12, he used the same word he spoke in verse 9, “If we are being examined today concerning a good deed […]
A Word from the Lord Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 A Word of Encouragement God speaks, and has a word of blessing and hope for you every day this year. What’s your Bible reading plan for 2021? We’re Praying for You “Speak, Lord. Your […]
A Word from the Lord There, in the presence of the Lord your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the Lord your God has blessed you. Deuteronomy 12:7 A Word of Encouragement NO LEGALISTIC RESOLUTIONS for the New Year! Instead, have a plan for thankful, intentional eating […]
A Word from the Lord “May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” Ruth said. “You have given me comfort and have spoken kindly with your servant.” Ruth 2:13 A Word of Encouragement Intellectual curiosity opens conversations to discuss wild and crazy years like 2020. Who needs to hear from you? To […]
A Word from the Lord You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness […]
A Word from the Lord My beloved spoke and said to me, “Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See! The winter is past.” Song of Songs 2:10-11 A Word of Encouragement This year has been tough on marriage and friendships. Find refreshment with someone you love. Talk about the past year. […]
A Word from the Lord “The land is to have a year of rest.” Leviticus 25:5 A Word of Encouragement The land worked hard. God healed the land. As you look back on the challenges of ministry from 2020, where do you need the healing touch of Christ before moving forward? Pause for renewal this […]
A Word from the Lord But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19 A Word of Encouragement The wonder and beauty of the Incarnation is for you. Receive the blessing of God’s gift of faith and welcome the strength and joy of Christ living in you! We’re Praying […]
A Word from the Lord While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room in the inn. Luke 2:6-7 A Word of Encouragement Heaven opened. God […]
A Word from the Lord “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to all on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14 A Word of Encouragement In the midst of your hectic day, pause to experience the peace Jesus came to deliver to you. We’re Praying for You “For the peace beyond all […]
A Word from the Lord But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10 A Word of Encouragement The joy of knowing the Savior, Jesus, is shared by saints here and in glory. You are a part […]
A Word from the Lord Joseph went there with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. Luke 2:5 A Word of Encouragement Does your family know much you love spending Christmas with them? If far away, do they know how much you miss them?. We’re Praying for You […]
A Word from the Lord And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. Luke 2:8 A Word of Encouragement You’re not alone. You are a part of the great fellowship of the Lord’s called shepherds of the flock. We’re Praying for You “For the wondrous fellowship […]
A Word from the Lord All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 A Word of Encouragement God breathes his breath of life on you every time you open his Word […]
A Word from the Lord Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years… Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Deuteronomy 8:2, 4 A Word of Encouragement Life with God is life in the abundance of his […]
A Word from the Lord When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” John 21:15 A Word of Encouragement We fail Jesus repeatedly, but his loving, […]
Whew! Well done, good and faithful servant. I’m praying that this week you will find rest and recovery from a most unprecedented Christmas season! Seriously. I’m praying for you. I know this is the wrong Dickens reference for Christmas, but even in a normal year, December is, for pastors and church work professionals, “…the best […]
(Reading time: one minute. It’s Christmas!) Families Pay a Price Your family pays a price for your ministry. Nearly every pastor’s wife, when retirement approaches, reports that the pastor’s family endured significant stress because of the demands of ministry. The most anxiety filled Christmas season ever only accentuates the point. The congregation wonders where you […]
A Word from the Lord While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 13:2-3 A Word of […]
A Word from the Lord Jesus said, “Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20 A Word of Encouragement Good days in ministry. Rough days in ministry. Through it all, God’s promise endures. In baptismal grace, your name is written in the Book […]
A Word from the Lord Jesus said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” John 4:32 A Word of Encouragement The fruit of the Spirit is goodness. When you enjoy the daily feast of God’s Word, you are enjoying the food from heaven that builds in you the goodness of […]
A Word from the Lord Jesus replied, “You give them something to eat.” Luke 9:13 A Word of Encouragement The fruit of the Spirit is faithfulness. Faith trusts God to provide. God’s people give generously because of their faithfulness. Even when it seems there is nothing to eat, the Lord does provide. We’re Praying for […]
A Word from the Lord When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” John 5:6 A Word of Encouragement The fruit of the Spirit is kindness. Someone you meet today will have a story to […]
“Don’t Try This Alone.” That was Lesson Four on the journey to wellness for church workers. We need each other. But even more than each other, we need the Lord. The tragedy of a life in ministry is that so many ministers work so hard and get so busy doing the Lord’s work that they […]
A Word from the Lord Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” John 21:7 A Word of Encouragement The fruit of the Spirit is love. Who is the disciple whom Jesus loved? It’s YOU! In the challenges that today brings, pause often to remember that you are the disciple […]
A Word from the Lord Jesus asked the disciples, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Mark 9:33-34 A Word of Encouragement The fruit of the Spirit is patience. Those closest to us know our faults and they […]
A Word from the Lord Jesus said, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:14-15 A Word of Encouragement The fruit of the Spirit is gentleness. You’re […]
A Word from the Lord “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:11-12 A Word of Encouragement What a joy it is when the Bible Class leader […]
A Word from the Lord “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:11-12 A Word of Encouragement The offerings that God’s people bring because of their faith […]
A Word from the Lord “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:11-12 A Word of Encouragement Paul and the congregations he served could drive each other […]
A Word from the Lord “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:11-12 A Word of Encouragement When confusion and the hardships of ministry threaten to diminish […]
Instant wellness assessment I can assess your level of wellness for ministry in about two minutes. In my eight years at Grace Place Wellness, I’ve asked hundreds of pastors, “How are you?” After the initial pleasantries, and sharing a little about our ministry, I’ll often ask again, “Okay, tell me, seriously, how are you?” because […]
A Word from the Lord “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:11-12 A Word of Encouragement Unity is a gift from God for the mutual blessing […]
A Word from the Lord “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:11-12 A Word of Encouragement Jethro was right: Don’t try doing all the ministry work […]
A Word from the Lord “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah….” Micah 5:2 A Word of Encouragement Don’t ever think that the small and unrecognized are not the Lord’s favorite instruments of wonder. Jesus has a way of showing up in the most unexpected places. We’re Praying for […]
A Word from the Lord “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree.” Matthew 13:31-32 A Word of Encouragement Unnoticed? Seems […]
A Word from the Lord “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.” Matthew 25:23 A Word of Encouragement God notices your ministry efforts, whether you make the evening news or not! And we […]
A Word from the Lord “Although I am less than the least of all the apostles, this grace was given to me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” Ephesians 3:8 A Word of Encouragement You have mighty deeds to perform in the power of Christ. Remember that an attitude of humility […]
A Word from the Lord “He took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars – if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Genesis 15:5 A Word of Encouragement It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the size of the ministry task, […]
A Word from the Lord “But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” Luke 3:16 A Word of Encouragement You’re not called to work miracles. Jesus shows his strength when we point to him and then stay humbly out of his way. Overwhelmed? It’s […]
A Word from the Lord “Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” Psalm 115:1 A Word of Encouragement There is only One who deserves the glory and praise for the beauty of the gospel and the wonders in works in the […]
A Word from the Lord “Consider it all joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2 A Word of Encouragement God is always at work for your benefit, even in trials, building in you the character and strength that will […]
A Word from the Lord “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14 A Word of Encouragement The world offers many temporary pleasures, but our glory is in the cross, in a kingdom far […]
A Word from the Lord “But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:13 A Word of Encouragement Glory awaits you, but in these days of trial and hardship, we get only little glimpses of what is yet to come. […]
Even Han Solo had partners Ministry is hard enough without the self-inflicted wounds we endure far too often. Among them is trying to do everything all by ourselves. I know I’m dating myself with the 1970’s cultural reference, (being a 1950’s guy, my first thought was the Lone Ranger), but even Han Solo didn’t fly […]
Feeling small Ministry has a way of humbling you, of making you feel very small. I wonder how small Abram felt when the Lord took him out under the stars and said, “I can make billions of stars. Trust me when I say I can make a baby for you and your wife.” In the […]
A Word from the Lord “So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” 2 Timothy 1:8 A Word of Encouragement You’re on the right road! Timothy found strength from the trials Paul endured, […]
A Word from the Lord “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 A Word of Encouragement Everywhere you go, whatever the task, no matter the obstacles you face, God the Holy […]
A Word from the Lord “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:3 A Word of Encouragement All who have gone before us have faced hardship and trial. Find courage today by knowing that you are not alone. The way of the cross will one day round the bend […]
A Word from the Lord Jesus said, “…but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14 A Word of Encouragement In order to bear living water to others, we must first be […]
A Word from the Lord The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched Elijah and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 1 Kings 19:7 A Word of Encouragement Ministry is hard and takes a toll on you physically. God, your family and those you […]
Sorry, the Glory goes to Jesus He warned the disciples that ministry would be hard. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me” (Matthew 5:11). The way of ministry was paved for us by the martyrs. Paul recounted episodes of unbelievable hardships […]
A Word from the Lord Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” John 14:27 A Word of Encouragement It’s hard to bring healing and peace to broken relationships. What makes ministry so great is the healing power of the gospel, […]
A Word from the Lord Jesus said, “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Matthew 16:18 A Word of Encouragement Ministry is great, but hard. Impossibly hard, but your confidence is in the power of Christ alone who is always active, working in you for […]
A Word from the Lord When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.” Acts 11:18 A Word of Encouragement You’re called to build unity among God’s people, which seems so impossible so much of the time. Remember today that […]
A Word from the Lord “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 A Word of Encouragement Ministry is hard, very hard. Vocational wellness is humble reliance on the Lord Jesus, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the gifts God gives that even those like us may serve in power. […]
A Word from the Lord “He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:2 A Word of Encouragement The flock of God will look to you for the restoration of their souls. Remember first your own need for a restored soul, and be a receiver of God’s mercy before you share it with others! We’re Praying for You […]
A Word from the Lord “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Psalm 23:2 A Word of Encouragement Pandemics. Politics. Technology. Deadlines. No one could handle all the challenges you face without feeling anxiety bordering on despair. Seek comfort today in a healthy meal and extra rest! We’re Praying for You “Lead me to […]
A Word from the Lord “He leads me beside quiet waters.” Psalm 23:2 A Word of Encouragement Everyone needs a safe place, a refuge. Lambs under the Shepherd’s care stay near to him, remember their dependence, and follow Him to the place of peace, rest, and joy! We’re Praying for You “Lord Jesus, words of […]
A Word from the Lord “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 A Word of Encouragement Who are you: shepherd of the flock? Leader and teacher in the church? Remember today that you are like every […]
A Word from the Lord “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 A Word of Encouragement Does the Lord seem distant? In the wonder of His people, the fellowship of […]
A Word from the Lord “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.” Psalm 23:1 A Word of Encouragement David was placed in the position of highest authority, but always remembered his rightful place as an under-shepherd of the Lord, a critically important tension to keep in balance! We’re Praying for You […]
A Word from the Lord “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” 1 Timothy 5:17 A Word of Encouragement Maybe it’s a triple honor: teaching the Word of God, receiving the honor of the people who learn, and the […]
A Word from the Lord “Anyone who receives instruction in the Word must share all good things with his instructor.” Galatians 6:6 A Word of Encouragement Those who called you to teach them the Word of the Lord promised at your installation to provide for your wellbeing. Welcome their generosity with thanksgiving and humility. We’re […]
A Word from the Lord “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 A Word of Encouragement These […]
A Word from the Lord “To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.” Titus 1:4 A Word of Encouragement Those we mentor and those who are mentored are united as one in the grace and peace we share in our common faith. […]
A Word from the Lord “Remember your leaders who spoke the Word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7 A Word of Encouragement Living as an example is a heavy burden, but so greatly appreciated. When you humbly welcome their appreciation, you become partners […]
A Word from the Lord “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13:17 A Word of Encouragement They look […]
Planned that way “It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, anyone could do it. It’s the hard that makes it great!” That’s what Jimmy Duggan (Tom Hanks) told Dottie Hinson (Genna Davis) in A League of Their Own, when she was about to quit the baseball team. It always reminds me of Jesus […]
My Little Buddy Jake At first glance, he looks a little confused, but I think he’s not. Yes, he’s a shepherd, but first and foremost, he’s a sheep. My friend Jake sits prominently next to my desk. He’s a shepherd. Maybe someone calls him “Pastor.” But he seems well grounded in his identity. He’s a sheep. […]
A Word from the Lord “When Lydia and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord,’ she said, ‘come and stay at my house.’ And she persuaded us.” Acts 16:15 A Word of Encouragement God gives some of his children the […]
A Word from the Lord “By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you – I, Paul, who am ‘timid’ when face to face with you, but ‘bold’ when away.” 2 Corinthians 10:1 A Word of Encouragement Paul and the Corinthians had a hard time communicating well. Being clearly heard and understanding fully […]
Don’t downplay words of thanks Everyone needs appreciation. As long as it doesn’t go to your head, every Paul needs an encourager like Barnabas, and few church work professionals receive as much as they need. I still have 35 year old notes of appreciation in a file folder. When the Spirit moves someone to offer […]
A Word from the Lord “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.” 1 Corinthians 12:12 A Word of Encouragement You have one gift, I have another, and yet we are bound together by the shared gift of baptismal […]
A Word from the Lord “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9 A Word of Encouragement Emotions run high during a pandemic. Whether you are a peacemaker yourself or you know who they are in your fellowship, you are greatly blessed when harmony prevails. We’re Praying for You […]
A Word from the Lord “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 A Word of Encouragement Today is a day for service, according to my gifts, remembering that I am but a steward of the Owner, who distributes his […]
A Word from the Lord “There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:6-7 A Word of Encouragement They’re called “gifts” because of the grace of a loving Father […]
A Word from the Lord “You do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed… I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there will be no division among you and […]
God knows what he’s doing. One study identified 13 completely different “clusters of activity” that parish pastors are assigned monthly, each of which could be a separate career: public speaking, financial management, volunteer supervision, pastoral care, etc. You know the list. Nobody could possibly be an expert in every area. You deserve appreciation this month […]
A Word from the Lord “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.” 2 Corinthians 12:7 A Word of Encouragement We’re best prepared for faithful service when completely humble and dependent upon the Lord. The […]
A Word from the Lord For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.” 2 Corinthians 10:10 A Word of Encouragement Being fully human makes our communication with others always less than perfect. Seek clarity in speech and in hearing today! We’re Praying […]
A Word from the Lord Paul and Barnabas shouted, “Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are bringing you good news.” Acts 14:15 A Word of Encouragement Humans make the best ministers because they know how desperately they and all others like them need the good news […]
A Word from the Lord “When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong.” Galatians 2:11 A Word of Encouragement Fully human means fully engaged in emotional and sometimes contentious relationships, but with hope for peace and joy through mutual forgiveness. We’re Praying for You “Lord […]
A Word from the Lord But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:11 A Word of Encouragement Being fully human means being inadequate for the tasks of ministry, so God shows his power through our weakness. We’re Praying for You […]
A Word from the Lord “With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for’.” Isaiah 6:7 A Word of Encouragement God calls very human and thoroughly sinful people like you into ministry, but His grace and mercy have cleansed us […]
