The desert often appears dry, barren, and inhospitable, but in the springtime, it can explode with color. This has been a great year for wildflowers because we had several good rains over the winter.

As the weather has gotten warmer, many flowers have already withered. It’s a dramatic reminder that “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls off, but the word of the Lord endures forever” (1 Pet. 1:24-25).

Thankfully, before the flowers died, I was able to get some good photos for this slideshow. Two of these shots were taken by my Aunt Shay, two by Natalie, and the rest I took myself. If anyone knows the identity of the untitled yellow bush, I would love to know.

Tony Kummer posted an excellent article last Friday on choosing “hills to die on,” and how we need to conduct church ministry in a spirit of love. Here’s an excerpt:

I remember a time when I thought any accommodation was equal to compromise. I don’t mean preaching a soft Gospel. Rather, I was worried about third and fourth tier theological issues …

This attitude would be bad enough if I were an apologist, but when the context for ministry is the church it could get ugly fast. Yes, churches need brave pastors who will stand up for the truth. But without love, I’d only be making noise or burning without profit. (I Cor. 13:1, 3)

You can read the whole thing here.

For an in-depth study on the importance of love in church leadership, I highly recommend Leading with Love, by Alexander Strauch. This is one of the best books I’ve ever read, and should be required reading for every church leader. In fact, I wish every Christian would read and apply this book. What a difference it would make in the church.

Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21). The spiritual maturity of a man can be pretty accurately measured by how he spends his time and how he spends his money (especially when no one is looking). Our family and church budgets speak volumes about our true priorities.

But with economic stimulus checks in the mail, many of our hearts will be getting an extra test in the next few weeks. Will we spend this money on a new toy? Will it be saved? Used to pay off a loan? To build some family memories? Given to church or charity? Wow. There are a lot of options. Suddenly my check doesn’t sound so big after all.

On Thursday, Tim Challies posted an interview with David Kotter about the stimulus checks. It discusses the purpose of the stimulus package, the likely results, and some biblical guidelines on spending the extra money. I highly recommend it.

If God called me home today, what would I have to show for my life? I know my eternity is secure, for I’ve trusted wholly in the blood of Christ for my forgiveness. But have I stored up any treasure in heaven (Mt. 6:19)? Have I performed any deeds of lasting value, like gold, silver, and precious stone (1 Cor. 3:12)? Would I hear those tender words from my Lord, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Mt. 25:21)?

I ask this question, not because death appears immanent, but because Robert Murray M’Cheyne was exactly my age today when the Lord took him home. M’Cheyne was a Scottish minister who lived from 1813-1843. He is one of my greatest heroes of the faith. And in just 29 short years, he accomplished more for the kingdom of God than most people who are twice his age.

Despite several battles with illness, M’Cheyne remained a man of deep devotion, compassion, self-discipline. At the age of 24, he pastored a church with 4,000 members. In 1939, he spent six months in Palestine to scout out future missionary work in the region. He wrote many letters and tracts, and preached frequently throughout Scotland. Though he never saw the full effects, M’Cheyne was instrumental in a national revival and the founding of the Free Church of Scotland. His memoirs and shorter biography have been an inspiration to me and countless other Christian leaders and laymen for over 150 years.

I thank the Lord for this humble servant, Robert Murray M’Chenye. I don’t know the day or the hour God will take me home, but as long as He keeps me on this earth, I pray I will live with a growing urgency and devotion like this great man of God.

Dr. Daniel Wong is a Bible Professor at The Master’s College in Santa Clarita, CA. His testimony is a vivid example of the trials and joys of Christian discipleship in a land of persecution. As Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me” (Mk. 8:34).