February 7, 2014

Destroying Addiction, Part  V  Reflect… Sin will always overwhelm us and “win” if we are not close to Jesus. And maybe, just maybe, instead of putting all of our efforts into “not sinning” or “winning the battle,” we should instead pursue discovering new intimacy with Him.  It is a subtle, but ultimately enormous, difference in motivation.  – P.77 I’d like to present an imaginary scenario to you:  Let’s say you have been challenged to play one-on-one basketball by Lebron James.... Read more

January 22, 2014

The following is a sample of the weekly exercises in the forthcoming Tin Soldiers Workbook.  Each exercise accompanies and is based upon each individual entry in The Tin Soldiers book, which together form a 52-week curriculum aimed at spiritual growth via small group discussion and individual reflection… What is a Tin Soldier?, Part IV Reflect… You must follow through by making righteous character your highest priority in life.  For many of us, even those who have been believers for a long time, this is... Read more

January 13, 2014

The following is a sample of the weekly exercises in the forthcoming Tin Soldiers Workbook.  Each exercise accompanies and is based upon each individual entry in The Tin Soldiers book, which together form a 52-week curriculum aimed at spiritual growth via small group discussion and individual reflection… Establishing True Connection, Part I God wants sons who are desperate for Him. More specifically, he wants sons who are aware of how desperately we truly need Him. – p. 20, The Tin Soldiers... Read more

November 19, 2013

One of my favorite TV shows is Mad Men. If you have never watched the show, it involves the advertising industry, set in 1960’s Manhattan. It is a masterpiece of dialogue, setting, and screenwriting, but the true genius of the show lies in the depth of the characters, especially the lead, Don Draper. Draper is a man of polished exterior. He is a wildly successful advertising mastermind. He has power, money, charm, and charisma. He is good looking, well dressed,... Read more

October 22, 2013

Toby Morrell a worship director and small groups pastor at his home church, in addition to fronting his bands, Emery and Matt and Toby.  He is also one of the funniest guys I have talked to in recent history.  There was no shortage of laughter during our conversation about guys and isolation.  But what I loved most about our chat was Toby’s desire to be genuine, beyond the typical, Christianese “authenticity.”  I think he was definitely the right guy for... Read more

October 8, 2013

Prior to starting my band, Project 86, I worked in youth ministry for six years. If you have ever been involved in a church at any level you will learn that some of the most interesting characters you will ever meet live inside the walls of the congregation. I remember one particular guy (named Austin) who was fairly high up in the youth ministry. Although he was a relatively new Christian, he was quite well-versed in theology, doctrine, and church... Read more

September 18, 2013

When I was in college, I lived across the hall from a guy named David. He was a great friend who was solid believer. He was a spiritual mentor to me in many senses, but he had an acute Achilles heal: He seemed to have a knack for finding girls who were trouble. At one point during our junior year, David showed up at my door saying he really needed to talk to me. He looked like he was about... Read more

September 5, 2013

If you ask Mattie Montgomery, he is not a lyricist and a frontman first, though that is how most know him.  And even though his band For Today has accomplished some great things over the last several years, he refers to himself as a Husband and Father first and foremost.  The irony is that not long ago, like many young men today, he would never have imagined himself being either.  I spoke to Mattie recently and at length about fatherhood,... Read more

August 14, 2013

Have you ever visited Amsterdam?  I have.  And I will never forget my first trip… My band was booked to play there a few years back.  I had heard dozens of stories prior to my visit.  Most of them consisted of warnings about the red light district, especially the prostitutes (yup, in case you weren’t aware, it’s legal in Amsterdam). Honestly, prior to my trip I had never understood why someone would visit a prostitute.  In fact, I had even... Read more

July 25, 2013

Solomon Olds is the frontman for Family Force Five.  His band is known the for their energetic live performances which feel more like dance parties than your average rock n’ roll shows.  Family Force Five is also known for their sense of humor, and fun-loving approach to making rock music.  I ran into Solomon at Creation festival East where we had a great conversation about music, maturity, and near-death experiences (over a festival catering buffet).  Have you ever lost someone... Read more

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