We get a message that our computer has been compromised, so we take action. Our first task is to figure out the source of the compromise. If we can find the source, then we can neutralize the issue and take steps to keep it from happening again. If we can’t identify the source, then fixing…
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In Exodus 18, we find Moses worn out by a day of being judge. Jethro, his father-in-law, suggested that Moses train others to help. He suggested organizing the nation into groups of 1,000s, 100s, 50s, and 10s, with a capable and trained judge placed over each group. Sounds reasonable and simple enough. But think about…
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Discipleship triads. Quads. Life support groups. Each of these define a smaller group of three to four people of the same gender who meet weekly to hold each other accountable for spiritual growth. This idea has been around for a long time and used in a variety of settings with varying degrees of success. One…
Read MorePrior to leading the army down Mount Tabor to take on Sisera and his 900 iron chariots, Barak was reminded by Deborah that God had gone before them. She assured Barak of God’s presence while he obediently faced a foe of God and His people. God’s presence gave Barak confidence to act. One question suggested…
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In her book Grit, Angela Duckworth discusses the importance of what she calls “deliberate practice” (see pages 120 and following; Duckworth borrows the term from Anders Ericsson). She tells of Olympic athletes, accomplished musicians, and skilled artisans participating in deliberate practice, usually doing one basic thing better than they did it the day before. She…
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