Echoes and Stars

1. Whenever I think of suffering Christians in other parts of the world, I think of the time I spent a summer in Buffalo, NY doing mission work. They thought I must have been very mature as a Christian (though just a college student) because I was down in the “Bible Belt” and went to a big church. All the churches I worked in were very small. But the truth is even those younger than me had more faith than I did because they lived in a place where being a Christian was far less acceptable. I thought I had the advantage. I was wrong.

2. The reason the world seems out of control and in crisis is because we think what we read or watch from the news is of greater significance than the reality of King Jesus and his kingdom.

3. It is always good to ask yourself, “Would I worry this much if Jesus was physically with me right now?”

4. I am learning to be thankful for discouragement since it also reminds me of the presence and provision of Jesus.

5. I have never been able to talk a college student into not joining a fraternity or sorority and instead putting all their energy into a local church and campus ministry. Not once.

6. You were not created to bear the weight of the 24/7 news cycle.

7. Assuming the best of people not only makes it easier to love those you disagree with but it also is a more joyous way to live.

8. Prayer is most likely more powerful than your fight on Facebook.

9. Afghanistan is a reminder that all a church needs is Jesus. It doesn’t need a budget, a building, or a vibrant children’s ministry. The goal is not those things. The goal is the faithfulness in the face of suffering we are all witnessing.

10. My wife’s laugh is worth more than gold. And when it joins with my children’s laugh, it is a sound beyond anything Bach could have written.