The 2 Greatest: Recent Episodes
Dr. Tim Knight
This podcast explores the 2 greatest commandments; to love God and others in our everyday lives. What does it look like to live our lives as if Jesus were living His life through us, because He is!
How do you know what kind of person the future you will be like? Well...show me your friends, and I'll show you your future!
IF the New Testament has been changed over the years so that we have no idea what the original authors wrote, that would be a BIG problem for Christianity. The Good New is the NT is totally trustworthy and WE CAN PROVE IT!
What do you think of when you hear the word "holiness?" You're probably right, but there's also more. Let's go deeper.
You can be the person that causes another to leave the conversation feeling blessed, loved, seen, heard. And it's all because of your wonderful, welcoming words!
Modern Christianity is WAY to individualized. Jesus never meant for us to do this alone. He didn't just save individuals, he created A FAMILY!
"When were you saved?" That's a common question among Christians, but that's not how the Bible talks about salvation. Listen in!
Bible "heroes" are not really "heroes." They are fallen people in need of grace just like us. THEY aren't the point of the story--but they point us to the One who is.
Everyone wants to focus on the BIG EXTERNAL sins. But what if the greatest danger to our soul is really the silent soul killers?
Ready or not death is coming for you and your loved ones. And you WILL grieve. The only question is HOW.
You can tell when someone is different from others in the area. It might be their accent or their clothes or something else. But Jesus and Paul had something very specific in mind.
People tend to believe one way to God is good as another? What did Jesus say about that?
If you want to change something about yourself, you know improve, how do you do it? Let me tell you what DOESN'T work...willpower. Now, listen today, and let's see what does work!
I want to be blessed, don't you? The Bible tells us how and it's probably NOT what you think.
The Bible becomes MUCH more enjoyable and understandable when you realize it's less like an instruction manual and more like a library!
Those we love have the power to hurt us the deepest. But are there wounds from a friend we should welcome, cherish, even be thankful for. YES! Listen in!
Bitterness is a joy killer and love stopper, and a soul destroyer. And there's only ONE cure.
You may feel unseen, unknown, unappreciated. But GOD sees, knows, and will bless you for every ask of love you give, even if no one notices.
We all need to learn and practice the difference between "helping" and "enabling." It's crucial to loving others well. Sometimes helping is NOT helping!
Sometimes you meet a "Christian" and you think "Really?" Other times you meet a Christian and you think "I KNEW it!" The difference is closing the gap.
Class distinction is alive and well in airplane travel, but it should not be in the Kingdom of God.
When you're scrolling on your phone and the ads come up telling you their product is a must have for you to be content in your life...do you give in? What if we asked WHY before we BUY?
God's beautiful creation is everywhere. Enjoy it. Appreciate it. But let it point to to gratitude to the one who made it in the first place.
We are impatient people...God is not. He's never in a hurry and never late and always playing the long game!
It's easy to be afraid of the dark as kids. But kids aren't the only ones. It's also easy to look at the world and believe it's only getting darker. But in Jesus we don't have to be afraid of the dark!
How is your heart shaped? Jesus doesn't leave us guessing, he tells us. But we may not like it!
What does it mean to be "devoted" to something or someone? Sometimes you see that lived out in a person's life in impressive ways.
We all can't do it all. But there is one thing every human needs and every human can give. And it's SOOOO T2G.
The Lord WILL bring his Word to your mind, just when you need it. But when He does--what are you going to do about it?
What parent hasn't been asked the question "are we there yet" while on a journey? And what Christian hasn't looked at the world, wondered when the end is coming and asked it as well. What will the end look like? We don't have to wonder, Paul tells us, and it's probably not what you're thinking!
Does a Christian look like someone who is always at church or constantly reading the Bible or who doesn't do a bunch of stuff? Or is there a better way? Let's let ONE verse instruct us today on what a Christian looks like!
Where did Cain get his wife? Who were the Nephilim? How are women saved "through childbirth?" There are a lot of Bible mysteries. But the greatest mystery is already known. Let's not major on minors but major on what Jesus said is major.
Are you ever impatient with God? Is God moving too slow for you? Have you ever decided to take matters into your own hands? If so, this episode is for you!
