Jessica, an operations manager, had an unresolved issue with a vendor and knew she must address the conflict. “It’s time for a ‘Come-To-Jesus Meeting,’” she told her staff. Jessica’s team had seen their boss in action and knew what that term meant: the vendor would be on the receiving end of a blunt confrontation. Would it be…
Jenna and her friends sat in a circle to play a game. Jenna started by whispering a secret to Brandon, who was seated next to her. The others couldn’t hear Jenna and she could tell the secret only once. The secret was a simple sentence: “Mike really likes stuffed green giraffes.” Brandon repeated the secret…
Both brick and stone have been popular building materials for thousands of years. Yet in scripture God values working in stones, which represent individuality. Bricks require conformity, which leads to bondage. The Tower of Babel, for instance, was constructed with brick. The builders were eager for recognition and power. The result was confusion and separation (Genesis…
The church board was at an impasse in their budget discussions. “But this community needs a gymnasium now,” said Dan. “And our church has resources to build one.” “We’re about missions,” Rachel snapped back, glaring at him. “Two years ago, we voted to fund five missionaries to Mexico. Have you forgotten?” Frustration escalated. Barbs tossed…