In the quest for unity, one might think the United Nations would be a good place to start. Afterall, united is part of the name. However, given the seeming corruption and constant discord evident in that global organization, unity seems a distant dream.  Or what about the United Center in Chicago? It, too, has united in its name …

One of the most important aspects in the biblical job description of an elder’s work is to protect the congregation, to oversee, to manage, to guard at all costs the life, health, and unity of the church - especially the unity aspect of the body. I was invited to consult with a congregation in Indiana regarding serious conflict. I traveled to the church and …

Unity is defined as the quality or state of being one. God calls His people to live in unity with one another, so we must make every effort to live together in agreement with those around us. God commands us to act in love. Life is messy … so we can end up hurting each other and ruining the unity we have worked for. …

Listen to a country song or watch an episode of any reality tv show and it’s easy to think “at least my family isn’t that dysfunctional.” But what if your family really is that dysfunctional?

Welcome to Labor Day weekend! Since 1894, Americans have enjoyed this holiday weekend when we celebrate the labor movement in our country by doing no labor. … As we move into this new month, we want to LABOR with a new good word, and that word is unity.

Occasionally, history will remember a great moment of oration. Those speeches of passion and urgency often inspire action and bring about much needed change. …

“What I feared has happened to me; what I dreaded has come true.” Job’s words (Job 3:25) ran through my mind. I was reading a text no mom wants to receive. “Hey Leah, it’s Jim. Call me, we have an emergency.” …

The best gift we could give to the children in our life is the understanding that they are sinners, and to recognize the urgent and desperate need for a savior. Our “do what makes you happy” culture sets us up to feel that …

I grew up on a dairy farm in southwest Wisconsin. I knew from an early age the importance of urgency, steadfast commitment, and dedication.  As dairy farmers, my family had to milk the cows …

When I was a youngster, I could not wait until the big Sears catalog was delivered. It was around 500 color pages that I would pour over. … When there is something that we want, we go after it with every ounce of our being. But are we seeking the right things? I was in college when I was shown the plan of salvation and…

About a year ago, my husband, Jim and I had a conversation about the significance of 2022 in our lives. This year we will celebrate 50 years of marriage. Of course, that led to …

e2 is bringing you a good word throughout all of 2022, hoping to build up and encourage you. Each month emphasizes a particular word, and throughout August, our focus is on urgency. … Across America, urgent care clinics dot the land. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, urgent care clinics are filled with people …

My husband, Scott, and I have two wonderful teenage boys. Though they bring us joy and love, they can also be a source of frustration and stress. They both just turned 18 and graduated high school. So…

My heart was pounding, and my breathing was extremely labored as the blood was racing through my veins to distribute the much-needed oxygen throughout my body, especially to the oxygen-starved muscles in my legs. I wasn’t in mountain shape…

The word “rest” is used in so many different ways. We go to a RESTaurant to have a meal; we use a REST area when traveling; we go to the RESTroom when necessary … But what does it really mean?

In our culture, we have a problem with REST. I don’t think it’s farfetched to say that our lives are more hurried and worn out than ever before. Because of the speed at which we live our lives, we find ourselves emotionally drained, mentally…

In my late thirties I was body-slammed by the very real consequences of my workaholic inclination. It was a long time coming. It began back in junior high school. …

Over the years I have found that if I don’t have the proper amount of God given rest, I cannot be at my best. I become cranky, irritable, short-fused and can’t focus. We, as a society, overwork and …

Jesus invites us: “Come with me by yourself to a quiet place and get some rest.” (portion of Mark 6:31 NIV) Have you responded to Jesus' invitation? He is waiting for you. Just a couple weeks ago …