The Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines endurance as “the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; especially: the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity.”

What does it mean to “take up our cross?” Some take it to mean a burden such as a physical challenge or a relationship that is difficult. People would describe something in their life and they will tell you that it is “their cross to bear.” But does that have any bearing on Jesus’ call for us to take up our cross and follow him?

The Board of Elders of the Assemblies of God International Fellowship (AGIF) has selected me to serve as president. It is an honor and yet at the same time it is a humbling experience as I think about the greatness of those who have served before me. I excited by the prospects and opportunities that lay ahead while at the same time I’m aware of just how much we are all dependent upon one another for success. I know that I do not have all of the answers to address all of the challenges before us and I not only welcome, but I need input and counsel from those with whom I serve.

There are Scriptures which call us to “Prepare a way for the Lord.” However, our text clearly directs us to rebuild the road so that His people can return.  We know that there are people all around us who are trapped in the wilderness.  God wants us to rebuild the way so that they can find their way home to Him.  The highway to God is often littered with obstacles that are in the way and make it difficult for those in captivity to find their way home to God.

The account of Caleb’s life in the Promised Land is found in Joshua 14:6-15 and there are four lessons from his life as we begin this New Year. “I am still as strong today as I was the day Moses sent me out, and I am just as ready to fight now as I was then. So give me the mountain country the LORD promised me that day long ago.”  Joshua 14:11–12a (NCV)

My blog post is a day late this week because I was preoccupied with a more pressing issue. On Sunday around midnight, the AGIF website stopped working after an automated system upgrade. (Continue Reading)

The Christmas story is filled with contrasts and extremes.  On one hand Christ birth brought some extreme joy, while others were filled with terror.  One of my favorite opening sentences in all of literature is from Charles Dickens, “A Tale of Two Cities.”  “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”

It doesn’t take a genius to look around us and see that we have a problem. It is not about the specifics of any one incident, but rather it is an environment that breeds contempt and distrust. It is ridiculous to think that we can either ignore or deny that there is a problem with racism in our country today.

As we prepare to say our last goodbyes in this life to my dad, I have been overwhelmed by a flood of emotions and memories. The extent of his legacy is still unfolding and only the Lord can measure the impact that he had for the kingdom of God. I cannot speak directly about his influence on other people, but I can tell you that the example and inspiration that he has left for me is both challenging and daunting.

Have you ever watched how various people get into a swimming pool? Some will dive in to the deep end without giving it a second thought while others will tepidly enter the shallow end, carefully testing the water with their toes.