A Word from the Lord “For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body – whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free – and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” 1 Corinthians 12:13 A Word of Encouragement The differences in our frail humanity would divide us, but […]
A WORD FROM THE LORD “I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.” Joshua 1:3 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Look around. Everything you see belongs to the Lord, and yet He has entrusted this world and all its abundance to our care! WE’RE PRAYING FOR YOU “Thank You, […]
Sunday School got it wrong. I’m all in on Sunday School, but stories about the “great heroes of the Bible” do pastors a real disservice. There’s only one Hero in the Bible, the One who shows up and covers the humans with grace, turning their feeble ministry efforts into world-changing miracles. A more careful reading […]
A WORD FROM THE LORD But to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said… Joshua 1:12 Then they answered Joshua, “Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.” Joshua 1:16 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT There was an honest and open conversation between leader and […]
A WORD FROM THE LORD “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua 1:5 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Remember who you are today. Just as Moses and Joshua were before you, you are God’s child with the promise of His presence today and forever! […]
A WORD FROM THE LORD “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT You will find dozens of reasons to be discouraged today, and one reason for an uplifted spirit: the Lord […]
A WORD FROM THE LORD “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Joshua 1:6 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Your work today is a part of God’s mission, His promise to pour out His Spirit and blessing on all people. Be strong and courageous! WE’RE […]
A WORD FROM THE LORD “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Joshua’s fortification was not in armor or horses, but in […]
A WORD FROM THE LORD Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” Genesis 22:2 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT God offered His own Son, whom He loves, Jesus – so that we […]
A WORD FROM THE LORD Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree. Genesis 18:7-8 A […]
A WORD FROM THE LORD Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?” He answered, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.” Genesis 18:32 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Amazing conversation! Sincere curiosity and great questions lead to serendipitous […]
A WORD FROM THE LORD “You, however, will go to your ancestors in peace and be buried at a good old age.” Genesis 15:15 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Only the Lord knows the number of our days, but by His grace, we know the promise of eternity with all the faithful when our days are […]
A WORD FROM THE LORD So Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives.” Genesis 13:8 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Our natural self-centeredness always leads to conflict. The fruit of the Spirit is Peace. Who is your “Lot” with whom you […]
A WORD FROM THE LORD The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” Genesis 12:1 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Your calling to serve is from God Himself. Only He knows what lies ahead; by faith, you follow, certain that He accompanies you on every […]
A WORD FROM THE LORD Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.” Genesis 14:18-19 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Worship begins by receiving the gifts of God, His blessing of forgiveness, peace, hope and […]
A WORD FROM THE LORD “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.“ Psalm 103:13-14 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT We have a perfect mentor for all of our relationships in our Father who has been […]
A WORD FROM THE LORD “Praise the Lord, my soul, who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.“ Psalm 103:3 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Our bodies are riddled with frailty, aches and pains, but God is constantly at work with His gifts of rest, strength and healing to face a new day! WE’RE PRAYING FOR […]
A WORD FROM THE LORD “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.“ Psalm 103:2 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Intellectual wellbeing means listening attentively. Listen to the promises. Recall all of His past blessings. Find refreshment for today in yesterday’s blessings! WE’RE PRAYING FOR YOU “Lord Jesus, I confess that I have been unaware of […]
A WORD FROM THE LORD “But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.“ Psalm 103:17 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT He never breaks a promise, and His promise to you at your baptism was the blessing of His everlasting, eternal, unending love! WE’RE PRAYING […]
A WORD FROM THE LORD “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.“ Psalm 103:11-12 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Worried? Tired? Angry? Discouraged? In spite of everything […]
Psalm 103 and the Mission of God A WORD FROM THE LORD “The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.“ Psalm 103:19 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Who’s mission is it? What comfort there is in knowing that it is the Lord who sits on the throne and we are simply His servants. Rejoice […]
Psalm 103 and the Holy Name A WORD FROM THE LORD “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.“ Psalm 103:1 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT His holy name is Jesus. You know him by name! What does the name of Jesus mean to you? We will never need any other reason to […]
1 Thessalonians and Love A WORD FROM THE LORD “But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.“ 1 Thessalonians […]
1 Thessalonians and Purity A WORD FROM THE LORD “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.“ 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 A WORD […]
1 Thessalonians and Caring Curiosity A WORD FROM THE LORD “For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith.“ 1 Thessalonians 3:5 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT True compassion and kindness wants to know how those around me are faring as we journey through these difficult times! WE’RE […]
1 Thessalonians and Blamelessness A WORD FROM THE LORD “May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.“ 1 Thessalonians 3:13 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Our yesterdays are filled with regret, our todays are loaded with […]
1 Thessalonians and the Increase of Love A WORD FROM THE LORD “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.“ 1 Thessalonians 3:12 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT These are the stressful times that bring about conflict in churches and homes, but the […]
1 Thessalonians and Joy in Ministry A WORD FROM THE LORD “Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.“ 1 Thessalonians 3:10 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT God’s Word never returns without doing its work. You are God’s chosen instrument to prayerfully supply God’s gifts […]
1 Thessalonians and God’s Word of Blessing A WORD FROM THE LORD “Therefore encourage one another with these words.“ 1 Thessalonians 4:18 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT You are called to offer encouragement to others. Who offers you encouragement from God’s Word? Remember to first breathe in, then breathe out! WE’RE PRAYING FOR YOU “Thank You, […]
1 Thessalonians and Lives Shared in Love A WORD FROM THE LORD “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.“ 1 Thessalonians 2:8 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT The love of God in the gospel binds us together into communities of […]
1 Thessalonians and Financial Integrity A WORD FROM THE LORD “You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.“ 1 Thessalonians 2:5 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT You didn’t follow the call in order to get rich. Celebrate the faithful and generous stewards who provide […]
1 Thessalonians and Longing to Reconnect A WORD FROM THE LORD “But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.“ 1 Thessalonians 2:17 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Compassionate curiosity about those […]
GPW Minute for 9/9 – Baptismal Encouragement from 1 Thessalonians (Part 1)! 1 Thessalonians and God’s Chosen A WORD FROM THE LORD “For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.“ […]
1 Thessalonians and the Danger of Hostility A WORD FROM THE LORD “They displease God and are hostile to everyone in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them […]
GPW Minute for 9/7 – Vocational Encouragement from 1 Thessalonians (Part 1)! 1 Thessalonians and Your Labor of Love A WORD FROM THE LORD “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.“ 1 Thessalonians 1:3 […]
1 Thessalonians and the Word at Work A WORD FROM THE LORD “And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.“ […]
1 Timothy and Unity in Diversity A WORD FROM THE LORD “To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.“ 1 Timothy 1:2 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Different generations, different backgrounds, but mentor and disciple are bound as family, dear father and true son […]
1 Timothy and the Gift of Strength A WORD FROM THE LORD “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength…“ 1 Timothy 1:12a A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Life, health, strength, even within the limitations of the infirmities that He has permitted, are gifts from our Creator Father to use to His glory! […]
1 Timothy and Meaningful Talk A WORD FROM THE LORD “Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.“ 1 Timothy 1:6-7 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Meaningless talk breeds trouble. […]
1 Timothy and Poured Out Grace A WORD FROM THE LORD “The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.“ 1 Timothy 1:14 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Think back to the day of your baptism. Grace was “poured out” on you also. […]
1 Timothy and New Beginnings A WORD FROM THE LORD “Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.“ 1 Timothy 1:13 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Our ignorance and violence destroy relationships. God’s grace and mercy change everything and bring new […]
1 Timothy and Appointment for Service A WORD FROM THE LORD “ I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.“ 1 Timothy 1:12 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT What comfort there is in knowing that as God carried Elijah, Jeremiah, Peter and Paul through times […]
1 Timothy and Salvation A WORD FROM THE LORD “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst..“ 1 Timothy 1:15 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT When Satan accuses “You’re the worst!,” simply agree and remind him of the grace of Christ which […]
Proverbs 3 and Love A WORD FROM THE LORD “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.“ Proverbs 3:3-4 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT When the world seems to […]
Proverbs 3 and Abundance A WORD FROM THE LORD “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.“ Proverbs 3:9-10 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT God has provided for His people through drought and flood and pestilence. He calls […]
Proverbs 3 and Discovery A WORD FROM THE LORD “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.“ Proverbs 3:13-14 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Pandemics stir up curiosity: What’s next? What can I learn? Who can help? Seek out the wisdom […]
Proverbs 3 and Security A WORD FROM THE LORD “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.“ Proverbs 3:11-12 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Even in times of trouble, our faithful Father is present and active, teaching us lessons, […]
Proverbs 3 and Calm Hearts A WORD FROM THE LORD “Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. Do not accuse anyone for no reason— when they have done you no harm.“ Proverbs 3:29-30 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Blaming others flows from anxiety over troubled times. Love and respect keeps emotions […]
Proverbs 3 and Humility A WORD FROM THE LORD “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.“ Proverbs 3:7-8 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Pandemics leave us overwhelmed and humbled, and humbled is a good place to be. God […]
Proverbs 3 and Faith A WORD FROM THE LORD “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Submission, trust, faith. What a great confidence we have that the Lord is God […]
Esther and Family A WORD FROM THE LORD “ Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother […]
Esther and Meals of Celebration A WORD FROM THE LORD “If it pleases the king,” replied Esther, “let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.” Esther 5:4 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Have you found time for a meal of celebration lately? Have a banquet to strengthen the […]
Esther and Compassionate Conversation A WORD FROM THE LORD “Hathak went back and reported to Esther what Mordecai had said. Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai…” Esther 4:9-10 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Despite the barriers, Esther sought to learn more about her beloved relative. True compassion seeks out understanding! WE’RE PRAYING FOR YOU “Give […]
Esther and Unity with God’s Family A WORD FROM THE LORD Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request. For I and my people have been sold to be destroyed, killed and annihilated.” Esther […]
Esther and Compassionate Conversation A WORD FROM THE LORD “Then Esther summoned Hathak, one of the king’s eunuchs assigned to attend her, and ordered him to find out what was troubling Mordecai and why.” Esther 4:5 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT When their relationship was strained, Esther sought out Mordecai, to offer love and care so […]
Esther and the Call to Serve A WORD FROM THE LORD “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as […]
Esther and Deliverance A WORD FROM THE LORD “Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces of King Xerxes, near and far, to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the […]
Hope and Relational Wellness (Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have will get better) A WORD FROM THE LORD “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been […]
Hope and Physical Wellness (Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have will get better) A WORD FROM THE LORD “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been […]
Hope and Intellectual Wellness (Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have will get better) A WORD FROM THE LORD “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been […]
Hope and Spiritual Wellness (Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have will get better) A WORD FROM THE LORD “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been […]
Hope and Emotional Wellness (Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have will get better) A WORD FROM THE LORD “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been […]
Hope and Vocational Wellness (Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have will get better) A WORD FROM THE LORD “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been […]
GPW Minute for 8/9 – Spiritual Hope! Hope and Spiritual Wellness (Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have will get better) A WORD FROM THE LORD “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put […]
Humility and Relational Wellness A WORD FROM THE LORD “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble’.” 1 Peter 5:5 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT All of our friendships are enhanced when both parties believe they are getting the better end of the […]
Humility and Physical Wellness A WORD FROM THE LORD “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble’.” 1 Peter 5:5 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Pride makes me think I can do anything. Humility teaches me to recognize my limitations and wisely care […]
Humility and Intellectual Wellness A WORD FROM THE LORD “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble’.” 1 Peter 5:5 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Every day opens a me to the new possibility of discovering something new in the most unexpected places; […]
Humility and Baptismal Wellness A WORD FROM THE LORD “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble’.” 1 Peter 5:5 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT In days of victory or in days of failure and struggle, there is joy in knowing that I […]
Humility and Emotional Wellness A WORD FROM THE LORD “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble’.” 1 Peter 5:5 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT When the mood changes between us, both of us are responsible to humbly seek what our part has […]
Humility and Vocational Wellness A WORD FROM THE LORD “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble’.” 1 Peter 5:5 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT We serve only by the gifts we have first received. In humility we place our time and energies […]
Humility and Spiritual Wellness A WORD FROM THE LORD “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble’.” 1 Peter 5:5 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT What a joy to bow humbly before our Father in heaven, not hiding or excusing our faults, but […]
Relational Wellness in Deuteronomy A WORD FROM THE LORD “If a man has recently married, he must not be sent to war or have any other duty laid on him. For one year he is to be free to stay at home and bring happiness to the wife he has married.” Deuteronomy 24:5 A WORD […]
Physical Wellness in Deuteronomy A WORD FROM THE LORD “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT We honor God through physical wellbeing, tending to the needs of our body, and loving Him with […]
Intellectual Wellness in Deuteronomy A WORD FROM THE LORD “And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.” Deuteronomy 10:19 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Pre-judging those we don’t know is a dead end. Curiosity about strangers opens the door to surprises and new friendships! WE’RE PRAYING FOR YOU “Open my […]
Baptismal Wellness in Deuteronomy A WORD FROM THE LORD “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” Deuteronomy 5:6 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Before a word of law was ever spoken, God reminded Israel (and us!) that we were rescued from death by His act of power and […]
Emotional Wellness in Deuteronomy A WORD FROM THE LORD “At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts.” Deuteronomy 15:1 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT The burden of debt weighs heavily on both parties. Forgiveness clears the atmosphere and creates new beginnings! WE’RE PRAYING FOR YOU “Lord Jesus Christ, as you have forgiven me […]
Vocational Wellness in Deuteronomy A WORD FROM THE LORD “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:3-4 A […]
Spiritual Wellness in Deuteronomy A WORD FROM THE LORD “He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” Deuteronomy 8:3 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT On new […]
Relational Wellness in The Sermon on the Mount A WORD FROM THE LORD “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:43-44 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Love for all is the way of the […]
Financial Wellness in The Sermon on the Mount A WORD FROM THE LORD “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” Matthew 6:3 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT There is joy in giving beyond what we think is reasonable. Celebrate God’s lavish generosity […]
Intellectual Wellness in The Sermon on the Mount A WORD FROM THE LORD “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Matthew 7:1 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT How quick we are to judge and slow to listen and learn. Ask someone to tell you their story today, and make a new friend by your […]
