Yesterday was a great day worshiping at thegathering. Music was spectacular and I enjoyed bringing a challenge for us to become “The Gathering Storm,” taking on injustice, hopelessness and meaningless in Chattanooga. I am encouraged by the spirit of those who make up thegathering and looking forward to how God pulls us into becoming difference-makers…
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?”
PSI – 2 Corinthians 10
Paul was a master warrior who understood the battle, had expert knowledge in spiritual warfare, knew the motives and tactics of the enemy, and relied on the commands and power of the Master. Every Believer is called to spiritual warfare and every leader is called and equipped in the same way as Paul. Unfortunately, we too often walk according to the flesh, not realizing how embedded the enemy is within the hearts and minds of people and we take our eyes off of the objective, being more content with making people happy than holy.
AWOL…but back again.
I have noticed that I often get pulled aside at church and asked questions about life, love, faith, etc. Usually, they are many of the same questions over and over (which I love because it means these things are being wrestled with). Nevertheless, I thought maybe it would be beneficial to answer some of those questions (to the best of my ability with fear and trembling before God), hopefully encouraging more people and opening up the chance for dialogue and discussion so that our collective God-given wisdom might lead us all to a deeper walk with Christ.
The President to Attend Worship Service in Chinese Church
What I see as a pretty amazing opportunity is the news that President Bush will be attending a Chinese church while attending the Olympics. I can’t imagine a better way to spotlight the necessity of human and religious rights for the Chinese people than for the American president to actually attend one of their services.
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.
Going for Gold
As the Olympic Games get set to begin in the next couple of weeks, our church has a special connection. Our own Joe Smith will be serving as the Team Manager for the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team. Please pray for Joe, not only in regards to safety and success, but so that Joe’s desire to…
Community Day
This Saturday we have one of our biggest events of the year at MBC. Community Day is a massive yard sale (perhaps the biggest so far), combined with games, bouncy things, food and sweat…lots and lots of sweat. This year, we’re raising money that will go to our upcoming mission trips to Honduras. We have…
I am Mephibosheth.
My name could easily be Mephibosheth, could yours? Strange name, but an amazing story. This morning, Spurgeon pointed me to the account of King David seeking to find any living descendants of Saul’s house that he may show them the kindness of the Lord for Jonathan’s sake (2 Samuel 9). It is amazing because Mephibosheth…
What Will I Do With My Inheritance?
Every moment of every day should be an experience of worship because we are ever mindful of the shear grace of a loving God to hold onto us, though He receives nothing (as He needs nothing – see Acts 17:24-25) in return. As Steven Curtis Chapman said in a recent song: “This is a moment made for worshiping, cause this is a moment I’m alive.” What a great statement. All of life, for a Christ-follower, is a worship experience because “he gives to all life and breath and everything.”
“Search Kindly” In May and Help Children in Poverty
During the month of May, “Search Kindly” will be donating 100% of its ad revenues to Compassion International which helps children in poverty around the world. Please visit this compassion blog to see the details and discover ways you can help participate. Only takes a minute. Thanks.
Pushing 40
This Saturday, I officially turn 40. I use the term “turn” intentionally because I’ve been “pushing” 40 and, unfortunately, it’s been pushing back pretty hard. I don’t think I want to “hit” 40 for fear of what might happen. I’ve spent the last three days in the hospital with acute sinusitis. Very painful ailment, I might…
The Great Misconception of Christianity
If Christianity truly is about relationship…real relationship with Christ based on faith, then there must be troubles that push us into Him; there must be times of trial so that we know that we can trust Him and know that our faith is real. Unless we break the cycle of religion based on litmus tests and rules of conduct and get back to Scripture that reveals the Truth about real life with real problems, we’ll simply end up with more guilt-laden religious people, carrying the burden of their sins and reflecting none of the glory of Christ’s righteousness which leaves them complete in God’s eyes and finding that Christ is enough for their lives.
The Idol of Christian Service
As a Christian minister, I am called to carry out the work that has been prepared for me before the foundation of the world. Actually, every Believer in Christ has, certainly not just “professional Christians” like pastors and the like, as it is through the blessing of service that we become most Christlike and, thereby,…
Faith in America: The Great Life Preserver (use only in case of emergency)
I am struck by the flippancy with which most of us follow Christ. To most of us, “Christianity” is just something that we are; a part of our lives. To these men, Jesus was their life…all of it, totally sold out and recklessly abandoned. How many of us today still call on Him in the tough times and then move on with our lives, barely giving Him a second thought when things are good? Then we don’t understand why the blessings don’t last.
My Testimony and Declaration
Here In My Life – Hillsong I have never walked on water Felt the waves beneath my feet but At your Word Lord, I’ll receive Your Faith to walk on oceans deep And I remember how You found me: In that very same place All my failing surely would’ve drowned me Still You made a…
Is the Devil in the Details?
I think the answer to that question is a resounding “yes!” The Devil is in the details because that is usually where we find that the failure comes. Personally, I am often careful to make sure I am generally healthy physically, spiritually, emotionally, etc., but it is usually in the small areas that I find…
Is following Oprah one of the millions of ways to God?
I figure it must be since, according to her, there are now “millions of ways to get to heaven”. OK, we’ve known that Oprah has been out in left field, spiritually, but according to a recent report, she has (I believe for the first time) effectively denied Jesus verbally: According to Christian Newswire, Oprah Winfrey…
Who Stole My Church?
Ministry through change is almost always hard. However, when we are obedient to develop and implement a missional approach, even the losses will be turned to advances as God sees us through the storms and pitfalls.
