Practical Application

A Prayer of Affection

Matthew 6:9 How many times have those two words escaped your lips over the years of your own Christian experience? Hundreds? Thousands? They have become so familiar that they are often rushed through and skipped over in our quest to get to the more direct requests of this model prayer —“Give us…forgive us…deliver us.” But take a step back for just a moment and think on those words — “Our Father.” No matter who we might be, whether we have just begun the faith journey or have been walking this path for decades, we can all begin our prayer time […]

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Franklin Graham: The Light of Christ Shines in a Dark World

The world into which Jesus was born 2,000 years ago was a troubled one. Joseph and Mary’s 100-mile journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register for a census was due to an empire-wide decree issued by Caesar Augustus. The imperial edict was primarily for the purpose of taxation, which imposed an enormous burden on the working class. Rome had been ruling with an iron fist for more than 100 years. Their army had captured nation after nation, and every city throughout Judea was firmly under their dominion. Poverty was commonplace, and the constant threat of famine and drought had taken […]

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Recovery Church Movement Brings Freedom

As we light the candles of Advent I must tell you about a wonderful way the light of Christ powerfully pierces the darkness of drug and alcohol addiction. Meet Recovery Church (www.recovery.church), a ministry for people in recovery by people in recovery. Founded and led by Palm Beach Atlantic University alumnus Phil Dvorak, this ministry has become a movement, spreading across the country as God brings freedom and purpose to those in addiction – people like Chris Phillips. Chris had come all the way from Washington State to enter a Palm Beach County treatment center. But he was more than […]

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Know Thy City: Steps to Effective Urban Ministry

You’re the God of this City You’re the King of these people You’re the Lord of this nation You are You’re the Light in this darkness You’re the Hope to the hopeless You’re the Peace to the restless You are There is no one like our God For greater things have yet to come And greater things are still to be done in this City ~Chris Tomlin “God of this City” lyrics   I am moved each time I hear this song affirming that our God is indeed God of this City. For those of us who are trying to […]

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My Word!

“We must not promise what we ought not, lest we be called on to perform what we cannot” is a quote from a speech given by Abraham Lincoln on May 29, 1856. In it, we are reminded that we should walk the walk when we talk the talk. Our sixteenth president was characterized by his integrity and there are numerous recorded instances where this is exemplified. An obscure one involved a stagecoach trip by “Honest Abe” with a military colonel, where the latter wants to share a drink of whiskey with the president, who declines the offer. Unshaken, he takes out […]

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College Ministry Reaching “Hundreds and Hundreds” with Help from PBA Grad

How exciting it is to see young people find God’s calling for their lives! Palm Beach Atlantic University faculty and staff consider it a sacred privilege to help in this discernment. Consider Daniel Judge, whose story illustrates how important it is in all our organizations and personal lives to be a part of this process. Daniel Judge, PBA Grad “Leaders step up when others step back. That was Daniel at PBA,” said Campus Pastor Dr. Bernie Cueto. “I do not remember a conversation we ever had where Daniel was not proactively thinking about ministry and leadership and how to apply […]

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Counter-Cultural Christianity

Ephesians 2:8–10 These days, we find the Christian faith on a collision course with the world system. This has become increasingly apparent with the reactions to our evangelistic efforts or our efforts to protect the lives of the most vulnerable. These efforts, firmly rooted in Scripture, have met incredible opposition not only from the secularists of the world but others who consider themselves a part of the Christian community. We have come a long way since the Apostle Paul said, Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved (Romans 10:1). Cultural Christianity […]

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My Shadow

Have you ever experienced a situation that was so far out of your comfort zone that you thought perhaps you were crazy? In addition, was this experience by choice?  Had you been advised by someone you respect to move forward, take the next step, be bold?   Diving in I remember, years ago, getting my SCUBA diving certification. The certification allowed me to go diving in the open water and I really enjoyed it.  I remember one experience where we decided to go night diving. Yep, you heard me, night diving.  Night diving in the open ocean is one of […]

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Repent. Reorient. Reimagine.

I was recently asked, “If you could do anything to help the American Church in the next season what would it be?” My answer not only surprised my fellow pastor friend, but it surprised me. I spend a lot of my time thinking about the people of God – the Church. I believe they are God’s “plan A” for the renewal of all things and the means by which God has chosen to demonstrate and build his Kingdom here on earth. As an idealist and optimist to the core, I dream of a unified Church – a people so rooted […]

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God’s Handprint

God “sees you, hears you, knows you, and loves you.” These became familiar phrases our children would say as we tucked them into bed, phrases that came from our daughter Lilianne’s favorite book, Be Still, (by Kathryn O’Brien, a meditation on Psalm 46:10). Before our Lilianne went to live with the Lord she had repeated this verse, “Be still and know that I am God.” I would put her on my lap and she would anticipate the next words. We made up hand motions to recall God’s character: “He’s all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving God.” Lily may not have understood the […]

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