We Need Pastors

We Need Pastors

I don’t like going to the grocery store. I’ll go for a few things—especially important items to continue my adventure of cereal and milk and orange juice. But long lists of where-will-I-find-this-stuff ingredients? No. I don’t like doing that. Occasionally, though, I...
Uncertainty

Uncertainty

Uncertainty visits frequently.  He brings Worry and Anxiety and Fear with him.  They don’t indicate their arrival in advance. They don’t knock the door or ring the bell. No texts or calls.  They just show up.  Suddenly. Sometimes silently. Other times with too much...
Do You Believe?

Do You Believe?

Remember opening your eyes to begin reading a book? When the sentences spoke directly to you? When you knew it was just what you needed at that time? That was me. Last night. And this morning. I was reading the book I wrote, Equilibrium. I was reading my own...
Three Reminders When Pursuing Plans

Three Reminders When Pursuing Plans

From Equilibrium: 31 Ways to Stay Balanced on Life’s Uneven Surfaces. Dreams die, when we allow them. Dreams come true, when we endure the journeys they offer. See it as an adventure. Not just duty or responsibility. Not as a requirement or demand. An adventure....
We Never Close

We Never Close

I had arrived back in Georgia. Responding to texts, feeling exhausted, anxious to drive the 104 miles home, I glanced around the shuttle late Saturday afternoon. These words surprised me: “We Never Close.” PreFlight Parking informed passengers they never close. And I...
in this place of now

in this place of now

in athens,the town i’ve visitedfor bookstores and ball gamesand meals and movies,i sat and walked andstood and prayedin a hospital, watchinglife’s conclusion and introduction,staring as livesenter and exit. i imagined sitting on afront porch with the twoof them...
early morning

early morning

From embracing now: pain, joy, healing, living. an early morning walk.thankfulness and appreciationand wonder.a rising sun reminding me ineeded sunglasses—mynormal companion.seeing the remainsof a tiny snakein his failed attemptto cross the street.thinking,...
1 Corinthians 13, the Maxwell Version

1 Corinthians 13, the Maxwell Version

From the book Pause for Pastors: Finding Still Waters in the Storm of Ministry  If I speak in public with excellence, and teach groups with brilliance, but I fail to love others, I’m of no value. If a prophetic utterance flows through my mouth, if dynamic sermons...
The Door Didn’t Open

The Door Didn’t Open

As the Evangelical Press Association Convention ended Friday night, I expected to open my hotel room door, pack for my Saturday flight home, and sleep. But things don’t always go as we plan.  The convention was a wonderful week of smiles, conversations, meals, awards,...
Love and Care

Love and Care

I did not think I would be pastoring a local church again. I loved my time in Orlando and was honored to serve wonderful people for two decades. But that ended. Those days were over. Writing and speaking and pastoring college students in northeast Georgia are jobs I...