Baptismal Wellness in The Sermon on the Mount A WORD FROM THE LORD “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or stow away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Never forget: you […]
Emotional Wellness in The Sermon on the Mount A WORD FROM THE LORD “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your […]
Vocational Wellness in The Sermon on the Mount A WORD FROM THE LORD “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT The Light of Christ dwells in you. We don’t make light, we let […]
Spiritual Wellness in The Sermon on the Mount A WORD FROM THE LORD “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT How has your prayer life sustained you in these unusual times? God celebrates every […]
Relational Wellness in Colossians 3 A WORD FROM THE LORD Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Colossians 3:11 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Selfish pride divides us from others, but the love of Christ overflows into unity and love […]
Physical & Financial Wellness in Colossians 3 A WORD FROM THE LORD Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Passions of the flesh lead to unhealthy choices when we’re under stress, but Christ has the […]
Intellectual Wellness in Colossians 3 A WORD FROM THE LORD Do not lie to each other. Colossians 3:9 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT True compassion and kindness desires the best for our loved ones, and so we speak truth with gentleness, respect and love! WE’RE PRAYING FOR YOU “Lord Jesus Christ, teach us to follow Your […]
Baptismal Wellness in Colossians 3 A WORD FROM THE LORD …since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:9-10 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Every day is a new day, begun fresh and […]
Emotional Wellness in Colossians 3 A WORD FROM THE LORD Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Emotions run high, feelings are hurt, relationships are strained in trying times, but God’s grace makes all things new. […]
Vocational Wellness in Colossians 3 A WORD FROM THE LORD And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT As we navigate uncharted waters, many of our ministry efforts seem […]
Spiritual Wellness in Colossians 3 A WORD FROM THE LORD Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Worship is different […]
The Relational Blessing of Good Friends A WORD FROM THE LORD Among these were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. Daniel 1:6 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT One of God’s great blessings in times of trial is the companionship and fellowship of close, intimate friends who journey with us in every challenge! WE’RE PRAYING […]
The Physical Blessing of Good Dietary Choices A WORD FROM THE LORD “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” […]
The Intellectual Blessing of Speaking Truth A WORD FROM THE LORD Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.” Daniel 5:17 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT We bless the people […]
The Baptismal Blessing of God’s Presence A WORD FROM THE LORD Nebuchadnezzar said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Daniel 3:25 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT In every fiery challenge of life, Jesus Christ is alongside us, protecting, defending, […]
The Emotional Blessing of Forgiveness A WORD FROM THE LORD “O Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill.” Daniel 4:9 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT In our times of anxiety and stress, the steadfast love of the Lord, His history of […]
The Vocational Blessing of Wisdom from the Spirit A WORD FROM THE LORD [King Nebuchadnezzar said to Daniel], “I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you.” Daniel 4:9 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT By Word and Spirit, ministers of the gospel bear the good […]
The Spiritual Blessing of Word and Prayer A WORD FROM THE LORD “I, Daniel, understood from the scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation would last seventy years. So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and […]
The Lord Delivers Me from My Relational Fears A WORD FROM THE LORD I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from my fears. Psalm 34:4 If my relational fear is that… my family will drift apart, God’s deliverance is that… there is no division that drives us apart that cannot be […]
The Lord Delivers Me from My Physical and Financial Fears A WORD FROM THE LORD I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from my fears. Psalm 34:4 If my physical/financial fear is that… I could so quickly and suddenly lose all that I have, including my health and my wealth, God’s […]
The Lord Delivers Me from My Intellectual Fears A WORD FROM THE LORD I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from my fears. Psalm 34:4 If my intellectual fear is that… I so poorly share with others in my life how much I love them and I fear that they doubt […]
The Lord Delivers Me from My Baptismal Fears A WORD FROM THE LORD I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from my fears. Psalm 34:4 If my baptismal fear is that… my faith is so weak that I might fall into a time of doubt, God’s deliverance is that… the power […]
The Lord Delivers Me from My Emotional Fears A WORD FROM THE LORD I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from my fears. Psalm 34:4 If my emotional fear is that… the bitter atmosphere of conflict and resentment in my life will never go away, God’s deliverance is that… His grace […]
The Lord Delivers Me from My Vocational Fears A WORD FROM THE LORD I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from my fears. Psalm 34:4 If my vocational fear is that… I am unqualified for this enormous work and incapable of success; I’m afraid someone will find out. God’s deliverance is […]
The Lord Delivers Me from My Spiritual Fears A WORD FROM THE LORD I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from my fears. Psalm 34:4 If my spiritual fear is… that my sin is so great, my service in so meager, how can the Lord put up with me any longer? […]
The Lowest at the Feast and Relational Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Luke14:13-14 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Times of […]
The Good Samaritan and Financial Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. “Look after him,” he said, “and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.” Luke10:35 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Jesus said to the […]
The Unjust Judge and Intellectual Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD And there was a widow in that town who kept coming with the plea, “Grant me justice against my adversary.” Luke18:3 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT God hears our every plea, and calls us to listen attentively to all around us who cry out with […]
The Lost Sheep and Baptismal Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.” Luke15:5-6 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Never forget, before anyone ever […]
The Unmerciful Servant and Emotional Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD The servant fell on his knees before him. “Be patient with me,” he begged, “and I will pay back everything.” The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled his debt and let him go. Matthew 18:26-27 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT When emotions run high, […]
The Dutiful Servant and Vocational Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. Luke 12:43 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Through every trial and tribulation, even when He seems far away, God is at work through His called servants who remain faithful […]
The Good Soil and Spiritual Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop – a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Matthew 13:8 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT God’s Word works wonders of faith, hope and joy. These are blessings God gives to carry […]
Genesis and Relational Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. Genesis 2:24 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Are you married? In these hectic times, be sure and give special attention to your most important […]
Genesis and Physical Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree of the garden.” Genesis 2:16 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Meat was not part of our diet until after the flood. What’s your favorite fruit or vegetable? Savor every delicious bite today! […]
Genesis and Intellectual Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon. Genesis 41:14 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Sometimes wisdom comes from the most unusual places. Our country needs good listeners. To whom will you seek wisdom today? WE’RE PRAYING FOR YOU “Open my ears, […]
Genesis and Baptismal Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot passed between the pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram. Genesis 15:17-18 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Abram sat passively while God affirmed the covenant of his undying love, just as […]
Genesis and Emotional Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD But Esau ran to Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. Genesis 33:4 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Satan divides, but Jesus reunites estranged brothers through forgiveness and love. Who needs your word of gracious forgiveness today? WE’RE PRAYING FOR […]
Genesis and Vocational Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.” Genesis 14:18-19 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT The world needs a word of […]
Genesis and Spiritual Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD Jacob said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.” Genesis 28:17 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Even as the world spins out of control, we have access to the Father through His Son, Jesus. […]
Ephesians 2 and Relational Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household. Ephesians 2:19 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Communities will always remain divided until we share in the one house that Christ is building, the household of God’s […]
Ephesians 2 and Spiritual Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Ephesians 2:18 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Oneness needs constant renewal. Confessing our sins together, we meet before the Father who pours out grace and unity by the Spirit! WE’RE PRAYING FOR YOU […]
Ephesians 2 and Intellectual Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. Ephesians 2:17 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Unity that breaks down barriers comes from a shared experience. When we’ve both heard and believed the one message that was […]
Ephesians 2 and Baptismal Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD …and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. Ephesians 2:16 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT From all nations, languages and backgrounds, we stand together at the foot of the cross with […]
Ephesians 2 and Emotional Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD …by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace. Ephesians 2:15 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT True and lasting unity comes only by the power of […]
Ephesians 2 and Vocational Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. Ephesians 2:14 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT The world cries for peace, but doesn’t know where to find it. What joy to share the […]
Ephesians 2 and Spiritual Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT God unites strangers in spite of their differences. We turn to Christ and receive grace, then live not far […]
The Seventy-Two and Relational Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. Luke 10:1 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT You are not alone. The Lord still sends His servants out with […]
The Seventy-Two and Financial Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD Jesus said, “Stay in that house eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages.” Luke 10:7 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Generous disciples of Jesus provide the blessing from God, a salary and benefits for the provision of their called workers. […]
The Seventy-Two and Intellectual Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD Jesus said, “No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Luke 10:22 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT What our minds could never comprehend, […]
The Seventy-Two and Baptismal Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD Jesus said, “However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” Luke 10:20 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Ministry is hard and has its highs and lows, but our joy in every time, no matter how […]
The Seventy-Two and Emotional Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD Jesus said, “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you.” Luke 10:5-6 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT The gospel brings many blessings, including […]
The Seventy-Two and Vocational Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” Luke 10:17 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT The ministry of the Word has power beyond our imagination and we are privileged to be sent in the name of Jesus […]
The Seventy-Two and Spiritual Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good […]
David and Relational Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of a woman.” 2 Samuel 1:26 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Every leader needs a true companion and friend, one who offers a safe […]
David and Financial Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD David prayed, “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes form you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” 1 Chronicles 29:14 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT A pandemic […]
David and Intellectual Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD David asked the men standing near him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 1 Samuel 17:26 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT […]
David and Baptismal Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD “David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets.” 1 Samuel 6:14-15 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT The ark was a […]
David and Emotional Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD “Don’t be afraid,” David said to Mephibosheth, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” 2 Samuel 9:7 […]
David and Vocational Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD “These are the names of David’s mighty men.” 2 Samuel 23:8 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT David surrounded himself with other great leaders. In times of crisis, God’s people step forward to lead. Find a new leader this week! WE’RE PRAYING FOR YOU “Thank You, Lord of […]
David and Spiritual Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD These are the last words of David: “The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, Israel’s singer of songs ” 2 Samuel 23:1 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT The most […]
Zacchaeus and Relational Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Luke 19:5 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT No one would have thought, but the most unlikely of companions became friends that day. God binds us […]
The Widow and Financial Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put in more than all the others.” Luke 21:3 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT A time of crisis brings out the generosity of the Lord’s people. How have you seen God’s people respond sacrificially for those […]
The Centurion and Intellectual Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD “When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, ‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel’.” Luke 7:9 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Jesus showed great delight in meeting the Centurion and […]
The Little Children and Baptismal Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD “People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them.” Luke 18:15 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Take a moment to remember the gift of your own baptism. No matter how “grown up” you are, you’re still a little child under the Lord’s hand […]
The Samaritan Leper and Emotional Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD “One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him.” Luke 17:15-16 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT What a transformation: from crying out at a distance to joyous celebration at […]
The Former Demoniac and Vocational Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD “But Jesus sent him away saying, ‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you’!” Luke 8:38-39 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT We are equipped to share the gospel because the gospel has first taken root in our own hearts. Ministry proclamation is largely […]
Mary and Spiritual Wellbeing A WORD FROM THE LORD “She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he said.” Luke 10:39 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT You feed the Word of God to others. Remember the joy of sitting at the Savior’s feet and being fed! WE’RE PRAYING FOR YOU […]
An Invitation from Psalm 34 A Call to Taste and See! A WORD FROM THE LORD “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. 9 Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. 10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but […]
An Invitation from Psalm 34 A Call to Fear the Lord! A WORD FROM THE LORD “This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them..” Psalm 34:6-7 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT The […]
An Invitation from Psalm 34 A Call to Listen, Learn, Speak! A WORD FROM THE LORD “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, 13 keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.” Psalm […]
An Invitation from Psalm 34 A Call to Seek Refuge! A WORD FROM THE LORD “The Lord will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.” Psalm 34:22 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Servant is a prime occupation when you serve in God’s house. No matter what your challenge is today, […]
An Invitation from Psalm 34 A Call to Cry for Help! A WORD FROM THE LORD “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:17-18 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT What God […]
An Invitation from Psalm 34 A Call to Good Deeds! A WORD FROM THE LORD “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it..” Psalm 34:14 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT God is at work; what an amazing thought that He has invited you and me to be His hands and feet. What a […]
An Invitation from Psalm 34 A Call to Worship! A WORD FROM THE LORD “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. 2 I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. 3 Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34:1-3 […]
A Blessing from Ephesians 4 Welcome God’s Abundance! A WORD FROM THE LORD “(There is) one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:6 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Parents are calling out for help! None of us are performing the tasks of our parenting vocations as […]
A Blessing from Ephesians 4 Welcome God’s Abundance! A WORD FROM THE LORD “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.” Ephesians 4:28 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Gainful employment and the skills to serve […]
A Blessing from Ephesians 4 Welcome God’s Truthfulness! A WORD FROM THE LORD “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body” Ephesians 4:25 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT God speaks truth. The call to follow is to speak truthfully to one another […]
A Blessing from Ephesians 4 Welcome God’s Re-Creation! A WORD FROM THE LORD “…to be made new in the attitude of your minds.” Ephesians 4:23 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Take a deep breath. Regardless of how yesterday unfolded or what’s happening today, your baptismal right is to begin anew, moment by moment. You are in […]
