Francis Bacon died almost 400 years ago, but his famous description of words on pages are still as relevant and important as ever. Bacon wrote: “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and a few to be chewed and digested: that is, some books are to be read only in parts, others to…

Two weeks ago, I had the privilege to participate in The Gospel Coalition National Conference in Florida. Over 6,000 people from all over the United States and 50 different countries came together to listen, learn, network, fellowship and worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Global Training Network partners with The Gospel Coalition’s International Outreach (TGCIO) arm by delivering quality…

The story is told of an elderly missionary couple that arrived at their home port after years of faithful service. At the dock, an ambassador and his wife who had returned on the ship with them were surrounded by a crowd. Roses were bestowed on his wife as photographers’ flashes exploded, and an attentive, admiring…

If you have been a Christian for very long, I’m sure you have experienced what many of the great saints throughout history have referred to as “the ministry of God’s absence.” It’s a season (weeks, months or even many years) where God seems distant – far off and uninvolved in our day-to-day lives. I’ve faced my own…

Recently I came across an article that both challenged and inspired me. I read hundreds (and hundreds) of articles every year… this is one of my “Top 10” for the past year. This article was written by Dr. Scott Rodin and recently appeared in the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability’s newsletter. If you are over 50, this article is especially for…

One of the recurring themes that our Global Training Network staff members hear on the field are stories of persecution and danger. But what consistently amazes us is the incredible faith-filled response of our national partners – pastors and leaders who are on the front lines. When I hear these stories (like the one below) I am reminded of Hebrews…

Reflecting on Romans chapter 8 and the nature of prayer, Tim Keller offers this wise summary: “Prayer is the way to experience a powerful confidence that God is handling our lives well, that our bad things will turn out for good, our good things cannot be taken from us, and the best things are yet to come.”…

As we approach the beginning of 2015 in a little over 24 hours, I thought I would share a few year-end thoughts and quotes. For those of you looking for a good plan to read through the Bible in 2015, Justin Taylor (blogger for the Gospel Coalition) gives one of the best, most comprehensive lists I’ve come across. I would…

I really enjoy reading pastor and author Kevin DeYoung. He is amazingly insightful, and very articulate. Recently he wrote some brief thoughts on The Gospel Coalition’s website that I found perceptive, as well as convicting. Much Grace. Enjoy… “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Would you like others to remember your failings as long as…

“…giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father  in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20 ESV) “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” (Psalm 100:4 ESV) I saw it on my first trip to the heart of India in 1998. I was in the city…