Digital Era Redefining Etiquette – Living in a World Without “Thank You”

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 3:31 pm By Mark D. Roberts

Nick Bilton, bestselling author and New York Times technology specialist, has just written a new article on how digital communication is changing etiquette. “Digital Era Redefining Etiquette” begins: Some people are so rude. Really, who sends an e-mail or text message that just says “Thank you”? Who leaves a voice mail message when you don’t answer, rather than texting you? Who asks for a fact easily found on Google? Don’t these people realize that they’re wasting your time? Of course,... Read more

Wise Words About the Future of Christianity and Evangelicalism

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 3:31 pm By Mark D. Roberts

Mark Galli and Andy Crouch of Christianity Today with some wise observations about evangelicalism: North American evangelicals can be astonishingly innovative and entrepreneurial, but we can also be indifferent to history and unconcerned about the future. We can be remarkably generous and dedicated, and blithely enslaved to consumerism and technology. We can be amazingly concerned about the needs of the world, and infuriatingly condescending to leaders from places where the needs are greatest. We can be unsurpassed in our cultural... Read more

Embracing People’s Souls in Business

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 3:31 pm By Mark D. Roberts

In an interview for the New York Times, Lily Kanter, co-founder and chief executive of Serena & Lily, was asked for her thoughts on culture in relationship to business. Her answer: I think we’re at this evolutionary time in business where it’s all about people. We have to embrace that and embrace people’s purpose and their souls to be successful in business. Because if they’re just coming to work to be a body and they’re on a treadmill all day,... Read more

Knowing Jesus Better: Lenten Devotional from Foundations for Laity Renewal

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 3:31 pm By Mark D. Roberts

The Christian season of Lent begins today, Wednesday, February 13. During the forty-six days of Lent, Christians throughout the world renew their devotion to God in a wide variety of practices and disciplines. This season invites us to draw near to God and, especially, to prepare ourselves for a fresh experience of Good Friday and Easter. During Lent, Christians often focus on the life of Jesus, remembering his life, reviewing his teachings, and renewing their passion for him. There is... Read more

How Ash Wednesday Enriches Our Lives and Our Relationship with God

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 3:31 pm By Mark D. Roberts

The following post is part of a long article I have written called: Ash Wednesday: What Is Ash Wednesday? How Do We Observe It? Why Should We? Today, I want to reflect with you on the meaning of Ash Wednesday and how, I believe, it can enrich our lives and our faith. The denial of death . . . it’s all around us. When people die, they are often alone, sequestered in hospitals far away from the sad eyes of... Read more

Why Should We Observe Ash Wednesday?

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 3:31 pm By Mark D. Roberts

There is no biblical commandment that requires Christians to observe Ash Wednesday. Thus, I believe this one of those practices that we are free to observe or not to observe. The theological core of Ash Wednesday is, however, shaped by a biblical theology of creation, sin, mortality, death, grace, and salvation. It also enacts biblical injunctions to “weep with those who weep” and to “confess your sins to one another.” What I value most about Ash Wednesday worship services is... Read more

Ash Wednesday: What is Ash Wednesday? How Do We Observe It? Why Should We?

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 3:31 pm By Mark D. Roberts

This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. For many Christians throughout the world, it is a significant day for reflection, prayer, and worship. For many others, both Christian and not, Ash Wednesday is a mystery. You may be wondering what this day is all about and why it matters. Or you may wonder why you might want to observe Ash Wednesday. I have written a short article that seeks to explain the purpose and practices of Ash Wednesday. I’ll print the first... Read more

When You Feel Far Away From God – Inspiration from The High Calling

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 3:31 pm By Mark D. Roberts

Psalm 31:1-24 In panic I cried out, “I am cut off from the LORD!” But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help. Psalm 31:22 Have you ever felt far away from God? Perhaps your life was going along wonderfully, right according to plan. Then, without warning, everything started to fall apart. You lost your job. Or you were diagnosed with cancer. Or your spouse asked for a divorce. Or…you name it. In desperation, you cried... Read more

The Role of Character in Leadership

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 3:31 pm By Mark D. Roberts

Check out this fine article by Christine A. Scheller on “The Role of Character in Leadership.” A great reminder for those of us who are leaders at work, in church, at home, or in our communities. This article appears on The High Calling. Question: If someone were to watch everything you do and say today, what would he or she conclude about the kind of person you really are? Read more

What is Your Church’s Front Porch? Could It Be Digital?

Last updated on: March 13, 2015 at 3:31 pm By Mark D. Roberts

Anthony B. Robinson has written an excellent piece for Faith & Leadership: “Building a Front Porch.” He seeks to answer these mission critical questions: How can church leaders create an intermediate space where people can begin to learn that church isn’t an entertainment experience? How can churches build the front porch, creating a space where people can develop relationships before coming inside? Great questions! Robinson supplies a number of possible answers: seeker service; church meets in a coffee shop; church... Read more