A Blessing from Ephesians 4 Welcome God’s Forgiveness! A WORD FROM THE LORD “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT What our families and friendships need most can’t be found on Amazon. We’re piled in on top of each […]
A Blessing from Ephesians 4 Welcome God’s Gift of YOU! A WORD FROM THE LORD “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers…” Ephesians 4:11 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT “It was he (Christ) who gave…” That makes you (yes, […]
A Blessing from Ephesians 4 Welcome God’s Gift of His Fullness A WORD FROM THE LORD “…until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Sundays are invigorating, […]
God’s Intention for You Is the Fruit of the Spirit! Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of PATIENCE A WORD FROM THE LORD (Read slowly, welcoming the Spirit’s gifts to you) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:23-24 A WORD […]
God’s Intention for You Is the Fruit of the Spirit! Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of SELF-CONTROL A WORD FROM THE LORD (Read slowly, welcoming the Spirit’s gifts to you) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:23-24 A WORD […]
God’s Intention for You Is the Fruit of the Spirit! Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of KINDNESS A WORD FROM THE LORD (Read slowly, welcoming the Spirit’s gifts to you) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:23-24 A WORD […]
God’s Intention for You Is the Fruit of the Spirit! Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of LOVE A WORD FROM THE LORD (Read slowly, welcoming the Spirit’s gifts to you) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:23-24 A WORD […]
God’s Intention for You Is the Fruit of the Spirit! Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of PEACE A WORD FROM THE LORD (Read slowly, welcoming the Spirit’s gifts to you) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:23-24 A WORD […]
God’s Intention for You Is the Fruit of the Spirit! Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of GENTLENESS A WORD FROM THE LORD (Read slowly, welcoming the Spirit’s gifts to you) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:23-24 A WORD […]
God’s Intention for You Is the Fruit of the Spirit! Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of GOODNESS A WORD FROM THE LORD (Read slowly, welcoming the Spirit’s gifts to you) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:23-24 A WORD […]
Easter Means Grace and Peace! Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of The JOY of Grace that brings Peace to families A WORD FROM THE LORD On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and […]
Easter Means Grace and Peace! Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of The JOY of Grace that forgives poor wellness choices A WORD FROM THE LORD On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and […]
Easter Means Grace and Peace! Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of The JOY of Grace that blesses imperfect communication A WORD FROM THE LORD On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, […]
Easter Means Grace and Peace! Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of The JOY of Grace that gives identity as God’s child A WORD FROM THE LORD On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them […]
Easter Means Grace and Peace! Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of The JOY of Grace transforming the atmosphere A WORD FROM THE LORD On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace […]
Easter Means Grace and Peace! Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of The JOY of Grace covering my ministry efforts A WORD FROM THE LORD On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, […]
Easter Means Grace and Peace! Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of The JOY of Grace covering my devotional life A WORD FROM THE LORD On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, […]
An Easter Week Word from Jesus “A New Life” Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of The JOY of New Home Relationships A WORD FROM THE LORD Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in […]
An Easter Week Word from Jesus “A New Life” Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of The JOY of New Trust for Provision A WORD FROM THE LORD Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death […]
An Easter Week Word from Jesus “A New Life” Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of The JOY of New Discoveries A WORD FROM THE LORD Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order […]
An Easter Week Word from Jesus “A New Life” Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of The JOY of New Beginnings A WORD FROM THE LORD Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order […]
An Easter Week Word from Jesus “A New Life” Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of The JOY of New Feelings A WORD FROM THE LORD Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order […]
An Easter Week Word from Jesus “A New Life” Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of The JOY New Methodologies A WORD FROM THE LORD Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, […]
An Easter Week Word from Jesus “A New Life” Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of The JOY Worship A WORD FROM THE LORD Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just […]
A Holy Week Word from Jesus (The Gospel of John) Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of The JOY of Family A WORD FROM THE LORD On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and […]
A Holy Week Word from Jesus (The Gospel of John) Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of The JOY of Daily Rising A WORD FROM THE LORD Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces […]
A Holy Week Word from Jesus (The Gospel of John) Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of The JOY of Learning A WORD FROM THE LORD “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question […]
A Holy Week Word from Jesus (The Gospel of John) Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of The JOY of Eternal Life A WORD FROM THE LORD Jesus looked toward heaven and prayed, “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he […]
A Holy Week Word from Jesus (The Gospel of John) Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of The JOY of Hope A WORD FROM THE LORD Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.” John 16:20 A WORD OF […]
A Holy Week Word from Jesus (The Gospel of John) Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of The Joy of Service A WORD FROM THE LORD Jesus said, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” John 13:14 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT When the burden of a […]
A Holy Week Word from Jesus (The Gospel of John) Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of The JOY of Worship A WORD FROM THE LORD They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!” John 12:13 […]
Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of UNITY A WORD FROM THE LORD All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. Acts 4:32 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT One of the most frequently occurring words in the New Testament is […]
Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of VITALITY A WORD FROM THE LORD We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. He had made this arrangement because he was going there on foot. Acts 20:13 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT In times of crisis, we need a […]
Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of CURIOSITY A WORD FROM THE LORD Peter said, “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, […]
Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of IDENTITY A WORD FROM THE LORD One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” Acts 19:15 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Jesus says, “I know you” and he loves you very much. While the world may wonder who you are […]
Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of HARMONY A WORD FROM THE LORD Judas and Silas who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the people. After spending some time there, they were sent off by the people with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them.” Acts 15:32-33 A WORD […]
Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of HUMILITY A WORD FROM THE LORD Peter said, “If we are being called to account for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of […]
Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of RECEPTIVITY JESUS A WORD FROM THE LORD Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and […]
Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of FAMILY A WORD FROM THE LORD Jesus told the seventy-two “When you enter a house, say ‘Peace to this house’.” Luke 10:5 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Pastors and church workers are finding creative ways to bless the families under their care. Give your own family a blessing today and celebrate […]
Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of REFRESHMENT A WORD FROM THE LORD Jesus told the seventy-two, “Stay there eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages” Luke 10:7 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Food and drink are for our nourishment, but also for our enjoyment. It’s been a long, hard week. Enjoy […]
Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of REVELATION A WORD FROM THE LORD Jesus said (to the 72) “I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it” Luke 10:24 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT If you could […]
Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of BAPTISMAL GRACE A WORD FROM THE LORD Jesus told (the 72) “However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” Luke 10:20 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT For the seventy-two, ministry was great, but for you, it’s rather challenging these days. […]
Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of CELEBRATION A WORD FROM THE LORD “The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name’.” Luke 10:17 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT The Spirit given response to witnessing Jesus at work is the gift of joyous celebration. He’s at work through you today. […]
Welcome the Spirit’s Gift of THE CALL FROM JESUS A WORD FROM THE LORD “After this the LORD appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go” Luke 10:1 A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT Jesus will follow you in every task of […]
Reading time: two minutes. During our Lenten journey to the cross and empty tomb, we’ll find some encouragement from Luke’s travel narrative, our Lord’s own journey to Jerusalem. It was on the journey that the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray (see Luke 11). After the Lord’s Prayer and the Parable of the […]
Reading time: two minutes. We’re wrapping up our look at Elijah’s journey from Mt Carmel to the broom tree and back into ministry again. At the end of 1 Kings 19, the conclusion of Elijah’s journey is a communal affair. At his lowest point, he had called out, “I’m the only one left,” but his […]
Reading time: two minutes. 1 Kings 19 is not really that special. I know that sounds odd coming from a guy who’s been writing about it for six weeks, but it’s really not. I cherish every dot and dagesh of the inspired Word, I’m just saying that stories of new beginnings and renewal are not […]
Reading time: two minutes. We all know Elijah’s last name: “Prophet.” (I guess that makes his middle name “The”). God had a Word for the nation. Elijah heard and then delivered. He was a prophet. It’s what he did best. He was lousy at thinking up a Word of his own. In his time of […]
Reading time: two minutes. 1 Kings 19 is a cautionary tale for church workers. We all ought to be familiar with the lessons from Elijah’s collapse under the broom tree and God’s gracious restoration of the prophet. Today we reach the heart of it, found in verse 9, “And the word of the Lord came […]
Reading time: two minutes. Don’t get all spiritual on me. Just because Jesus said, “Man does not live on bread alone…” doesn’t mean that your Creator and Sustainer has no regard for what goes in your mouth. There’s a sort of functional Neo-Platonism running around in church worker circles among those who say to themselves, […]
Reading time: two minutes. Elijah’s Broom Tree episode gets interesting at verse 5 of 1 Kings 19: “The Elijah lay down under the tree and fell asleep.” I’m not sure whether to interpret that as Law or Gospel. Was Elijah’s rest a part of his collapse from the burdens of ministry, or was it the […]
Reading time: two minutes. I spend much of my time giving church workers permission to struggle. For some reason, we think this calling will be all sunshine and lollipops, which doesn’t make much sense, considering the way Jesus warned his disciples, the way Elijah collapsed under the broom tree and the way the Psalms are […]
Reading time: two minutes. Elijah’s retreat under the broom tree and into the cave in 1 Kings 19 is a wealth of wisdom for church workers concerned about their own wellbeing. Let’s look at eight of my favorite nuggets of blessing before Lent begins! What do Jezebel and the angel of the Lord have in […]
Reading time: one minute (Holiday!) All healing work of Jesus is by grace. It always has been and always will be. What I love about the Lutheran Wellness Wheel is the focus on the healing work of Christ in every aspect of our lives, and the core of it is always grace. The taxing, adrenaline […]
In this blessed, holy, and very busy season, may you know ALL the joy and NONE of the stress of bearing the message of hope to world! The Staff of Grace Place Wellness Ministries!
Reading time: one minute (eight days away!) In twenty-four years of supervising seminary field education students for Concordia, St Louis, it became pretty common after a student’s first time leading worship to hear, “So, how did I do?” they wanted to know if they spun toward the altar at the right moment during the Kyrie […]
Reading time: two minutes. You don’t add wonder to the sermon; you add wonder to the preacher. It’s not too late for a miniature sized Advent retreat. If you can find a half day to get away, that’s ideal, but even a half morning or afternoon, or a half hour sometime this week could make […]
(Psalm 84 sounds to me like a pastor in prayer. I hope these thoughts in recent weeks and this last section, give your own prayer life a lift.) “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the […]
(Psalm 84 sounds to me like a pastor in prayer. I hope these thoughts in recent weeks give your own prayer life a lift.) “O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob!” (Ps 84:8) I’m sometimes jealous of Jacob, dear Lord. He laid his weary head and dreamed visions […]
(Psalm 84 sounds to me like a pastor in prayer. I hope that these thoughts give your prayer life a boost over the next few weeks.) “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place […]
(Psalm 84 sounds to me like a pastor in prayer. I hope these thoughts from the Psalm give your prayer life a boost for the next few weeks.) “Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my […]
(Psalm 84 sounds to me like a pastor in prayer. I hope these thoughts from the Psalm give your prayer life a boost for the next few weeks.) “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for […]
Reading time: two minutes. Am I self-controlled or Spirit-led? Hmmm. There’s room for confusion here. Galatians 5 teaches that the Spirit is the source of love, joy, peace, patience… and self-control, so is the Spirit leading me or turning me over to self-control? Our Marker of Wellbeing states: “As I grow in God’s grace of […]
Reading time: two minutes. I’m listening to baseball free-agent-season talk on the radio and frankly, I don’t get it. The one talk-jock said, “Why would he want to be a Cardinal instead of a Yankee?” and his partner responded, “More money.” Seriously? You’d walk away from your preferred team and play for a team you […]
Reading time: two minutes. I grew up surrounded by horses, and was always impressed by their enormity; frightened, really. Many of our neighbors had one or two of the beasts, some as many as a dozen. I can still distinctly remember standing alongside their massive haunches and rippling muscles and feeling tremendously intimidated, until I […]
Reading time: two minutes. It’s the joy of the Lord that keeps us going, despite the sacrifices and hardships. Joy is fuel for ministry. The joy of living in the grace of God is always primary. That’s our foundation. The joy of God’s blessing on the work of ministry is also wonderful, but fleeting. Jesus […]
Reading time: two minutes. Painters fascinate me. I’m a natural Pointer. I don’t typically start sharing my story until I’ve had time to think about what I have to say. I also need to build trust before I share my story. Painters, on the other hand, are far more likely to just start talking when […]
Reading time: two minutes. In the past few years, I’ve learned that being patient with your grandchildren is easier than, well, throwing macaroni and cheese out of your high chair onto the kitchen floor. “Relax! Come on, they’re just kids!” Of course my own children wish I had learned this lesson about 30 years sooner. […]
Reading time: two minutes. I recently had a bad bout of “Good sermon, Pastor.” It’s always so awkward to hear and I don’t receive it well. I preached at our home congregation and I worked hard to give my best effort to prayerfully contemplating, crafting and delivering the message, and it was, actually, a pretty […]
Reading time: two minutes. Bruce was sitting with us on Little League Night at the minor league ballpark. “Check your ticket number,” the announcer said, “to win a $1,000 college scholarship.” After the number was read, Bruce jumped up and shouted, “It’s me!” and headed toward the field. Yeah, right. It was the kind of […]
Reading time: two minutes. For the last of our summer epigrams, (short sayings with a nugget of truth), I thought I’d mention one we hear all the time: “Grace Place. I’ve heard of that. Where is it, exactly?” We now encourage people to say “Grace Place Wellness“; we’re a ministry not a location. But it […]
Reading time: two minutes. A recently seminary graduate placed at a long established church suggested that the six elders (who had all served for decades) might, from time to time, step down and let someone else serve. “Maybe we could rotate elders!” Their reply? “Son, at this church we don’t rotate elders; we rotate pastors.” […]
Wounded Healers Reading time: two minutes. Henri Nouwen coined this week’s wellness phrase in his book of the same name, “The Wounded Healer.” Essentially he says that we who carry on the Lord’s ministry of healing, (spiritual, emotional, relational, physical), serve best out of our brokenness. It’s our scars that qualify us for ministry. Maybe […]
Reading time: two minutes. Epigram: a short, pithy saying with a kernel of truth. This week’s summertime epigram: “Wellness is managing the polarities well.” Lutheran theology teaches us about balancing out the polarities of the paradoxes of our faith: free servants, sinner saints, dead but alive, etc. The polarities of a life in ministry are […]
Reading time: two minutes. This week’s wellness epigram, “I don’t eat that!” is not even really good advice, but I like it anyway. Read on and I’ll tell you what I like and what I don’t like about it. It’s become something of a slogan for me. I’ve passed by people in the airport or […]
Reading time: two minutes. Martin Luther talked about his experience at the altar as a young priest. The overwhelming sensation of awe at the responsibilities of a man like himself terrified him, and he considered quitting. “Me? How can that be?” That’s actually a pretty healthy place to be! When some Greek people in Jerusalem […]
Reading time: two minutes. The first time my pastoral counselor friend Al mentioned Murray Bowen’s expression, the “non-anxious presence,” my reaction was, “Of course! That’s it!” It made perfect sense. As a church pastor, if I could remain level-headed and calm while all around me were breaking out in fits of congregational anxiety, I’d be […]
