Are you living today in light of eternity? I need deadlines. If I have no accountability, I will procrastinate. If you tell me something is due by Sunday, I may not finish it (or even start it) until Saturday night, but I will finish it by Sunday. I need deadlines. I need accountability. It keeps me honest. It keeps me on the straight and narrow. 1 This is what the Lord says: “Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is... Read more
Do you do the right thing with a glad heart? I know that as Christians we’re taught to obey God. But there are many ways we can obey. We can obey on accident, doing the right thing without even knowing it. We can obey out of protest. We do what we need to do, but we’re not happy about it. We can obey out of fear. We obey simply because we’re afraid of the punishment that awaits if we don’t... Read more
What an amazing last day at Catalyst! Here were some of the highlights: A beautiful presentation by photographer Jeremy Cowart about the redemptive work of God in his life. “Your perspective will determine other people’s destinies.” Christine Caine An absolutely powerful message on perspective from the book of Numbers by Christine. “The core of innovation is to make meaning.” Guy Kawasaki Guy is a marketplace guru and had some great insights from the business world that can benefit the church.... Read more
Are you willing to speak out for your people? Sixty-two chapters into the book of Isaiah (the longest book of prophecy in the Old Testament), we catch a glimpse behind the passion that drove Isaiah to stay so faithful to his calling for so long: 1 For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. Isaiah 62:1 Zion was another name for his nation,... Read more
Day 1 is in the books at Catalyst. There were amazing speakers and thought-provoking conversations among our staff, but probably the highlight for all of us was worship led by David Crowder. Dude. Can. Bring. It. Here are some of the best quotes I wrote down from Catalyst Day 1: “The most significant thing you do for the kingdom of God may not be something you do but someone you raise.” Andy Stanley Andy was sharing how his own father was... Read more
Who will you work justice for this weekend? This weekend you’re going to enjoy the benefits of modern-day life. You’ll finish work and earn far more than the $2 a day that billions of people have to survive on. You’ll drive in your vehicle that cost tens of thousands of dollars and relax in your air conditioned house (which cost much much more). You’re going to relax this weekend, enjoy a hobby, go to a game. None of these things are bad,... Read more
Within fifteen minutes of arriving at Catalyst Conference I’m reminded of why me and my team give up three days to come together, be challenged individually and to grow as a team. Catalyst is a conference for those who love the local church. Here’s a quick recap of some of the statements that challenged me during the pre-labs: “A dream that hasn’t been tested is a dream that can’t be trusted.” Rich Wilkerson Jr. Telling the story of Joseph, Rich... Read more
Have you been broken by your sin? Being broken isn’t always a bad thing. A broken car is a nuisance. A broken marriage leads to heartache. A broken economy will affect millions of families. But being broken isn’t always a bad thing. In Isaiah 57, God gives us a powerful image of who He is and how He wants to relate to us: 15 For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live... Read more
Do you have an appetite for spiritual things, or have you stuffed yourself with the ‘free chips’ of the world? In Isaiah 55, God makes a beautiful invitation to Israel: 1 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight... Read more
Yes, you read that right. Christians spend too much time at church. I’m a pastor. I’m employed full-time by a church. If no one showed up, I would be out of a job. If I get more people to show up, people generally think I’m doing a better job. Christians spend too much time at church. Here’s what I mean: I would argue that Christians spend too much time “at church” when they should spend more time in the community... Read more
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