How do we make this year our best yet? First, we need to look at what we’re doing and how to do it better. Then we need to prioritize what we’re doing so we don’t get consumed with things that may clamor loudly but are not the most important.

      As Christians, we are supposed to carry our cross every day. We are called to die daily to our selfish desires so we can live for Christ. This helps us live the abundant life He calls us to have. How does dying daily lead to the abundant life? If...

         We’ve come again to the end of one year and the beginning of a new one. As we read the creation story, we see the importance God placed on giving us seasons. Each calendar year, it’s like He wanted us to have a chance for a fresh start—a marker from which we look backward and forward. What did we accomplish last year? Did we accomplish our goals? Do we need to set a new direction or goals? Such periodic evaluations keep us fresh, giving us a new beginning every year.

         My prayer is that this will be your...

Count Ludwig von Zinzendorf

(1700–1760)       

            Historians have called Count Zinzendorf “the rich young ruler who said yes.” Born into great wealth and a position of power, he was a member in the court of one of the great thrones of Europe. Even so, he regarded pastors of small congregations as more important because they dealt with eternal issues. For this reason, his highest vision was to be a pastor.

           The young count eventually left his duties in the court to lead a small band of refugees. Although unheard for any nobleman to do such a thing, Zinzendorf was...

Jon Amos Comenius

(1592-1671)

            Jon Amos Comenius has been listed as one of the five people to most impact the modern world. Some would argue that he should be at the top of that list. Considered the “Father of Modern Education,” Comenius was the first to effectively advocate for educating all children, not just children of the nobility. With this vision, he developed schools and a philosophy of education that gave birth to modern education.

            As much as education has advanced, there are few, if any, schools that have attained the effectiveness and excellence of Comenius’ schools...

John Hus

     John Hus was a priest, pastor, professor, and philosopher, but his greatest impact was as a teacher and author devoted to biblical truth. Born in a town in southern Bohemia in the late 1300s, he preceded Martin Luther by one hundred years, and many historians consider him the first true Reformer. Also considered the spiritual father of the Moravian movement and church, Hus’ preaching and teaching impact in the days before the invention of the printing press was unrivaled, with the possible exception of John Wycliffe. Virtually all the Reformers following Hus acknowledged him as their inspiration....