Reading time: two minutes. Here’s another summertime wellness nugget, this one from Ronald Heifitz and Marty Linsky in “Leadership on the Line”: “Leadership is disappointing people at a rate they can absorb.” It’s the nature of ministry that people will have extraordinarily, even unreasonable, expectations of those in the office. No one could be expected […]
Reading time: two minutes. The expression that a pastor is nothing more than “a quivering mass of availability” is widely attributed to Stanley Hauerwas, and is also, to a large degree, accurate. I don’t know exactly why we pastors and other church workers feel that we are on call 24/7 for every crisis, real or […]
Reading time: two minutes. How would you complete the sentence, “It’s the best job you’ll ever…”? This week’s wellness catchphrase is one that breaks my heart. It was an LCMS pastor who was asked in a focus group some years back, “What’s it like to be a pastor in the LCMS these days?” who responded, […]
Reading time: two minutes. Another favorite wellness quote of mine comes from Stuart Briscoe’s list of qualifications to be a pastor. “He must have the mind of a scholar, the heart of a child, and the hide of a rhinoceros.” That’s excellent advice. Anyone who takes up a prominent position in public leadership is open […]
Reading time: two minutes. This week’s favorite phrase is not one that necessarily offers an uplift of encouragement, but one that is meaningful because it states very clearly a central issue that faces every professional church worker. I found the phrase while reading research from the 1950’s on clergy burnout. The study indicated one of […]
Reading time: two minutes. I’ve got a little book I keep handy, given to me decades ago, called “Children’s Letters to God.” It’s always good for a smile when I need a pick-me-up or a break from what I’m working on. I’m reviewing some of my favorite wellness phrases this month, some little nuggets of […]
Reading time: two minutes. I like the twists and turns of that phrase, “the joys of piety.” It’s from the subtitle of William Weedon’s “Thank and Praise, Serve and Obey: Recover the Joys of Piety.” You might ask, “What joys of piety?” When I think of piety and when I think of joy, my mind […]
Reading time: two minutes. If productivity is down at your lumber yard, your bakery or your used car dealership, the first thing you might consider is that you may need to work harder and get others to work harder also. That’s not the case in the kingdom of God. Now there’s no excuse for being […]
Reading time: two minutes. I’m writing today because I have to. Don’t misunderstand: there is not a compelling urge in my soul that what I write just has to be said. Beth in our office asked me this morning, “Is your blog ready?” I made a commitment, and she reminded me, so I have to […]
Reading time: two minutes. My Grandma Schuldt, who would be 131 next month, darned my giraffe. Her 21 grandkids could request any stuffed animal, and she would design a pattern and create it from scratch. When I asked for a giraffe, she made one for me, and then on a rare visit to the west […]
Reading time: two minutes. Well done, good and faithful servant! You are good because of the goodness of Christ, the fruit of the Spirit, imparted to you. And you are faithful; you completed your Lenten/Easter tasks not believing that your efforts would make a difference, but in faith that Christ is present in word and sacrament. Well done. […]
Reading time: ONE minute (Holy Week!) Did you ever step into the pulpit thinking, “This sermon is not ready. Dear Lord, send your Spirit to bless this mess. Amen.” I have. To one degree or another, I’ve felt that way and prayed that way about 4,000 times, every time I preach. It’s Holy Week. It’s […]
Reading time: two minutes. You’re not alone; we’re in this together. Holy Week is just two weeks away and the burden of having everything ready and as excellent as possible is starting to build, but remember, it’s not all up to you. I’m doing my part. I’m not traveling this week or next, so I’m […]
Reading time: two minutes. Reed Lessing recently suggested, “Prepare yourself before you prepare the text.” I’m breaking from my eight steps around the Wellness Wheel pattern to revisit spiritual health again this week, just for Lent. We talked two weeks ago about the Lenten journey to the cross, dying and rising. Reflection on the word […]
Reading time: two minutes Okay, Pastor, take a deep breath. I’m not kidding. Right now, relax for a moment, take a long, slow, deep breath in, hold it for a few seconds, then slowly release if completely, relaxing your body while you do, rest in that quiet place for a second, then continue reading. It’s […]
Reading time: two minutes. I’m writing this on an airplane, having just heard the oxygen mask speech: “Before you assist those traveling with you, take care of yourself first!” The Word of God is the spiritual oxygen for the Body of Christ, the Church. Pastor, before you point others to the cross and empty tomb, […]
Reading time: two minutes. Lent has begun and if you’re at all like me, you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the tasks of the season. Pastors, musicians and the whole team need to be at their very best and most efficient this time of year. With two services each week and with Holy Week looming, […]
Reading time: two minutes. It’s here! The arrival of Ash Wednesday has been anticipated by pastors (and their families) for weeks and weeks, knowing that the coming days will be both the most grueling and the most enriching weeks of the year. It’s no wonder that pastors are experiencing today both the excitement over the […]
Reading time: two minutes. I like the concept of substantial healing. We’ve been talking about the walk of faith, this side of heaven where things will never be perfect, but any part of our lives can be touched by the healing power of the love of Christ and significantly improved. You get a double topic […]
Reading time: two minutes. “Go back the way you came” (1 Kings 19:15). That’s what the Lord told Elijah after lifting him up from under the broom tree with the still, small voice of substantial vocational healing. “Get up, Elijah. You’re not done yet. Eat. Rest. Hear a word from your God. Get a partner […]
Reading time: two minutes. Your emotional health is of utmost concern to your Lord, to all of us who care about you, and to all of those who depend on you for gospel ministry. Tending to your emotional and mental health needs is not selfish; it’s responsible stewardship. At any given time, about 20% of […]
Reading time: two minutes. I learned something about me today. My wife Carol, it seems, knows me better than I know myself. She noticed something and said, “Have you noticed that you stand taller and have a bounce in your step after you preach?” I only get the privilege about 20 times a year these […]
Reading time: two minutes. By substantial, I mean real. Jesus heals. The miracles recorded in the Gospel record are living testimony that when Jesus shows up and touches real lives like yours and mine, He makes a difference. All of our relationships are fragile and susceptible to injury. There’s no one that we know so […]
Reading time: two minutes. Wellness is when the healing touch of Christ restores the joy of what’s broken in my life. Whether it’s my relationships, my finances or my physical health, brokenness saps the joy right out, but the grace of Christ that repairs my brokenness results in a joy that says, “Jesus did that! […]
Reading time: two minutes. I prefer “wellness” to “wholeness” although the terms are interchangeable and nearly synonymous. My internal lexicon hears “wholeness” as having it all together, whole, complete, perfect in every way. “Wellness” sounds to me more like Jesus saying to the woman healed in Luke 8, “Daughter, your faith has made you well!” […]
Reading time: two minutes. Our “new beginnings series” around the Wellness Wheel wraps up this week. Christ makes all things new, and wellness is the healing touch of his grace penetrating and transforming each aspect of our lives. What’s broken by sin, Jesus restores by grace. Everything is broken, but thanks be to God, the […]
Reading time: two minutes. Hold the resolutions! It’s too easy to fall into a legalistic approach to physical fitness based on willpower and personal resolve. Here’s a gospel oriented suggestion: take the good gifts of God and use them in a “Thank you, Lord!” manner. We talk a great deal about “diet and exercise” which […]
I hope you’ve had a moment to draw a deep breath since the exhausting tasks of Christmas. Please take another and know that I’m praying you and your dearest ones will know… the PEACE that comes from knowing the Word became flesh for you. He knows you, with all your flaws and weakness and loves […]
Reading time: ONE MINUTE! (Christmas is next week!) As if you didn’t know that. Let’s get right to the point. The joy of ministry can become strained if proclaiming the good news becomes just a matter of habit. It’s a particular danger when the story is extremely familiar. But the time a pastor has a […]
Reading time: two minutes. I’m not a regular watcher of the Hallmark Channel. Not my thing, really, although I think I understand why their movies are so popular. People love a “feel good happy reunion at Christmas” story. Families are split apart, best friends have a falling out, then the “Christmas miracle” happens and happy […]
Reading time: two minutes. Relationships are constantly in need of renewal and conversation, sharing our stories, is what freshens them up. After eight hours at work, my wife Carol can be a new person. She’s experienced some things that I need to catch up on. Time together with any family member or friend is an […]
Reading Time: two minutes. I Googled “benefits of date night” and discovered a 14 page research project published by the National Marriage Project in 2015. Actual research! It turns out that everybody is in favor of date night for couples. Our hectic lifestyles and the thousands of distractions we face every day can pull married couples […]
Reading time: two minutes. So what is it that turns a lowly caterpillar into a butterfly? I’m sure Mr. Romine tried to explain it in high school biology, but I totally missed. I have no clue. But we do know how God is at work in our lives, daily renewing, transforming, shaping, correcting, instructing, molding […]
Reading time: two minutes. “Behold, I am making all things new!” (Rev 21:5). “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (1 Cor 5:17). New in Christ is good news because each of us is in need of renewal every day; multiple times […]
Reading time: two minutes. There’s a growing financial trend among American clergy that is only going to escalate in the days ahead: bi-vocational ministry. Most of us know someone who has a supplemental income so that they can stay in ministry. It’s becoming more common, and is the fastest growing trend in seminary education. I […]
Reading time: two minutes. I think exercise classes at church are a great idea, but it gives me the shivers when I hear someone say, “My exercise class is my religion!” Ow. I haven’t participated in CrossFit, but there’s quite a phenomenon arising there. People are making connections in a way they never have before, […]
Reading time: two minutes. Here’s some statistics from Barna Trends 2018 that show how respect for our profession as church workers is rapidly diminishing. When asked “Do the following people/institutions have your best interests in mind?” it’s not surprising that America responded, Government: 6% and Universities: 16%, but it’s heartbreaking that Clergy came in at only […]
Reading time: two minutes. “Grudge” is one of those onomatopoeia words that sounds like what it means. Grudge. Rhymes with sludge and drudge, but it’s not as sweet as fudge. It’s bitter. Our society is turning into Grudge World. Recent testimonials to Senator John McCain emphasized his increasingly rare capacity to disagree, and even to […]
Reading time: two minutes. I was born into a different world in the 1950’s. Find an episode of “Leave It to Beaver” or “Ozzie and Harriet” if you need a clue. I know my grandchildren will be unprepared to face their world without knowing a second language and without developing an aptitude for cultural adaptability. […]
Reading time: two minutes. When I read the following, I thought to myself, “Well, that explains a lot!” Barna Trends 2018 describes the rise of Tribalism in our changing society like this: “In a society based on individual self-interest, the community people seek out is one that looks and believes as they do.” The problem here […]
Reading time: two minutes. It’s not just a “Post-Church” era in which we live. Barna Trends 2018 suggests we live in a “Post-Truth” era. The truth doesn’t seem to matter to people anymore. Here’s what Barna says: “When patently false news spreads like wildfire among those eager to believe it, the value of telling the truth […]
Reading time: two minutes. It was a valiant effort, but an abysmal failure. Joel Primack and Nancy Abrams wrote “The View from the Center of the Universe” to try to fill the void when God died. Their premise is, “In spite of the fact that modern cosmology and sub-atomic physics have proven that there is […]
Reading time: two minutes. Church work couples need to have a conversation about church work salaries as early in their marriage as possible; hopefully right around the same time as the conversation that begins, “Will you marry me?” Nobody gets rich in this business. Lutheran educators will almost always earn significantly less than their public […]
Reading time: two minutes. How about “a continual lust for less”? That would be nice, wouldn’t it? Paul wrote to the Ephesians about those who don’t know Christ and are driven by the lusts of their flesh. The Greek word pleonexia is “lust for more” and it usually gets us in trouble. A fit, healthy body […]
Reading time: two minutes. Paul explains the nature of Christian ministry to the Ephesians in chapter 4, concluding with the phrase, “…as each part does its work” (v. 16). There is some work that only the pastor can do; there is some that is appropriately given to commissioned ministers. The key to surviving and thriving […]
Reading time: two minutes. There’s an atmosphere at your church. I pray all the time that your church would have that light-hearted, joyous atmosphere that reflects the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. I know that all too often, bad weather creeps in to congregational life. A church with a tumultuous atmosphere hinders the […]
Reading time: two minutes. Do you open packages right as they arrive? Some people wait. They set the latest Amazon arrive aside for later or even forget about it. I’m much more curious than that. I rip ’em right open. Intellectual vitality is like opening packages and finding surprises. Open a book, find a surprise. […]
Reading time: two minutes. One of the most common words in the New Testament is one that I’ve already used twice in this one sentence. Oops. Now it’s three times. Did you catch it? The word is “one”. It’s used more often than words like “faith”, “heaven”, “believe” and “holy”. In one way of looking […]
Reading time: two minutes. Back in the spring, I was pretty concerned about the puny little marigolds we planted along the picket fence. They were so frail! How would they hold up to the heat of a St Louis summer? I’m not so worried now. They look pretty good. They’ve matured. The careful weeding and […]
Reading time: two minutes. “As for all the other events of Asa’s reign, all his achievements, all he did and the cities he built, are they not written in the book of the annals of the kings of Judah? In his old age, however, his feet became diseased” (1 Kings 15:23). He had a nice long […]
Reading time: two minutes. Maybe you had a first career as a Certified Public Accountant. If so, see you next week! If you’re like most of us, (especially if you’re like me) your summer refresher is to set an appointment with a financial advisor and have a thorough review of your financial plans. The first […]
Reading time: two minutes. Summer is a great time to take a hike. Even better than taking a hike, summer is a great time to refresh your commitment to the care of your physical self by establishing a habit of taking a hike daily. I’ve talked often about the advantages of a daily walk. With a […]
Reading time: two minutes. Summer might be a good time to look at which of your ministry responsibilities bring you the greatest amount of anxiety and stress, and DO something about them in preparation for the coming year’s busy season. There’s a difference between our vocational “gettas” and our “gottas”. Gettas bring us the greatest […]
Reading time: two minutes. I’ve watched a lot of cowboy movies. Most of the riding around the range and roping cattle looked like fun. The barbed wire jobs didn’t look that enjoyable. There was usually a grizzled, sun-beaten old veteran like the Jack Palance character “Curly” in City Slickers mending the fence. You’d see thick […]
Reading time: two minutes. Summertime is all about new adventures; exploring unknown territory and seeing new sights. Adventure is following where our curiosity leads us for new discoveries and surprises. I’m going to suggest an adventure a little closer to home: how about exploring the heart and mind of someone you know well? Intellectual wellbeing […]
Reading time: two minutes. A refresher is a little kick in the pants, a way to shake things up a bit and to get out of the ordinary. Summer might be a good time to pay a little extra attention to a relationship that’s important to you by doing something a little out of the […]
Reading time: two minutes. Our summer, “Be nice to yourself and refresh a little” series moves on to spiritual wellbeing. We like to define spiritual wellbeing as the life long journey of receptivity to the gifts of the Holy Spirit delivered to His people in Word and Sacrament. A summer refresher might be trying on […]
Reading time: two minutes. Happy Memorial Day! It’s summertime! For the next eight weeks, we’ll work our way around the Lutheran Wellness Wheel and suggest some summertime refreshments. Today: Baptismal Wellbeing. Baptismal wellness is all about our Identity in Christ Jesus. It’s the day by day battle to remember that I’m not defined by how […]
Reading time: two minutes. We watched the movie “Ghost” a while back. Nice movie. Lousy theology. But I love the scene where Whoopi Goldberg’s character, Oda Mae Brown, gives the embezzled check for $4 million to the Sisters of Charity raising funds for the homeless. With a big, fake grin and teeth gritted tighter than […]
Reading time: two minutes. “When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you” (Deuteronomy 8:10). I didn’t grow up a farmer, but we did a lot of harvesting on our little acreage out in Oregon. I can’t say I enjoyed it. Every morning, it […]
Reading time: two minutes. Ministry is hard. One cross-denominational survey of pastors in America showed that in the last 12 months, 75% of pastors have considered doing something else for a living. Amos certainly must have been tempted. The priest at Bethel, Amaziah, who was the brunt of many of Amos’ prophetic attacks, told Amos […]
Reading time: two minutes. If you charted the emotional history timeline of your family, what kind of a roller coaster would it depict? Would you see the normal ups and downs of family life, the joys of blessings and the sadness of loss? Or would you see more sudden and dramatic sharp declines of painful […]
Reading time: two minutes. One of my favorite stories from the many thrilling adventures of the prophets is the story of Micaiah (yes, Micaiah, not Micah, but he won’t survive your spell-checker) in 1 Kings 22. It is a perfect depiction of the difference between intellectual curiosity and closed-minded stubbornness. We’re all surrounded by people […]
Reading time: two minutes. The Bible’s teaching on marriage is all muddled up. (Don’t panic; keep reading). The same jumbled teaching happens in the New testament as it does in the Old. In Ephesians 5:21-33, when Paul describes husbands and wives, he gets all muddled and slips into describing the relational wellbeing between Christ and […]
Reading time: two minutes. You could not possibly get a better endorsement. No one among the Old Testament people of God ever did. Here’s how it reads in 2 Kings 23:25: Neither before or after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did – with all his heart […]
