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…
Category: Christianity
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…
The Warehouse
I’m looking forward to The Warehouse this Friday night at The Gathering. A couple of local bands will be leading worship along with our own Worship Project Band from The Gathering and I will be giving a talk for about ten or fifteen minutes on significance. If you live in or near Chattanooga, you definitely…
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…
You Hold Me Now
Thinking of friends experiencing deep hurts and going through terrible challenges right now. Praying they can feel Christ holding them as they do.
Your Best Life…Now?
In my last post, I poked a little jab at a fellow minister, Joel Osteen. If you’re a fan, I’m sorry, but I have some serious issues with Mr. Osteen’s theology, mainly because I believe that he not only simplifies the Gospel of Christ, he largely ignores it. The following is a video of Pastor…
Trusting When It Counts
Most of my married life has been one of uncertainty. I’m not talking about my marriage, specifically, but rather the circumstances we have been in most of our life together. Two years after Karen and I were married, we were called up to New England, uncertain of what we were to do, why specifically we…
Piper on the Prosperity “gospel”
The so-called “Prosperity Gospel” sells millions of books a year for it’s proponents, but it is a counterfeit gospel. John Piper pulls no punches in telling it like it is in this compelling video. (ht: Shane Waldrop, @fuelshane)
My Enemy is NOT My Brother
In this battle, I must be keenly aware of the tactics and make sure I can identify the nature and strategy of my enemy and attack HIM and not engage in “friendly fire.” I must humble myself and realize that I can so easily put rounds in the barrel and the cross-hairs on my friends…and I’m not afraid to pull the trigger.
Happy Reformation Day
It’s Reformation Day (Read more…)
The Power of Worship
An interesting thing happened to me as a result of this spontaneous worship I experienced aboard ship: I was “sucked into” the very presence of God and put into a place where I was able to experience some things over the next few days I don’t think I would have been prepared for otherwise.
God took me on a journey for the next several days aboard ship and during our ports of call, where I was exposed to some of the most horrible injustices and poverty I’ve ever seen.
The Master of Our Circumstances
Ever wonder why you are in your current situation, whatever it is? May be good…may be bad. Hard or difficult. Ever ask, “Why me?” as you think about your lot in life? I think it’s a common question we ask when things go wrong. “Why me, Lord? What did I do to deserve this?” Sometimes answers for that question are hard to come by. Simple answer, I guess, is “Why not?”
Pray for China
Voice of the Martyrs and China Aid Association are encouraging Christians to wear “Pray for China” wristbands as the opening ceremonies approach, according to OneNewsNow. Reports of increased house church raids and imprisonment of Christians have trickled through government lines in a pre-Olympics crackdown.