Do you want to make an impact? Do you want to make a difference? I’m going to assume you’d answer those questions with a resounding, “Yes.” Well, good! But how do you do that? How does a person truly make a difference in the world? …
What can God do with a little dirt?
This past Spring our family tested our green thumb to see if we could grow a garden. We kept it simple. Our crop yield was not enormous. To be specific, during one of our summer dinners we split an okra we had grown. Yes, you …
What really happened in Acts 8?
Last Sunday, I taught a message from Acts 8 about the personal testimony of a man named Simon. He was a spiritual person by all accounts, but he was missing something very important–the gospel! After believing in the gospel message presented by Phillip, many people …
Five Things You Can Do About Persecution Right Now
Every time I read the end of Acts 7, I’m deeply moved by the radical and bold faith of Stephen. He was the first martyr. Beaten. Dragged. Stoned. With his final breath, he echoed the words of his Savior, “Lord, do not hold this sin …
How to Discover Your Spiritual Gift
Does it really matter if you know how to discover your spiritual gift? YES! Here’s what Paul wrote to the church in Corinth. “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be unaware.” (1 Corinthians 12:1) Paul’s intention was not …
Don’t Live Distracted (Part 2)
Yes, we are living in a distracted world. It’s not a new problem, but rather something that’s been around since the beginning of time. Distractions aren’t going away. In fact, they’re increasing and intensifying. Paul warned young Timothy about the dangers of distractions and what …
Don’t Live Distracted (Part 1)
Distraction – “that which divides the attention.” It’s my firm conviction that we are living more and more distracted. Our attention is divided between countless diversions and interruptions. Hang on just a second while I check this email….Okay, I’m back! Think about your average day. …
Do you struggle with guilt?
GUILT – a feeling of responsibility or remorse for some offense, crime, wrong, etc., whether real or imagined. Everyone wrestles with guilt. But what do we do with it? Is guilt something we should all just learn to cope with? Or is there a way …
Everyone Has a Religion – Here’s Your Proof
Everyone has a religion. Everyone worships something. Everyone lives by faith. And by everyone, I mean…everyone. Pay close attention, and you can see a person’s religion and object of worship simply by listening to the words they say. Faith statements aren’t just made in church …
It’s Not Enough to Hear
Imagine this: you’re sitting on a sloping hillside alongside a few dozen other people. There’s a gentle breeze blowing and the mood is anticipatory because you’re getting ready to hear from Jesus–not simply the words of Jesus, but from Jesus Himself. You listen intently for …
The First Sermon Jesus Preached
Jesus doesn’t see the crowd. He sees every face and He knows every name. He knows exactly what each person’s struggle is. He knows their insecurities and fears. He sees the scars, the hurt, and the pain. He knows their hearts.
What does it mean to live by faith?
What does it mean to live by faith? Does it mean you don’t save for retirement because doing so might suggest you don’t trust God with your future? Does it mean you swim with crocodiles because you have faith God will protect you? Does it …
The Seven L’s of Dad Life
The good news is you’re a dad. And there’s nothing more satisfying than being Dad to your kiddos. The bad news is you’re a dad. And there’s nothing more terrifying than being Dad to your kiddos. Some days being Dad is satisfying. Big hugs, catch …
3 Careful Reminders about Church People
Several years ago I ran a 1/2 marathon. I remember the exhilaration I felt as I crossed the finish line having run 13.2 miles. I had accomplished my BHAG. (If you aren’t sure what that is check out Jim Collin’s book Built to Last.) But …