Reading time: two minutes. Okay, technically it’s not baptismal joy. Maybe covenant joy would be more correct, but the point is the same. When we forget who we are, the beloved and redeemed children of the heavenly Father, we lose the joy. When we remember who we are by the grace of God, we rejoice! I’ll […]
Reading time: less than two minutes (it’s Holy Week!) You’re not ready for Holy Week. You couldn’t possibly be. No matter how thorough your preparations, there’s always more, there’s always better, that could be done. The beauty of a life in ministry is that there is grace. We offer our best, these jars of clay, […]
Reading time: two minutes. Easter is joy. Lent is our time of reflection on all that would steal the joy from us. It’s a powerful and important reflection. The joy of Easter glows brighter because of the contrast with the sadness of Lent. Lutherans take a lot of ribbing about the serious way we engage […]
Reading time: two minutes. Jesus “did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage” (Philippians 2:6, NIV). In his commentary on Hebrews 4 from CPH, John Kleinig says, “He goes so low so that he can raise them so high.” One part of our Lord’s humiliation that leads to our […]
Reading time: two minutes. Coach John Wooden said, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.” There is so much wisdom in the body of Christ. It’s an occupational hazard for pastors and other professional church workers to think that we need to have all the answers about everything. The Church depends […]
Reading time: two minutes. I’ve enjoyed watching the Olympics recently, but has been rather humiliating. The other morning I was watching the biathlon while working out on my old, trusty Nordic Trac Ski Machine. I like to think I’m in pretty decent shape for a guy my age (who had another birthday last week). I […]
(Reading time: two minutes). Lent is good for relationships. The problem with people like me and people like you, as we’re trying to walk through life together, is that we get in our own way. “We have met the enemy, and he is us.” If I were more lovable, more people would love me, but […]
(Reading time: two minutes. Maybe less. Lent starts tomorrow!) It’s a very humbling season. The Lord of glory is crowned as King; the King of the cross. The humiliation of the Son of God from heaven reaches it’s peak in His passion and death. Any who contemplate the story of what Jesus endured in our […]
Reading time: two minutes. The holy season of Lent is now just a week away. I know you’ve been in preparation for this time for many, many weeks, even before Christmas. Shepherds of God’s flock are also members of that flock, little lambs dressed up in shepherd’s clothing. It’s so important that as we are […]
Reading time: two minutes. Ash Wednesday is just two weeks away. This is a good time to “get your own oxygen mask on before you take care of others.” We’re heading into one of the busiest seasons of the church year, a time of extra hours, extra responsibilities and extra anxiety. It’s a season we […]
Reading time: two minutes. Born at Christmas, made manifest at Jordan’s waters, the life of Jesus shows us what God is like, but also, in many ways, what it means to be human. Many of the things Jesus did, only He could ever do. I don’t think everything Jesus said or did is an example […]
Reading time: two minutes. We have two more reflections on the significance of the Incarnation of Christ for our wellbeing: physical this week and financial next. When I planned this series, I hesitated and almost skipped these two. The ramifications of our Lord’s Incarnation go so far beyond the lessons we learn about caring for […]
Reading time: two minutes. At January’s arrival, we dive right back into the full swing of ministry. Not only has the (brief!) respite of the time after Christmas passed, the season of Lent and Easter is looming not too far away. Many of the stresses for which life in ministry is famous rise up in […]
Reading time: two minutes. This might be an ideal topic for the beginning of a new year. I could look back over my many years and mark the best years and the worst years. My rating scale wouldn’t be according to how much money I made. My income has been pretty steady. I’ve traveled to […]
Reading time: two minutes. The best part of children’s Christmas programs is that the kids are learning the story. I hope Sunday Schools still have the children memorize the parts. The story sticks. How many of us (especially us old-timers) can recite right along with them, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude […]
Reading time: two minutes. Some people are just naturally good connectors. They bring people together. My partner at Grace Place Wellness, Randy Fauser, is a connector. We attended a Christmas party at the Fauser’s on Saturday along with about a hundred and fifty of Randy and Susan’s other close friends. That amazes me. Randy says, […]
Reading time: two minutes. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), and the living, breathing, in the flesh presence of Jesus changes everything for us. Everything. All the way around the Lutheran Wellness Wheel. Today we’ll consider how the Incarnation of the Son of God makes a difference for our spiritual lives. […]
Reading time: two minutes. When we pray, “Lord, have mercy,” do you think the Lord can really relate? I mean, we cry out in our weakness, “Help, Lord. Save me!” but what does He know about stress and anxiety? That’s the great thing about Christmas and the Incarnation of Jesus. He became flesh for us, […]
Reading time: two minutes. Karl Meltzer, the record holder for the fastest trip down the Appalachian Trail ever, has three more thoughts to share about endurance on a long hard journey. I’ve really enjoyed reflecting on them. There’s a nugget of truth for those in ministry to ponder in just about every one of them. […]
Reading time: two minutes. Karl Meltzer broke the record for cruising the Appalachian Trail, doing the nearly 2,200 miles in less than 46 days. New York Magazine interviewed him and he shared some endurance lessons that apply quite well to this marathon of service in God’s kingdom. Here’s a few more of his insights, beginning […]
Reading time: two minutes. If you hike the length of the Appalachian Trail in record time, you learn some lessons about taking care of yourself. Karl Meltzer shared some thoughts about his 46 day journey, and I thought they were pretty helpful. I’ll cover three more today, and include our list so far at the […]
Reading time: two minutes. Distance runner Karl Meltzer recently set the record for hiking the entire length of the2,200 mile long Appalachian Trail; just under 46 days. In an interview (New York Magazine), he shared the keys to enduring such an ordeal. I think they fit pretty well for those in a life of ministry! […]
Reading time: two minutes. My prayers are with you for a JOY-filled Reformation Day. “Give thanks to the LORD for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever” (Ps. 136:1). My problem with choosing favorite wellness scriptures is that ALL scripture brings healing to the soul, the body and the spirit. Case in point: […]
Reading time: two minutes. Pastors sometimes feel, “I bless everybody, but I could sure use a blessing myself!” Part of fending off the dangers of compassion fatigue is finding a place to get blessed once in a while. Now that I’m out of regular parish ministry, I find myself treasuring the absolutions and benedictions I’m […]
Reading time: two minutes. The topic of wellness runs through the Bible. For a few weeks, I’ll take a quick look at some of my favorite wellness stories in the Bible. Leading the way is the story of Jesus healing the paralyzed man who was lowered through the roof in Mark chapter 2. I’m starting […]
Reading time: two minutes. The warning signs that you might be in financial trouble are pretty obvious, but as we wrap up this series on “You Might Be in Trouble If…” I’ll mention three that plagued me for a long time. You might be in financial trouble if worries about your financial condition interrupt your […]
Reading time: two minutes. I’ve been tossing out three warning signs of impending trouble as we work around the Lutheran Wellness Wheel. As we consider physical wellness this week, I’d suggest that you watch out for these three warning signs: 1- Warning Signs (get it?) 2- Loss of Passion and 3- Forgetting your Doctor’s Name. There […]
Reading time: two minutes. You’re called. God has work for you to do in HIS amazing work of advancing the kingdom of Christ. You’re gifted. You have a unique, God-given and God-powered mix of spiritual gifts, experiences, passions and abilities that the Lord will utilize for His purposes. You prayed this morning, “If I should […]
Reading time: two minutes. How about a quick scan of the emotional state of our relationships? We’re so thankful for the meteorologists who, by assessing the state of the atmosphere, helped many, many people avoid an even worse disaster in Texas and in Florida. Relationships have an atmosphere too. Have you ever walked into a […]
Reading time: two minutes. We’re reviewing some of the warning signs of getting out of balance and drifting away from a healthy life with God, healthy relationships and a healthy vocational life. Today, we pick up on relationships and focus on communication in marriage; intellectual wellbeing. Quite simply, three major warning signs that your communication […]
Reading time: two minutes. Our hearts and our prayers are with all in the Hurricane Harvey recovery zone. They are far too busy to be reading this, but it’s an opportunity for all in the caring professions to reflect upon the need for self care in times of trauma. Pastors and congregations in disaster areas are […]
Reading time: two minutes. The Lutheran Wellness Wheel serves as a nice tool for doing the “scan” of personal or congregational wellness. A quick look at the eight aspects of wellbeing can help us answer the question, “How am I doing?” before trouble or dis-ease come along. The Church of Jesus is nothing more than […]
Reading time: two minutes. We’re looking at three warning signs of an imbalanced, unhealthy life for a few weeks. This week’s topic: Spiritual Wellbeing. The short definition of a healthy spiritual life that I’ve been working with reads, “As I grow in God’s grace of Spiritual GOODNESS I am finding joy in RECEPTIVITY to His […]
Reading time: two minutes. Let’s look at the Lutheran Wellness Wheel in eight weeks through the lens of potential warning signs of an imbalanced life. Our brief definition of Baptismal Wellness reads, “As I grow in God’s grace of Baptismal LOVE, I am finding joy in my IDENTITY as His new creation in Christ.” Our […]
Reading time: two minutes. We’ve been looking at one key word from Ephesians 4 each week as we reflect on the Wellness Wheel. Today it’s verse 28: “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those […]
Reading time: two minutes. “It’s my body. I can do anything with it that I want,” is just bad theology. Everything belongs to God (see Psalm 24:1). Your body is only on loan from God for a few short years. He’ll let you know when your time to use it is up. In the meantime, […]
Reading time: two minutes. You are God’s gift to the Church. You know that, don’t you? Wow! “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may […]
Reading time: two minutes. What a great little word: Rid! “Disencumber” is maybe more poetic, but I like the forcefulness of rid. If it’s got to go, it’s got to go, so get rid of it. I’m referring of course to Paul’s admonition to the Ephesians to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, […]
Reading time: two minutes. The seminary taught me the answers. It was the Church that taught me to first figure out the questions. I’m still learning. Intellectual wellbeing is often defined as having all the answers. I’m so glad for my wonderful education, for the resource of centuries of Christian wisdom and literature as well […]
Reading time: two minutes. Happy Fourth of July! I love America and feel privileged to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. I pray for our country constantly. There’s no country on earth that compares to ours. We are very fortunate. That “e pluribus unum” thing, however, is not […]
Reading time: two minutes. The wellness themes highlighted in the Lutheran Wellness Wheel are given some wonderful scriptural insight in Ephesians 4. Meditation on the Word, sometimes just one word in a text, can produce the guidance we need as we seek the fullness of congregational life the Lord desires. The word for reflection on Spiritual Wellbeing […]
Reading time, two minutes. God’s Word is so powerful that even one little word of Scripture can change everything. Ephesians 4 is an unending source of wisdom for our life together in the body of Christ. As I review the Lutheran Wellness Wheel once again over the next eight weeks, I’m going to focus on just […]
Reading time: two minutes. Today is the last of the “water analogies” around the Lutheran Wellness Wheel. Today: Financial. Thirty-five years ago when we were raising babies, I thought the “sippy seal” was about the greatest invention ever. Our kids used the Tupperware cup with a snap on lid and a little spout that when […]
Reading time: two minutes. Here’s a water analogy for you as we talk about physical wellness. An inventor on “Shark Tank” came up with a workout t-shirt where the words on the front only appear when wet. Get sweaty! Not a bad idea (but the sharks didn’t bite!) I think brisk, daily walking is the universal […]
Reading time: two minutes. I just read the monthly “field notes” from one of our LCMS overseas missionaries, Africa Regional Director Shauen Trump. There are open doors to ministry, witness and service to greatly underserved populations in Kenya, and with local partnerships, they’re walking through those doors. They’re washing feet. At it’s most elementary level, […]
Reading time: two minutes. The best water analogy I can think of for Emotional Wellbeing comes from Psalm 23: “He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” Emotional wellbeing is about managing the turbulence that surrounds us so that it doesn’t penetrate the inner life. Quiet waters in the soul are good for […]
Reading time: 2 minutes. Did you ever meet someone and think, “There’s a lot going on in there!” The truth is, there’s a lot going on inside of every one of us. I love the question, “If you could have dinner and spend the evening with one person in history, who would it be?” That […]
Reading time, two minutes. My water analogies continue. As we consider how the gospel of Jesus impacts our relationships, I think of the mop and the bucket. Everybody spills. Nobody likes to clean up the mess. How’s that working out at your house? The commitment we make when taking our marriage vows is “for better […]
Reading time: two minutes. I’ve learned how to hush a big crowd of pastors. Ask, “So, how’s your private devotional life?” We pastors know our Bibles and our theology quite well. What’s sadly lacking is the personal devotional time of Bible reading, meditation and prayer. The average times per week and amount of time spent […]
Reading time: two minutes. It’s water season. Life-giving water season. April showers bring May flowers. (By the way, do you know what May flowers bring?) The rivers and streams are full in most places this time of year. No sprinklers necessary quite yet. Let’s walk through the Lutheran Wellness Wheel with water analogies in mind. […]
Reading time: two minutes. Christ Is Risen! That’s reason to shout and sing. For all the pastors reading this, I want you to know that I have been praying for your Easter celebration, hoping that you would be not just a worship leader, but a worshipper. I remember an interview with Jim Bakker after he […]
Reading time: one minute. God bless you, it’s Holy Week. The end of Lent draws near. Easter is upon us. You planned for months and had great hopes and expectations for the best Wednesday Lenten series ever, hopes for being well prepared for Holy Week long before it arrived, and hopes that this year you’d […]
Reading time: about a minute and a half, or less. C’mon, it’s Lent! I’m going to recant. I’m ready to admit I have been wrong; if not completely wrong, at least partially. For years I’ve been teaching the importance of a personal quiet time, a time for devotional Bible reading and prayer that is separate […]
Reading time: less than two minutes, which is plenty during Lent. In fact, maybe you should skip this post entirely as a way of giving yourself an extra two minutes of space in this very busy season, which is actually the topic this week. Breathing room is a good thing, mostly because breathing is a good […]
Reading time: two minutes MAX! (It’s Lent) When I get stuck inside my own little world of my own private thoughts (which is far too often) I miss out on so much wisdom, joy and insight. I think too much and listen too little. I read Dr. Won Yong Ji’s autobiography this week. He was […]
Reading time: It’s Lent, so please keep it under two minutes, Darrell! This is directed particularly toward married church workers. I want you and your spouse to have a great Easter celebration and not spend Easter Sunday afternoon and the weeks following in marital recovery mode! There’s a natural tendency among those of us who […]
Reading time: less than two minutes. (It’s Lent!) The Church of Jesus needs you, and they need you at your best. That sounds like a lot of extra pressure and stress, unless you consider that your best is not all that great. I’m sorry. but you’re not Jesus. You’re not perfect. I love to call […]
Reading time: two minutes (Maybe less. It’s Lent!). Tomorrow we begin the busiest season of the church year, but pastors already know that because the preparations began months ago. As the paraments change to purple, as the bulletin printer goes into overtime, as the weekly cycle of sermon preparation kicks into double time, it’s more […]
Reading time: two minutes. I grew up around a lot of neighborhood horses, but never had one of my own. I was curious about the expression “roughshod” so I looked it up and found this: “(of a horse) having shoes with nail heads projecting to prevent slipping.” That could make a real mess. From time […]
Happy Valentine’s Day! Reading time: two minutes. I hope you and your beloved have a good argument today. I mean a really good argument. Or maybe I should italicize that differently: a really good argument. I suppose it’s possible that on a day like Valentine’s Day a couple in love could go the whole day […]
Reading time: two minutes. Lately I’ve been hanging on every word of my two year old grandson. He’s starting to put together sentences for the first time. We’re actually having conversation back and forth, after a fashion. During the Super Bowl, he said, “Fireworks!” I’ve been thinking about that for two days! Right now, every […]
Reading time: two minutes. Relationships are hard. Close, loving, caring, intimate, open, trusting relationships are next to impossible. Fortunately, we walk with a God who works miracles. I’ve been thinking about the wonder of the intimate bonds I share with some wonderful people in my life; my wife Carol, family, friends, co-workers. It amazes me […]
Reading time: two minutes. Just a thought on worship as we start a new year. For 24 of my 30 years in parish ministry, I supervised field education students from the St Louis seminary. Typically, after their first Sunday assisting in the chancel, they’d ask, “How’d I do?” I eventually began to respond, “I don’t know. […]
Reading time: two minutes. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). Okay, good advice. How exactly does one go about hearing from the Spirit in the first place? I’m proud of our Lutheran theology of the Holy Spirit. We have historically sought to avoid the extremes […]
Reading time: two minutes. I’m starting the year with some random wellness topics that can make a big difference. This week’s prescription for a healthy, vibrant New Year in ministry is to do your best to attend gatherings of professional church workers in your area. Whether it’s a DCE cluster in your region or district, […]
Reading time: two minutes. Whew! You’ve survived another Advent and Christmas season. I hope (and I have been praying diligently in recent weeks) that this holy season has been a time of enrichment and blessing not just for those you serve in your ministry, but also for you and your family. If it was, then […]
