Category Archives: Mark’s Blog

Remembering My Real Goals

Posted on October 27, 2010 by admin

Here’s my Tuesday status for Facebook: “Life is pretty good. I never set out to make a bunch of money, and have accomplished that — having not much money. I did hope for a few friends and to impact a … Continue reading →

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I Resonate with Stanley’s Passion

Posted on October 27, 2010 by admin

What motivates how we preach? I was riveted by this statement in Communicating for a Change (page 88). “Every single person who sits politely and listens to you on Sunday is one decision away from moral, financial, and marital ruin.” … Continue reading →

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Can We Do Both?

Posted on October 27, 2010 by admin

I was challenged by the bigness of Psalm 68. Not so much the number of verses; but the number of values. The first value is holding high standards: “Arise O God, and scatter your enemies. Let those who hate God … Continue reading →

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Handling Unemployment, Part 2

Posted on October 25, 2010 by admin

I was celebrating how well God is bringing me through joblessness when I got snagged on Psalm 65:1 in my devotions this morning. As I read the Psalm, I asked “Is there anything that overwhelms me?” “Rejection,”  answered my heart, … Continue reading →

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Handling Unemployment, Part 1

Posted on October 25, 2010 by admin

I was visiting with a friend Saturday who remarked, “You seem surprisingly cheerful in spite of the fact that you say your unemployment bothers you.” For the most part, I think it’s honest to say that I don’t feel badly … Continue reading →

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Forgiving Quotes

Posted on October 24, 2010 by admin

Today I listened to a fine sermon on our need to forgive others. If you have ever preached on this topic, you join me in empathy for the preacher. Forgiveness is essential for Christian wholeness; but almost every Christian holds … Continue reading →

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Great Motto

Posted on October 24, 2010 by admin

“Helping people know and follow Jesus . . . one person at a time.” Jan & I had the privilege of visiting Countryside Christian Church in Keizer, OR today for worship. Jerry Christensen, my youth minister when I was in … Continue reading →

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What is the goal of preaching?

Posted on October 21, 2010 by admin

I just started reading Communication for a Change by Stanley and Jones and already I like the book. Early on, they pose the contrast between communication for information transfer and communication for life change. Too many sermons are “about” the … Continue reading →

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Successful Small Churches

Posted on October 18, 2010 by admin

I recently stumbled on a post one of the blogs I follow — Out of Ur. The post is entitled “Small Churches = Big Impact.” The article interviews Brandon O’Brien about his book, “The Strategically Small Church.” O’Brien’s research confirmed … Continue reading →

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More troubles ahead than behind

Posted on October 17, 2010 by admin

“I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.” (Mark Twain) I read this tonight which is interesting since I was thinking early this afternoon about how most of the troubles … Continue reading →

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