Can we be honest and say that sometimes we don’t look forward to Mondays? Maybe it’s a job we loathe. Maybe it’s the prospect of working for a boss that we can’t stand or a work situation that demeans us. Maybe you partied too hard this weekend trying to “live life” before you have to crash down to reality. Perhaps you’re just at a spot where you’re not happy with your lot in life, and Monday signals another week, another... Read more
Being a youth pastor for ten years, I’ve got a lot of “daughters” that I view as practically my own. Some are married but many are still single. As a protective dad, here are seven things I wish I could say to all of them (inspired by Perry Noble and his blogs on the same subject): 1. You’re a princess. I don’t mean this in the spoiled-rotten, get-whatever-I-want sense, but in the sense that God sent Jesus to die for you. As a... Read more
Recently I was watching an old Catalyst talk where Chuck Swindoll shared ten things he’s learned in over fifty years of ministry. Those thoughts are so great I thought I’d share them with you: 1. It’s lonely to lead. The more decisions you make, the more you lead, the lonelier you become. Leadership can be lonely. 2. It’s dangerous to succeed. Many of us have a plan for failure, but most of us don’t have a plan for success. Too much success... Read more
Yesterday at Mt Vernon we had some fun illustrating a hilarious guest post on Stuff Christians Like. If you’ve ever been tempted to be a little more expressive in worship, watch this instructional video on how to take your worship game up a notch. [wpvideo 6z5k2YhZ] Read more
It’s hard to believe Facebook is ten years old this week. While some of us have been late adopters, all of us have been affected and influenced by social media. Here are ten ways: 1. Phones are no longer an optional accessory, but an absolute necessity. We’ve become so dependent on our cell phones that we feel a little naked and panicked when we realized we left our phone at home. 2. The smartphone has become the dominant portal to... Read more
A few days ago I turned 36. While 36 isn’t in itself a magic number, it’s an opportunity to pass on 36 things I’ve learned over the years. These aren’t the only things or most important things, just the first 36 things that came to mind. Enjoy! 1. There are no short cuts. 2. God really is faithful. 3. Even with the explosion of technology, success still comes down to how well you interact with people. 4. Be faithful with... Read more
If you watched last night’s beatdown handed out by Seattle, then you know that the Seahawks are the undeniable champions of the football world. What was hyped as an epic showdown between the #1 offense (Broncos) and the #1 defense (Seahawks) turned into an embarrassing rout by a Seattle defense that had their foot on Denver’s throat from the first snap (literally) and never let up. In numerous post game interviews with the historic Seahawks defense, a common thread came... Read more
If you’ve ever given a sick child medication, you know how much they can resist and fight. Yet as a loving parent, you know what’s best for them, even if they don’t. Watch this clip below where I talk about trusting God enough to give. [wpvideo XANcXT44] Read more
Several months ago I attended a conference at a great church in South Carolina (NewSpring) and walked away wanting to “borrow” an idea of theirs. It’s called the 90-Day Tithe Challenge. The idea behind it is simple: take Malachi 3:10 literally, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so... Read more
It’s a new week. Why not seize the divine opportunities God will place in front of you and make an eternal impact? Here are six practical ways to open your spiritual eyes to the world around you: 1. Stop condemning the world to hell. Choose to hope. Stop watching the news if you need to. Stop listening to talk radio if you need to. Choose to hope. Choose to believe that God can still do big things today. 2. Start each... Read more
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