Christmas Special reading time: about a minute! Just in case no one else has said it to you, thank you for your faithful service to the Lord and to His Church in this beautiful, wondrous season. I have so much appreciation and respect for all you’ve done this Advent and Christmas. Most of the sacrifices […]
Christmas Special reading time: about a minute! This week, in many and various ways, you are bearing the good news of our Savior’s birth to His own dear children, and because you are such a faithful servant, carefully sharing the life-changing Word, God’s people are filled with joy. I’m hoping that you are too. Joy carries […]
Christmas Special reading time: about a minute! Joy comes when the Spirit causes us to see His handiwork. Joy is what sustains us through times of anxiety, stress and extra effort, like the busy Christmas season. Joy is all around you. I’m praying that if you yourself are not slowing down a couple times a […]
Reading time: two minutes. My thirty Christmases as a parish pastor didn’t go so well for me personally. Thanks to the Word of God, the blessing of the Holy Spirit and faithful teams of musicians, artists, cooks and other extraordinary servants, our congregations always had beautiful, joy-filled times of worship and celebration. People were filled […]
Reading time: two minutes. I’m always pleasantly surprised when our retreat evaluations indicate that for many couples, the financial workshop offered by our friend Eustolio Gomez from Concordia Plan Services was the most significant part of the retreat! I’m not surprised that Eustolio does such a good job, I’m just glad to hear that the […]
Reading time: two minutes. This is timely! This week’s greatest advice I’ve heard from you, participants at our retreats, is in the physical wellbeing category. So as we all prepare to exercise the Spirit’s gift of self-control at the Thanksgiving feast, how about some wisdom from the body of Christ? Here’s what I hear from those […]
Reading time: two minutes. “Hmmm. That’s very interesting.” Those are four words I’ve heard from many of you over the years as we’ve discussed handling our emotions in high stress moments of anxiety. When someone shares an opinion that is clearly loaded with emotion, and when the impulse that surges up inside is to respond […]
Reading time: two minutes. The day after an election might be a good time for this topic. We at Grace Place Wellness define Intellectual Wellness as having a vibrant curiosity about the people around us. It’s a communication issue. I’ve heard already a couple of times today, November 9th, that we Americans should learn to […]
Reading time: two minutes. I’m sent around the synod to teach about wellness, but everywhere I go, I’m learning. This is part 3 of my reflections around the Wellness Wheel and what I’m learning from you. Today: relational wellness. At congregational retreats we talk about the relationship between pastor/staff and the congregation. At our staff […]
Reading time: two minutes. This week, more wisdom from you, the people at our retreats. Spiritual Wellness is an openness and receptivity to the work that God alone can do as He comes to us by His Spirit through the Word and the Sacraments. It’s been a pleasure for me to encourage church workers and […]
Reading time: two minutes. I’m learning so much from the wisdom that you have shared with me in recent months that I’m dedicating the next eight weeks of blogs to you and the conversations we’ve shared. When I ask you, “What do you do to remember your baptism,” I hear all kinds of things about […]
Reading time: two minutes. I’m enjoying this “four words” series. I hope you’ve found it helpful. Every aspect of the Lutheran Wellness Wheel is incredibly complex. Finding the healing touch of Christ in every area of our lives is a wonder of God’s kingdom, and to Him belongs all the glory. But it’s also important […]
Reading time: two minutes. My friend and mentor, Dr John Eckrich, the Founder of Grace Place Wellness, uses a phrase that I just love: response-ability. To keep with my theme of four words to simplify each component of the Lutheran Wellness Wheel, I’ve made the phrase into a sentence. “I am response able.” Remember the […]
Reading time: two minutes. The busy fall season has begun and the full schedule of church activities is upon us. I’m remembering all my year’s in parish life, the feelings of pressure to perform up to everyone’s expectations, and the overwhelmed feeling of wondering how we could possibly accomplish every ministry task on our calendar […]
Reading time: two minutes. I don’t want the topic of self-care to become burdensome or overly complex. I like the Lutheran Wellness Wheel because it gives us a simple handle on eight aspects of wellness. I’ve gotten good feedback on this “four words” series. Which four words are at the heart of emotional wellbeing, at […]
Reading time: two minutes. “You have two ears and one mouth; do the math!” That’s a good way to put it. A friend told me once that he would scribble across the top of his meeting agenda, “CTTBYS.” That’s for, “Count to ten before you speak.” That’s not bad either. I really like the Today’s […]
Reading time: two minutes. There’s nothing simple about human relationships. My shelves, and likely yours, are filled with books examining the wonders as well as the challenges of life together. This election season has been an interesting examine of life together as a county, and I’m sure it will only increase in drama as weeks […]
Reading time: two minutes. At first I hesitated with that headline. Spiritual wellness is not simple. But the more I thought about it, spiritual wellness is the essence of simplicity. Growth in maturity in Christ is as simple as an empty cup. It’s as simple as a towel hanging from a clothesline. It’s as simple […]
Reading time: two minutes. We could make this really complex and very complicated, but we don’t need to. I could write volumes and volumes on what it means to live in the joy of the gospel, but I’d rather offer a simple handle for you. I’d truly like to spend five days (another five days […]
Reading time: two minutes. I’m posting one last blog on my experience at the convention. Five weeks is enough! I can’t wrap this up, however, without talking about emotional wellbeing. The greatest portion of our emotional upset, I’m convinced, comes from broken relationships. My friends in counseling tell me that most of what they do […]
Reading time: two minutes. It’s ironic that the one part of the convention that I cherish most, the two minute time limit on speeches during debate, is also the most frustrating part of the convention. When your two minutes begin, the light goes green. It turns yellow with fifteen seconds left and when the red […]
Reading time: two minutes. Synodical Vice-President Rev. Nabil Nour was the living embodiment of Relational Wellness at our recent convention in Milwaukee. Two episodes of his time on the podium were great illustrations of how the gospel of Jesus binds us together in the unity of the Spirit. If you know Nabil, you know that […]
Reading time: two minutes. In the weeks following our synodical convention, I’m reflecting on the intersection of my experiences in Milwaukee and the Lutheran Wellness Wheel. For Christians, Spiritual Wellbeing is grounded in our daily and lifelong encounters with Jesus in Word and Sacrament. And considerable time was spent at the convention in worship and […]
Reading time: two minutes. I had a great time at the convention last week, so great, in fact, that I plan to write about it for the next eight weeks as we wend our way around the Lutheran Wellness Wheel once again! “Please identify yourself,” we heard time and again from the Chair of the […]
Reading time: two minutes. If it’s Tuesday, we’re halfway through convention, and, oddly enough, I’m having a good time! Let me explain. It’s my view that we’re not supposed to “understand” the nature of the Holy Trinity. Just as Moses was supposed to be over-awed, overwhelmed and absolutely, 100% humbled and humiliated as he stood […]
Reading time: two minutes. An important component of a physical wellness program is learning to relax, unwind, refresh, loosen-up and reset the stress button. Here are some of my favorite techniques. Laugh – A hearty chuckle or a rolling guffaw can actually reduce the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, in the bloodstream. An easy […]
Reading time: two minutes. Here’s what I’m not going to recommend in our “Summer Shape Up!” series: catch up on sleep over the summer. Most of the studies suggest that while it is somewhat possible to make up for lost sleep, not so much. If you’ve been sleep deprived for a long time, well, there’s […]
Reading time: two minutes. Grace Place Wellness is essentially a preventive wellness ministry. Our intention is that church workers would serve long, vibrant careers in ministry and that no one would ever leave a life of ministry because of stress-related illness, burnout, relational, emotional or spiritual issues. Our mission is “to nurture vitality and joy […]
Reading time: two minutes. When we get to heaven and try to explain to all of our new friends, from every age around the globe, how we spent our days here on earth, I have an idea they might be confused. “Wait. Explain that again. You spent the day in a little cubicle moving your […]
Reading time: two minutes. Carol and I just got back from our morning walk. About a half mile from our house, we met a guy about 15 years younger than us on a morning “jog.” He looked really bad! He was huffing and puffing noisily, his feet were slapping the pavement, he had an agonized […]
Reading time: two minutes. It’s summer shape-up season! Our roots as a health and wellness ministry for professional church workers are found in a physicians office, so it seems logical to take a few weeks and turn our focus to physical wellbeing. I typically work my way around the wellness wheel and all eight aspects […]
Reading time: two minutes. The last of the Post-Easter reflections on the Lutheran Wellness Wheel. I’ve enjoyed this so much because Easter changes the way we think and the way we look at everything in our lives, including money. For a guy who didn’t have any, Jesus sure talked a lot about money and possessions. […]
Reading time: two minutes. Happy Easter/Ascension! I hope and pray that you are still basking in the glory of our Lord’s resurrection. It changes everything. From death comes life, and we’re surrounded by death and dying every day. Our own aging, dying bodies are a constant reminder of our mortality. But don’t our bodies also, […]
Reading time: two minutes When I pray for church workers, I pray for joy. From my own experience, I know that joy comes from seeing the beauty of Jesus when He shows up in my ministry. It’s a little bit like Peter leaping from the boat in John 21 when He recognized the risen Jesus […]
Reading time: two minutes. Easter people expect the risen Christ to show up in the most unexpected places and at just the time when we need Him. The Incarnate Jesus did that beginning at Bethlehem and continuing all the way to the Emmaus Road and His visit with Saul on the way to Damascus. Churches […]
Reading time: two minutes. Stuck is bad. “Stuck” even sounds bad. “Stuck in the mud.” “Stuck in the muck.” “Stuck in a rut.” Stuck. Yuck! I’m not going to get all political, but the Republicans and the Democrats are both such easy examples of being stuck. They’re all stuck in ruts of rhetoric, party platforms, […]
Reading time: two minutes. A cartoon shows a couple reading the sign in front of the church that reads, “Welcome to the church with tons of issues.” He says to her, “Well, at least they’re honest about it!” It’s only funny because it’s true! I’ve personally never met a church that didn’t have tons of […]
Reading time: two minutes. An old Fleetwood Mac song begins, “I can’t help it about the shape I’m in; I can’t sing, I ain’t pretty and my legs are thin.” I feel that way a lot of the time. Sadly, the song is called, “Oh Well.” Aren’t you thankful that Jesus would never say to […]
Reading time: two minutes. At my house, tulips are a sure thing. Forget the roses and violets. Carol loves the tulips. I thought about planting some last fall, but those bulbs are so nasty, dry and lumpy that I didn’t. No vision, I guess. It’s hard to see something beautiful coming from something so ugly. […]
Reading time: one minute… (Busy week, right?) The resurrection of Jesus Christ is sure and certain. The hope of everlasting life is guaranteed. The imminent return of Jesus is absolutely, 100%, rock solid going to happen. These things we can count on. Everything else, including your best plans for worship this week, are on much […]
Reading time: two minutes The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats in Matthew 25 can get tricky. Are our good works (“… you fed me, …you visited me” etc.) the cause of our salvation? Certainly not. We often say, “Works are just evidence of saving faith.” Well, yes, but does that do justice to […]
Reading time: two minutes. I took the day off yesterday to install a side garage door on my son’s house. I got home last night with a blister, a nasty splinter, sawdust and concrete dust in my nose and eyes, a sore back, a sore neck, really sore feet, I was tired, I was hungry […]
Reading time: two minutes. A few years back, LCMS pastors were gathered into a series of focus groups and asked an intentionally neutral question, “What’s it like to be a pastor in the LCMS these days?” Thirty percent of those in the groups found nothing positive to say. They only registered their complaints. A small […]
Reading time: two minutes. I don’t know what kind of presence the devil has at your house, but I do know he would love to set up camp there. He would really enjoy an invitation to be a permanent resident, stirring up trouble in your home, in your family. Maybe the presence of Satan in […]
Reading time: two minutes. What makes the Bible unique among all the “religious books” of the world is it’s grounded-ness in the real lives of real people. For the most part, the Bible recounts the appearance of the one true God into the real lives of ordinary people like you and me. Scripture is the […]
Reading time: less than two minutes. When your eyes of faith are opened by the Spirit to see and say, “Jesus did that!” joy follows. I’m convinced that joy is our Spirit-given response to recognizing the ongoing, frequent, surprising but completely expected work of Jesus in our lives. What a joy it is for me […]
Reading time: two minutes. Spiritual wellbeing is easier than easy. Falling off a log requires climbing the log, but spiritual wellbeing is nothing more than welcoming the Lord Jesus and enjoying the blessing of His transforming work in my life. The pressure to perform is off. The drive to achieve has nothing to do with […]
Reading time: two minutes. Yes, yes, I know: God is hidden. He’s chosen not to appear in theophanies before us and shout, “I am the Lord God!”, but He’s not that hidden. I saw Him this morning. In this season of Epiphany we remember the work of God the Holy Spirit making Jesus known in […]
Praying time: less than three minutes. This will be the last in our series of prayers around the Lutheran Wellness Wheel. God is so good. Join me in thanks for His every blessing! The earth is Yours, O Lord. I rejoice that You have awakened me to a new day and a new opportunity to […]
Praying time: three minutes Response-ability is the gift from God to get up and be about my Father’s business today. Join me in celebrating the gift of this body and life! You truly are my Father, O God, for without you I would not have life. I marvel at the wonder of this body You […]
Praying time: less than three minutes. Joy in ministry is a good sign of a balanced, healthy life. I pray constantly for God’s gift of joy for you! Gob bless your endeavors in the ministry of God’s Word. Dear Father in heaven, what a joy it is for me to be called into the most […]
Praying time, less than three minutes. When our emotions get the best of us, we suffer for it. The healing love of Christ is for the restoration of our bodies, our souls and our spirits. I’m praying that you know that healing love this week! Loving Father of all mercy, how glad I am that You […]
Praying time: less than three minutes. God speaks. He always speaks through His Word. He often speaks through the wisdom He has given those around us. Today we pray for a healthy attitude towards what we might learn from others. Dear Father in heaven, it’s the great joy of this holy and blessed season to […]
Praying time: less than three minutes By the mystery of His grace, God has called us into a living and vibrant relationship with Him that will never end. May this prayer be a blessing to you as you walk by faith with our dear Lord and live in love with those near and dear to […]
Praying time: less than three minutes We truly are such beggars, aren’t we? What a generous, loving Father in heaven we have, who would never give us a snake when we ask for a fish! I pray for you every day, and I hope you will make this prayer your own. dz Great are You, […]
Praying time: less than three minutes. Baptismal renewal is a privilege for us moment by moment throughout the course of every day. I pray for you every day. I hope this prayer might be your own! Holy, blessed, eternal God, You shine with the light of glory. The flaming seraphs who are always before Your […]
Reading time: less than 3 minutes. This is our last stop on our current tour: What’s a Scripture that epitomizes the eight aspects of wellness depicted in the Lutheran Wellness Wheel? Peter and David are such beloved characters because they display in their lives both the best of a walk of faith and the worst. […]
Reading time: less than 3 minutes To paraphrase Will Rogers, I never met a cookie I didn’t like. It’s a sugar thing and it’s a stress management thing, but ultimately, it’s a spiritual matter for me that I’m so quick to seek comfort in sweets. When I’m behind in my work, when I’ve got a […]
Reading time: less than three minutes. Balancing the tension between humility and hubris in our calling is not easy, but when done well, it can lead to what I think is the most important marker of vocational wellbeing: Joy in Ministry. Ephesians 6:7 serves as this week’s “top Scripture for the Lutheran Wellness Wheel” series, […]
Reading time: less than three minutes. There’s a collective wisdom among brothers, or at least, there should be. I’ve got three brothers. None of us is a genius of any sort, but between the four of us, I bet we could work our way through just about any life situation. Before my parents died, I […]
Reading time: less than three minutes. Everybody loves a good Jehoshaphat story (almost as much as a good Zerubbabel story!), but there just aren’t that many in the Scriptures. Besides King Jehoshaphat’s obituary, there’s only one extended story in King’s. It is, however, an excellent example of intellectual wellbeing. Jehoshaphat was curious. He was interested […]
Reading time: less than three minutes. I’m convinced I’m right. I’ve been testing my theory in congregations over the past couple of years, and I think I can say from my research that I have this figured out. When mutual trust, respect and love prevail, the Church and its workers thrive. And sadly, I find […]
Reading time: three minutes. I recently suggested that Psalm 103 could be a guiding scripture for Baptismal Wellbeing. I’m going to continue that thought all the way around the Lutheran Wellness Wheel, this week focusing on Spiritual Wellbeing. Here’s a passage for you: Acts 26:14. Not even the whole verse. This is the part I […]
Reading time: less than three minutes Just in case you haven’t had reason to sing to the Lord yet today, here’s one: the splash of the water! God has made you His child by the water and the powerful word of grace, cleansing and renewal of holy baptism, and that’s enough reason to rejoice and sing. […]
Reading time, three minutes. I don’t know everything about church worker wellness, but as I pass my third year anniversary as the Program Director for Grace Place Wellness Ministries, I’ve been thinking that I’ve gained some significant insights along the way. I’ll begin a new eight week cycle around the Lutheran Wellness Wheel next week, […]
