don’t know if you can zoom in and read this, but if you can, you should. Good stuff from “The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions” (Taken with Instagram)
Category: Christian Living
The Power of Words
Words are powerful, aren’t they? I don’t know that we realize that often enough until we find ourselves at the receiving end of a few choice ones. Words have amazing potential to empower people to fly higher and accomplish more than they ever thought possible…or to make them crash and burn. Culture Wars Ignited In…
Mission…Impossible?
How often do we limit ourselves based on what think we can and cannot do? “I can’t” is the rally cry of the weak. Yet, Scripture says that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” (Philippians 4:13, emphasis added) and that “we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.” (Romans 8:37). So,…
The Death of Sin
I read this morning about killing sin. Killing. Sin. Hm. Seems only fair since sin is in the business of killing us. Promising the world and delivering the grave. I had to question whether or not that is really possible. As a pastor and follower of Christ, I know that He has overcome sin, but…
A Forgotten People?
You know what frustrates me probably more than just about anything about myself (and others)? Forgetfulness. That tendency to be totally moved and overcome by emotion at the distress caused by natural disaster or otherwise and then as time moves on, so do we. Front page news begins to move it’s way through the pages…
Memorizing Philippians
Working on memorizing the book of Philippians using the Partnering to Remember plan. If you want to join me, check it out here. Posted from WordPress for Android
On Learning Patience
Long lines drive me nuts. Cars that won’t move out of my way in the fast lane make me insane. Little boys that don’t do what I say the first time push my buttons. Patience…what a terrible word. Why is that something that comes so hard for so many people? You know the one thing…
Christian Parenting: The Santa Clause
Christmas (with the possible exception of Easter and that rabbit) is probably the most difficult holiday for Christians. Seriously. We have to figure out how to deal with the fun stuff of Christmas–you know, gift-giving, flying reindeer and jolly elves in red suits with the real (and true) reason we celebrate–the God-man coming to earth…
A Christmas Revolution
Tired of Christmas as usual? Had it up to here with the long lines, long bank statements and long recovery time? If so, I want to invite you to join the revolution to take back Christmas. No, not that kind of revolution. I’m not advocating boycotts or signing petitions, nor am I encouraging you to…
A Review of The Generous Soul
If you’re looking for a great gift for a loved one this Christmas, I highly recommend Marty Duren’s new book, The Generous Soul. Especially during this season of Christmas, it is so easy to get caught up in the consumerism, stress, overs-spending and debt that characterizes American life every day. It really is a vicious…
Get Over Yourself
Those were my three final words from our Discipleship Class this week. They are words I am learning to live by. If you stop and think about it, the cause of most of our conflicts with others is the failure to get over ourselves. It is because we think so highly or at least so…
When God Goes Missing
Do you ever feel as though there are things God doesn’t see? If my actions are any indication, I must. Sometimes I feel as though injustices happen and God just misses or seems to ignore it. Those are the times I want to (and too often do) call “foul!” really loudly so someone will see…
Hypocrisy
The charge of hypocrisy is the one I most often hear levied against the Church and used as an excuse by those who want no part of it. “I don’t want to hang out with a bunch of hypocrites” This is often the claim made by those who fail to realize that that statement is…
Deception
Do you have a pet peeve? Is there that one thing that just sets you off quicker than anything else? I heard one person whose pet peeve was people who have pet peeves. Hmm. I think one of my greatest pet peeves is deception. I hate when people try and deceive me…especially when I know…
Devoted to Destruction
Along with several others at The Gathering, I’m reading through the Bible chronologically. Today, I read the account of Joshua leading the people to take Jericho and came across his instructions. He first told them that all within the city was devoted to destruction (people, animals, and everything but the gold). I know that sounds…
Real Community
I’ve been thinking about the real purpose of church and what we’re supposed to be about. Ultimately, of course, it’s to glorify Christ by making disciples (Matt. 28:19-20), but how do we do that together…as a church; a family? Hebrews 10:24-25 came to mind: 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to…
The Beginning?
I don’t tend to be an alarmist and very seldom talk politics as a pastor, but I believe this transcends mere politics. I have talked to the folks at The Gathering for some time about the day that persecution of Christ-followers would be on the increase in America in some form or another. Well, it…
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
You may not know the children’s book that bears that title, but it really doesn’t matter – it says it all. I awoke this morning with high expectations for the day in spite of some important and possibly difficult meetings today. I spent time in the Word and praying and climbed out of bed ready…
The United States: A New Frontier
Preface: Please read the entire post before deciding you know what I’m saying by the first three paragraphs. Thanks. ———————– If a street thug gunned down a Muslim for talking to them about the Koran, what do you think would happen? How would the news media handle it? How about if a Buddhist or Jew…
A Rant.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the state of The Gathering and where we’re going and how we will get there. I am incredibly encouraged by the spirit of the people who currently make up this Body and the excitement that is present about our future. There is a focus on the Mission here that…
Knowing Evil
Reading the chapters for the One-Year Challenge, I got to thinking about the dilemma that faced the real first family with that fruit. What is it that really caused them to give in? Why couldn’t they simply resist and realize that taking that first bite would be absolutely devastating? I think it’s because they weren’t…