As a Christian, you’re not as independent as you think. Your life is interwoven in the lives of others, and it’s not something you can escape. Last summer Erin (my wife) and Aly (my daughter) took a spontaneous trip to Oregon to visit some close …
Two Undeniable Reasons People Attend Church
When you walk into a home improvement store, what are you hoping to find? Most likely there’s a product you’re searching for. You may need to pick up a new light fixture or browse new power tools, but in the end, you’re looking for a …
Five Bold Predictions for 2021
I’ve never sailed the sea in the middle of a storm during the night without toilet paper, but I’m pretty sure living through 2020 comes close. This past year has been unprecedented to say the least. One year ago we were all approaching 2020 with …
What’s the meaning of Love?
“There’s a difference between like and love. Because, I like my Skechers, but I love my Prada backpack.” While this quote from the movie 10 Things I Hate About You is ridiculous, I remember how the comparison of words got me thinking about the meanings of words and …
The Hope Journey
I remember as a child Christmas Eve was filled with great anticipation and hope. I always felt Christmas was the best time of the year—the lights, the time with family, and of course the presents. I would lie awake each Christmas Eve night begging the …
So, Where’s The Peace?
You know, there’s always been a Christmas song that I never really got. Sure, I understand the meaning through the lyrics, but thinking about the song in the context of the Nativity makes it seem silly. Hear me out: Imagine you’re Mary. Not only have …
Where do you find real, lasting joy?
Where do you go when your car is running low on fuel? I’m guessing you don’t go to Old Navy to ask for ten gallons of unleaded fuel. That would be ridiculous. Department stores were not designed to provide fuel. Where do you go when …
10 Ways Christians Should Behave Through the Election.
It’s a presidential election year. (Thought I’d remind you in case you’ve been living on an isolated island without internet connection.) Presidential elections have a tendency to ignite the passions, stir up debates, and pit one side against the other. Elections produce a winner and …
3 Steps to Make the Greatest Impact
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 …