Reading time: three minutes It’s funny to me that churches often have such a hard time talking about money in general and salaries in particular. Jesus spoke a great deal about money, treasure and possessions. Why can’t we? Our Lord taught that our possessions should not own us, but that we should manage them to God’s […]
Reading time: three minutes. Here’s five reasons why churches should be emphasizing physical wellness. 1) It’s our roots. Jesus healed as a way to proclaim the kingdom. We have a long history of health care/hospitals/outreach to the sick. 2) We’re not neo-platonists. We don’t believe the spirit is good but the flesh is evil. 3) […]
Reading time: three minutes. I told my wife Carol the other day, “My dogs are barking!” It seems my feet have been doing more than their share of the work lately. It’s retreat season, so I’m on my feet for long stretches. My poor aching feet are over-functioning. Carol suggested I let my gluteus do […]
Reading time: three minutes. I have a natural aroma, a scent all my own. It’s not that pleasant, but I’m learning to deal with it pretty well. I’m not talking about body odor. For that aroma, a daily shower with some de-odorant soap and a quick smear of de-odorant stick and I’m set to face the […]
Reading time: Less than three minutes. Yogi Berra said, “You can observe a lot just by watching.” That’s hard to argue with. I’m a big believer in continuing education programs. My personal goal is to say, “I learned something this week” every week. But I think intellectual wellbeing goes far beyond book learning. In the body […]
Reading time: three minutes. Are there scarier words in the world than “Trust me!”? I’ve got older brothers. Growing up, when I heard “Trust me,” it was usually followed by something cataclysmic, a couple of bruises and potentially a few stitches. Over the years, we all learn that the safest response to the question, “Do you […]
Reading time: three minutes. What does your church smell like? I once had a call to a church who’s parsonage was across the street from a pig farm. “Don’t worry, Pastor. It’s downwind… most of the time.” That’s not what I’m talking about. Does your church emit the fragrance of Jesus? Can people tell when […]
Reading time, three minutes. In 1974 I was 6’3″ and 160 pounds so I bought a pair of platform shoes with three inch heels. Not only did they look stupid, they didn’t feel very good either. I looked like a stork with a limp (the plaid bell bottoms didn’t help much), and every bone in […]
Reading time: three minutes. I didn’t attend all 35 district conventions, just a small sample of about a half dozen. Michigan will just be wrapping up when you receive this, completing the cycle for this season. I was impressed by the measure of health and wellness I experienced. If you don’t mind, I’ll break from […]
Reading time: less than three minutes. Here’s a perfect example of “The Power of WE.” In our sixteen years of ministry, we’ve sponsored nearly 280 Grace Place Wellness Retreats for almost 8,000 church workers and spouses of The LCMS. Eustolio Gomez of Concordia Plans Services has attended about 270 of those retreats and led a […]
Reading time: less than 3 minutes. Getting in better physical condition is simple. It’s just not easy. I’m not a personal fitness trainer and I’m not a dietitian, but I’ve learned a couple of simple things along the way, thanks to great mentors like Dr. John Eckrich, our Founder, and my wife, Carol, R.N. I’ve […]
Reading time: less than three minutes. I’m having a blast visiting and working with congregations of the synod through our Congregational Wellness Weekend event. One of my favorite parts of the retreat is when we discuss Vocational Wellbeing and I ask, “What’s your pastor especially good at? What’s he gifted for? What’s his passion, the […]
Reading time: less than 3 minutes I don’t claim to be an exorcist, but I know how to stop the devil in his tracks. Three little words: trust, respect and love. He hates that. Conflict is tearing apart way too many of our congregations. When we talk about emotional wellbeing here at Grace Place Wellness, […]
Reading time: less than 3 minutes. I love a good surprise. The best surprises are always new discoveries about the people in my life. You just never know what lurks beneath the surface. I arrived at Concordia Senior College in the fall of 1975, my first time ever away from home in my native Oregon. […]
Reading time: less than three minutes. John Wooden, the legendary basketball coach at UCLA, said it well: “It takes ten hands to make a basket.” We were not created for solo work. We work best in teams, as a body. We left off last week with Elijah in despair, crying out to the Lord, […]
Reading time: less than 3 minutes. I’ve always felt a lot of pressure whenever I hear the phrase, “have a personal relationship with Jesus.” It’s like the build-up to asking a date to go to the prom. If this is all up to me, I’m in big trouble. I understand that my spiritual life, my […]
Reading time: less than 3 minutes. I once was asked on a theology test: “Explain the Trinity. Use the words essence and substance.” Fortunately the professor only left room for about 50 words on the test paper. I’m sure my answer was pathetic. I wish I’d known about “perichoresis.” Not to impress the instructor, of […]
Reading time less than 3 minutes. “Joy in the midst of suffering” is one of those Christian paradoxes that often confound me. The suffering part is all too obvious. The joy is more sneaky, harder to spot. My daily battle with this aging body of mine is a case in point. I recently turned sixty. Don’t […]
Reading time less than 3 minutes. My first literal tears of joy were spilled while sitting on the curb of the sidewalk on Holman Street on the campus of Concordia Portland. I was part of a week long youth retreat as a semi-professional “youth staffer” the year before seminary. I was still considering whether or […]
Reading time… less than 3 minutes It’s storm season here in the Midwest. It’s amazing how quickly the weather can change. Relationships have an “atmosphere” also, don’t they? Bad weather can hang around for a long, long time. Jesus changes things in an instant. When I met Bob for the first time, his family was […]
Reading time: less than 3 minutes People surprise me, when I’ve been curious enough to listen that is. Carmine and I had almost nothing in common, besides Jesus and her daughter who was in my youth group . We could hardly have been more different. We were separated in age by about 25 years and in hometowns […]
Reading time: less than 3 minutes. Pastors, I’m praying that the Risen Jesus shows up for you in a significant way as you prepare to lead God’s people in worship this Easter. I pray He shows up every Sunday. Early. Over the last twenty years of my parish ministry, my response to the question, “How’s […]
Reading time: less than 3 minutes If you had to do without either your brain, your heart or your muscles, which would you be willing to surrender? You wouldn’t last long without any one of the three. Let me tell you about three pastors who worked together in the most joyful experience of relational unity […]
Reading time: less than 3 minutes I’m going to be more possessive of my joy from now on. I’m going to be jealous for my joy. We were created for joy. Joy is God’s gift to me. I’m designed for joy. It is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), it’s mine as an heir […]
Reading time: 3 minutes What does JOY look like? I’ve got a pretty good idea of what joy looks like. I’ve seen it a few times. Have you ever been at a ball game where the announcer says over the loudspeaker, “Today we honor the families of our military personnel serving overseas…” and out marches […]
Reading time: 3 minutes Did you watch the Oscars? Did you see the glamour and glitz of the Red Carpet and the Hollywood icons? I didn’t watch much either. A little bit goes a long way. Now, you’ve got to keep up with Hollywood to keep your finger on the pulse of where society is going […]
Reading time: 3 minutes I’m planning to live until I’m 114. I’m a golfer who dreams of “shooting my age,” having a golf score equal to or less than my age, and the way my golf game is going, I may have to live to for a few more decades. It’s not my best reason […]
Reading time: 3 minutes Do you know the third verse of “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep”? You know about “I pray the Lord my soul to keep,” and probably the really creepy part about “If I should die before I wake.” (You don’t really teach your children to say that do you?) Anyway, […]
Reading time: 3 minutes I heard two football players arguing about who was the better player. They traded insults until one finally played the trump card: “Oh yeah? Google me!” I guess the assumption is that the more information there is about someone on the internet, the greater they are as a person and contributor […]
Reading time 3 minutes Does God dance? The Lord of the Dance: God is perfect unity The ancient church fathers thought so. The word they used for the divine dance of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit was perichoresis. Think of “peri” like perimeter; it means “around.” “Choresis,” as in choreography, means to dance. Perichoresis […]
Reading time less than 3 minutes I have a button in my button collection that simply reads, “P B P G I N F W M Y.” That stands for “Please be patient. God is not finished with me yet.” To all my friends, and especially to those who know me best, thanks for your […]
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes. Did you ever feel like starting all over again? Wait, what I’m really asking is, Did you ever not feel like starting all over again? I’m sorry. That’s not right. Please let me try it again. Have you ever known deep in your heart that your only hope is for […]
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes Indulge me for a moment, would you? Set the alarm on your phone to go off a couple hours from now, at a point in your day when you have a little quiet time, a free moment or two. Hey, thanks! Yesterday my granddaughter spontaneously gave my leg a hug. […]
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Greg joined LCEF’s Grace Place Wellness in Fall of 2022. He now oversees all aspects of Grace Place Wellness, which is a part of Ministry Solutions in LCEF. Having served for 13 years as the District President of the Florida-Georgia District, he has a commitment to assisting church workers in the LCMS excel in their callings for their whole careers. In his role, he works to integrate wellness into other areas of LCEF to identify, coordinate and share resources that positively impact the lives of LCMS professional church workers and ministries in the LCMS.
Walton spent most of his life on the East Coast, having grown up in the Mid-Hudson Valley of New York. He attended Concordia College, which was in Bronxville, N.Y., where he met his wife, Edith. He graduated with his Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1987 and served 22 years as a parish pastor in Toccoa, Ga., and Marietta, Ga., before being elected to the office of District President for the Florida-Georgia District. In his parish years, Greg was deeply involved in community ventures, served as a Circuit Visitor, and then a District Vice President.
An ardent supporter of church worker wellness and Grace Place Wellness, he sponsored a number of retreats as District President in the Florida-Georgia District, assisting and encouraging workers in their personal wellbeing. Supporting and advocating for church workers and their families has been a longtime passion for Greg.
As his term-limited time as District President came to an end in August 2022, Walton joined LCEF and Grace Place Wellness to replace retiring director, Rev. Dr. Darrell Zimmerman, who was instrumental in developing Wellness Retreats for couples, ministry staff and congregations. Greg has picked up the mantle, trying to fit into the large shoes vacated by Darrell and is exploring new areas of ministry for Grace Place Wellness as we look to the future.
Greg and Edith live in Woodstock, Ga., a suburb of Atlanta, and are in close proximity to their two children and six grandchildren. He is excited to continue to serve the church in this role.
Dr. Eckrich founded Grace Place Wellness Ministries in 1999. He’s also the author of several books on wellness, ministry and Christian living.
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, John attended Lutheran schools as a child, graduating from Lutheran High School South. He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Missouri School of Medicine in Columbia, Missouri. He finished his medical training at the University of Chicago as a fellow in gastroenterology and hepatology.
Dr. John served the St. Louis community for over 40 years as a practicing internist and gastroenterologist. He had the unique opportunity to care for hundreds of Lutheran church workers and their families, including seminary professors, students and many leaders at the LCMS International Center.
During his early career, John observed the effects of stress and challenges of ministry on personal and family life. He gathered other professionals to examine and develop health skills and strategies to proactively address the rising tide of church worker burnout and ill-health.
Their findings led John to found Grace Place Wellness Ministries, now having served over 10,000 church workers and families through Grace Place Wellness retreats.
His books include:
John lives in the St. Louis area with his wife, Kathy. They have three grown children and two grandchildren. Dr. John spends as much time with his grandkids as possible.
Darrell oversaw all aspects of Grace Place Wellness Ministries from the fall of 2012 until June 2023. His passion remains helping ministry workers across the entire spectrum of Christianity excel in their callings for their whole careers.
A native of Portland, Oregon, Darrell graduated with his Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1982. He served 30 years as a parish pastor in St. Louis, Missouri, and Saginaw, Michigan. He is a trained intentional interim minister in the LCMS.
He and his wife, Carol, attended the first Grace Place Wellness retreat in the fall of 2000, then began leading retreats in Grace Place Wellness’ earlier years. He also earned his Doctor of Ministry in 2006. He was instrumental in developing the Ministry Team Wellness Retreat. In December 2019, he became interim president and CEO and served until the acquisition by LCEF, when he took on the role of vice president of Ministry Solutions, director of Grace Place Wellness. After almost 11 wonderful years leading Grace Place Wellness, Darrell retired in June 2023.
Darrell and Carol live just a few short miles from their three children and four grandchildren in the St. Louis area. In retirement, he looks forward to spending time with them, woodworking and playing lots of golf. We are grateful for his contribution to Grace Place Wellness.
Coaching professional church workers in creating their sabbatical experience is one of the most rewarding things for Rev. Fangmeier. His coaching training was through Valwood Certified Coaches (2002-2008). George Bullard, Jane Creswell and Linda Miller, along with other coaches, conducted this training. In addition to coaching pastors in planning sabbaticals, Fangmeier also coaches church workers who are in transition or conflict situations.
Rev. Fangmeier’s journey in ministry is an interesting one. In college, he studied Advertising and Sales Management at Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, and he received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. During summers in college, Rev. Fangmeier sold Electrolux vacuum cleaners door to door, which was also an educational experience.
The influence of his campus pastor led him to consider seminary training, and he graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Ill., in 1971. Rev. Fangmeier’s first call was to begin a mission congregation in Fort Myers, Fla. He pastored there until 1979 and assisted in two building campaigns and self-support status for the congregation.
From 1979 to 1985, Fangmeier served as senior pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Delray Beach, Fla., and from 1986 to 1993, he was the senior pastor at Ascension Lutheran Church and School in Charlotte, N.C.
In 1993, Rev. Fangmeier joined the staff of the Southeastern District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod as a Mission and Ministry Facilitator to work with congregations in North and South Carolina. He helped direct mission partnerships and served as a conflict consultant to the District President.
Since 2002, Fangmeier has continued ministry as a consultant to congregations and pastors. He participates in conflict intervention, peacemaking and coaching professional church workers in times of change and conflict. As a staff associate for Wheat Ridge Ministries (now We Raise Foundation), he manages its Sabbatical Resource Center.
Click here to email Rev. Tim Fangmeier
It is recommended that congregations consider the sabbatical time for their ministry leader as a time of health and hope for the congregation and its lay leaders. Thoughtful planning is important for achieving a positive experience for the ministry leader and the congregation.
WELLNESS EXPERTS AGREE THAT A MINISTRY SABBATICAL SHOULD INCLUDE AT LEAST THESE THREE ELEMENTS:
Congregation planning should be done by the same team that is assisting in the sabbatical planning for the church worker. Budgeting for increased expenses will be necessary. Setting aside a small portion over several years can reduce the financial impact during the sabbatical year. The congregation sabbatical focus could be connected to the focus of the pastor’s sabbatical, but it also could focus on special congregational needs or interests.
Ministry leaders and congregations can have significant fears related to the concept of a ministry sabbatical. Discussing and addressing these fears is critical to sabbatical success. Members may fear “What will become of us if our pastor is gone for three months?” Professional workers may fear another person filling their leadership role. The congregation sabbatical planning should address these fears.
These questions will help the ministry leader/church worker form a ministry sabbatical plan:
The following questions may be a helpful guide in developing a sabbatical plan and then communicating it to the congregation.
The issues below should be addressed and included in the preparation of a ministry sabbatical policy for your church:
Eligibility:
Length: Typically, a three-month sabbatical every four to seven years is recommended.
Funding Options and Plan:
Sabbatical Covenant.
Best Practices
Ministry sabbaticals can bless both the church worker and congregation. They are designed to be a shared experience, and the membership expects that they, both as a congregation and as individual members, will receive specific, tangible benefits from the sabbatical.
START PLANNING EARLY
DOCUMENT THE MINISTRY SABBATICAL
HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR THE MINISTRY SABBATICAL TIME
EDUCATE
SABBATICAL TIME
COMMUNICATE WITH THE CONGREGATION
Communicate in general terms why the sabbatical is necessary to build a consensus, then fill in the details about activities. Details may include:
We are learning that in some cases there can be tax implications connected to the money received to enable a ministry sabbatical. Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) does not give tax advice and finds that implications can vary by situation and even location. We advise that in the planning process for a sabbatical, the pastor and congregation consult with a trusted tax expert or CPA.
Neither LCEF nor its representatives give legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your tax advisor as to the applicability of this information to your own situation.
It is best to consult a tax professional in the early stages of sabbatical planning and will be helpful if that expert helps prepare your taxes. It is also possible to have money set aside by the congregation to help cover any tax implications. Expert advice will help both pastor and congregation navigate tax questions.
If a large grant is received for the sabbatical, it is important to consider any tax implications.
Make sure the expectations for the ministry leader’s absence are made clear from the pulpit as well as in written correspondence.