Illustration: Knowledge

A manufacturing plant was in full swing one day. The company's massive machine was humming along, taking in the raw materials at one end and churning out the finished product at the other. Suddenly, the machine stopped and ground to a halt. Workers climbed all over it like ants to get it started again. The plant's manager stormed out of his office to find out why his multi-million-dollar machine wasn't making him any money. He listened to his people saying they couldn't figure it out, and he told them to call a technician.

Getting Attention

In his most recent Ministry Toolbox newsletter, Rick Warren observes, "most people would agree that attention spans are shrinking. That means the people you and I preach to each week are less likely to sit and focus as long as congregations could a generation ago. We can complain about it and we can let it frustrate us. But we can't change it.

Where Scars Become Stars

Archaeologists digging in the remains of a school for imperial pages in Rome found a third century picture of a boy standing, his hand raised, worshiping a figure on a cross. At first glance, the figure looks like a man; but if you raise your eyes a bit, you see this man has the head of a donkey. Scrawled underneath in the writing of a young person are the words, "Alexamenos worships his God."

Exploring Caesarea National Park

During the Spring 2010 Press Junket to Israel, hosted by the Israel Ministry of Tourism, the first full day began at Caesarea National Park. This is Caesarea Maritima located on the Mediterranean shore, not the inland Caesarea Philippi. A full day could be spent here visiting the Roman-styled theater and hippodrome, studying the antiquities, snorkeling in the bay, dining and more.

Israel: Experience the Wonder

In March 2010, a 12-member team representing various evangelical media outlets was hosted by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism for a week-long tour of the country, its sites and the hospitality for which Israel is known. A week wasn't nearly long enough. We each vowed we'd back again. And again.

Entrusted with the Gospel

Ready for some meaty summer reading? Entrusted with the Gospel (B&H Academic) is a collection of essays on Paul's theology as expressed in the pastoral epistles. The volume provides an excellent foundation of study for a series on Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus.

Plan B

In Plan B (Thomas Nelson), pastor Pete Wilson deals with how God can work through disappointment to accomplish His purpose in our lives. The book is subtitled What Do You Do When God Doesn't Show Up the Way You Thought He Would? There are some great insights here for pastors preaching sermons (and series) on this topic.