The secret to progress may not be seeing your desired future but seeing your current cycles. Let me explain. In The Fifth Discipline, Peter Senge argues for systems thinking. We must change from thinking in lines to thinking in circles. In other words, we must stop thinking in simple terms of linear cause and effect. Rather, we must begin to see the larger cycles or patterns or systems at work in any given situation. Systems thinking is a higher level of problem solving. Low level … [Read more...] about The Ironic Secret to Progress
Archives for November 2012
From Celebrity Pastor to Simple Journeyman
In a world of celebrity and appearances and protocol, I am so impressed with this story Tim Challies relays: "It was a long time ago, in the summer of 1966, that Doug (Nichols was working for Operation Mobilization and was stationed in London during their big annual conference. He was assigned to the clean-up crew. One night at around 12:30 AM he was sweeping the steps at the conference center when an older gentleman approached him and asked if this was where the conference was being held. … [Read more...] about From Celebrity Pastor to Simple Journeyman
Wrecked by Jeff Goins
WRECKEDWhen a Broken World Slams into Your Comfortable LifeBy Jeff Goins Wrecked: When a Broken World Slams into Your Comfortable Life by Jeff Goins describes the journey from complacency to sensitivity, from indifference to compassion. Being "wrecked" is the moment we awaken to and begin this journey. It is that moment on a mission trip when you see true poverty for the first time. It is that moment when you come to truly know someone and be touched by their story. Being wrecked is being … [Read more...] about Wrecked by Jeff Goins
The Pastor by Eugene Peterson
THE PASTORA MemoirBy Eugene Peterson The Pastor is a memoir-styled look at Eugene Peterson's 28 years of pastoral ministry. He chronicles his call, his tenure, his lifestyle in and departure from pastoring. As a pastor myself, I found his observations insightful and inspiring. Here are a few things I appreciated about this book. Writing. Eugene can write. His prose run thorough, and his sentences pleasantly long. He often alludes to his love of language and his dread of cliches. His … [Read more...] about The Pastor by Eugene Peterson
Online Bible Study Tools
From time to time, someone asks me what Bible study tools I use. Aside from commentaries and reference books, I often use the ESVBible.org as my starting point. In addition to the free features (search, audio, personal note-taking, etc.), the ESV Bible online offers several options that can be purchased for a small amount. I use the ESV Study Bible notes and the Greek Interlinear Bible. But one can also add MacArthur's notes, the Literary Study Bible notes and others. The nice part about … [Read more...] about Online Bible Study Tools
How Will You Find Time?
I've been thinking a lot about this quote from Seth Godin: "If you don't have time to do it right, how will you find time to do it over?" If you don't have time to eat right, how will you find time to lose 20 pounds?If you don't have time to exercise, how will you find time to recover from a heart attack?If you don't have time to be with your kids, how will you find time to seek them astray?If you don't have time to read, how will you find time to catch up?If you don't have time to date … [Read more...] about How Will You Find Time?