Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Growing Forward”
Let’s be honest. Fasting is not a popular spiritual discipline for most Christians. Some people see fasting as an outdated, pious ritual that was only practiced by the most devout people of God. Others see the benefit of fasting purely for personal health benefits. What …
The world is changing. To be honest, it’s hard to keep up with. It seems like every week there’s a new issue, topic, or debate to engage in, and it feels like you have to be an expert on every latest fad, political move, social …
Leaders are readers. It’s cliche. But it’s true. If you want to grow this coming year then pick up a book, or two, or forty-five. (I heard about a guy who reads fifty-two books a year!) You will be the same person this time next …
Decisions matter. You are where you are today because of the decisions you’ve made over the course of your life. Decisions shape us. You’ve made a few big decisions like where to go to college, what career path to take, and who to marry. These …
Are Christians required to tithe? If you google the question, you’ll find ample articles, sermons, and teachings on both sides of the fence. Some argue tithing is an Old Testament law (like animal sacrifices) that is no longer necessary or in effect today. Others hold …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
We don’t often think about the cost of following Jesus. After all, the Bible is pretty clear that salvation is a free gift offered to everyone (John 3:16; Romans 6:23) and anyone who calls on the name of Jesus for salvation will be saved (Romans …
If you would have told me two months ago that churches across the nation would be canceling services, restaurants would be closing their dining rooms, and toilet paper would be trending on social media, I would have said, “You’re crazy!” Well, that appears to be …
“Red and green and blue and yellow and purple and red and purple.” That’s my three-year-old son’s standard answer to “What’s your favorite color?” While that’s pretty funny, I can totally identify with him. If you were to ask me “What’s your favorite book of …
How would Jesus define greatness? Who would you say is the greatest person who ever lived? Would you mention a national hero like George Washington or Abraham Lincoln? Would you say a great inventor like Thomas Edison or Benjamin Franklin? Perhaps you would suggest someone …
