A friend of mine posted this on his Facebook this morning. It resonated with me so much, I have to post it here, with all my heart: It’s the people that disappoint you most in life that really make you appreciate the loyal people that don’t. To those who are true, and you know who…
I love this verse, don’t you?
“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” ~Matthew 7:3
Drew’s “School” Pics
Just showing off my Little Man. Drew had his picture taken at the Parent’s Day Out he goes to. I’m sure I’ll put the other pose on here, too. I was so proud of it, I had to share it with the world. 😉 I love that boy! Thank you, Lord, for both my boys!
A Letter From Todd
I just received this from my friend, Todd MacDonald, who many of you know (and have been praying for) has been undergoing treatment for incurable mesothelioma in his abdomen. Did I mention it’s incurable? Hello everyone, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end” (Lamentations 3:22). I received…
To Jacob on His Ninth Birthday
Dear Jacob, Here I am again trying to get my mind around how quickly you are growing. It is impossible for me to comprehend how nine years could have gone by since the day your Mommy and I watched you take your very first breath in this world. The process of you getting here certainly wasn’t…
Tweeting From Catalyst
Decided to leave the Mac in the car (hopefully that’s where it will be when I get back!), so I’ll be mainly Tweeting from Catalyst. I’ll probably give a wrap up tonight. Follow me.
Catalyst Bound…the countdown has begun.
Stay tuned here beginning tomorrow. I’ll be doing some live-blogging from Catalyst 09. Conference is starting Thursday morning bright and early, so Karen and I, along with other staff members and spouses, will be heading down to Atlanta sometime tomorrow. Checking out the line-up of speakers, this should be an amazing and intense week. They…
Should a Hungry Homeless Man Really Get 15 Years?
I’m a little haunted by the story of a homeless man who just received a 15-year prison sentence for stealing a box of cereal and a can of milk. Well, of course it’s not THAT simple. He has a long history of non-violent offenses stemming from alcoholism, but is it justice that such a sentence…
Reflections
I was looking through some posts on my old blog and came across the one from two years ago (tomorrow) after a good friend of mine died suddenly. The points I made then as I dealt with the loss seem very appropriate now in processing emotions and stress and considering “legacy”. I thought I would…
The Lord Will Fight For You
What do you do when you feel absolutely overwhelmed by life? When you are trying to live a life of integrity, like I talked about yesterday, but attacks come from every side? What do you do when, like David talks about in the Psalms, there are “those who speak evil against my life.” How do…
On Integrity
The topic of integrity is something that has been coming up a lot in our circles here both in my teaching, as we’re walking through Acts, and in circumstances related to our overall community. The following are simply thoughts I have on integrity, so as you read, please don’t think I’m trying to be exhaustive…
What Does Organic Church Really Look Like, Anyway?
Thinking a lot about church lately. Yeah, I know – it’s my job. But I’m thinking more in terms of reformation and growth. You know, what we’re really supposed to be…and be about. At our church, we’re in a place where we’re re-thinking how things are done – What’s important. What’s NOT important. I find…
We’re Always Filled to the Rim With Something
On Sunday, we talked about being filled with the Holy Spirit in our Gathering Worship and then explored what that meant on a deeper level in Journey Groups following that. I was struck with how important two things are that must happen if we are going to be filled with the Holy Spirit, one active…
Hearts to Peru
I’m really excited that the people of The Gathering have recognized the work God is doing in the Yauyos region of Peru and have opted to follow His call for us to join Him. Last night in our ministry meeting, we officially adopted that area as a mission focus of our church and are joining…
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.
Caring Enough to Confront
I was reminded again last night just how fragile relationships are. I am always amazed at the speed with which something can be said or done that brings hurt to untold numbers of people or how quickly things can get blown so out of proportion when things are not dealt with quickly and directly. One…
Eight-Foot Ceilings
I don’t have the resources. I don’t have the money. I don’t have the time. I don’t have the talent. I’m scared of what will happen if it fails. I don’t know how people will react to it. Man, am I used to hearing these sentences. Who am I kidding…I’m used to saying these things. …
The Depths of the Cross
Living in a world where misguided terrorists regularly commit suicide, killing not only themselves but countless others along with them in order to become “martyrs” for Allah, Chambers puts the death of Christ in perspective, standing in stark contrast not only to those mass murderers who die in vain, but even those who willingly give their lives for others and the cause of Christ
Something’s Stirring at The Gathering
I’m not exactly sure what it is yet, but I get a strong sense that God is beginning to move within The Gathering, which could result in a revival, an awakening, and a growth spirt like we’ve never experienced before.
Dr. Alvin Reid on The Cost of a Great Commission Resurgence
I came across this exceptional article by Dr. Alvin Reid of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, titled Do We Really Want to Pray for Revival? The Cost of a Great Commission Resurgence. If you care anything about the Church (the organism, not the institution), please take the time to read this insightful and challenging article.