Your "soul" in not some ghost inside you that floats to heaven when you die. Your SOUL is very active in this life as well. So what does it mean to love God with all of our "soul?"
It's so easy to see people and things as the world does and miss the true value the Lord sees. God give us eyes to see what you see and the heart to love accordingly.
If you haven't noticed the family is shrinking. More and more people are choosing to not have children. That fact has huge implications for society AND the church. It's time we paid attention and responded with the love of the Lord.
All of us who have loved our furry friends desperately want the answer to be YES! But what does the Bible say or NOT say? Let's look closer.
A lot of us know a lot about the Bible. But that's not what it's all about. It's about Walkin the Talkin.
Revelation is the book people fight over most, but God never ment for it to be that way. Revelation wasn't written to frighten us; it was written to steady us for times just like we see in the news today.
Whether it's being chosen for a job, a team or a marriage partner--there's something special about being chosen. Have you fully grasped the truth that the God of the universe has chosen YOU in Jesus?
It's easy to convince ourselves that our actions have no consequences or that are sins don't really hurt anyone. But we are all connected and we do reap what we sow. Maybe grandpa's payback will give us a new perspective.
Did Paul write an uninspired letters? Are we missing important books that should be in the Bible? Is everything Paul wrote inspired? And what does this say about the trustworthiness of the Scriptures?
Why do people regularly frequent the neighborhood bar? It has to be more than the alcohol, they could drink at home. Something else is going on here and the church should learn the lesson from the neighborhood bar.
It's both shocking and sad how many people just don't read anymore. Sad because reading is one of the best ways to grow as a person and develop the character that will love better and deeper.
You can't change the past and you can't control the future. The only time we have is PRESENT time and that's where we are called to live and love.
Every grumpy person has a story you don't fully understand. What if you did some frog kissing today?
How do you know what God's will is for your life? In the Old Testament, one way was for the High Priest to "roll the dice." But God has a better way today.
It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking everyone should be just like us! But God made a Body NOT a Factory. Be thankful for the diversity in the church. We need all the gifts, personalities and vision. As messy as that might be, it's His plan for His family.
We speak thousands of words every day. Only a few are significant and life transforming. Jesus spoke one word every day and it formed His life. It can form ours too.
Sometimes a little inside information can change how we see the world and interact with others. Never should have be more true than with followers of Jesus.
Does the ancient story of the tower of Babel have anything to teach us about our own tower building today?
We've all said and been asked the question: "Do I know you?" But what do we mean by "know?" And what does the Bible mean by "know?" I'd like to know, ya know?
The world is changing and so if the view of the church? In a hostile world, does the church have a future?
It's easy to put "faith" in the intellectual not actual box. It's something we think in our hearts, but has little to do with how we live day to day. There's a book in the Bible that won't let us get away with that stinkin' thinkin'.
We don't have to GUESS what God is saying, we know, because He speaks. The question is, are we listening and will we respond?
We've ALL thought the world has gone crazy at times, maybe even in THIS time. BUT we aren't the first to think that. So let's let an old holy man teach us a thing or two about what to do when that feeling wells up inside us.
What do you do when your critics are croaking at your and their noise drowns out all others?
Ohhh how we LOVE Jesus as Savior...but what about Jesus as LORD? I think most Christians just settle for Jesus being "house help."
Have you ever been happy in life, content, at peace--UNTIL you saw what someone else has? We've all been there, done that, and bought the T-shirt. What if, instead, we learned to be happy with one scoop?
ONE stupid decision can change the course of your life, your family, even the world. But God is in the life redeeming business for the times when we lost it all in a moment.
Our last words reveal what's most important to us. They don't create our priorities, they show them. And they come from the life we're already lived. Based on your life today, what would your last words reveal?
Be honest, we all have moment where we want to quit, throw in the towel as it were. Life is just too hard. The opposition too overwhelming. The message of the Gospel is KEEP GOING!
Most of us need a little alone time now and then. And with most relationships we can manage to get it. But there's one where that's just not possible. Are you okay with that?
We usually think of love ADDING something good to our lives. But the Bible is clear, love also throws something out!
Jesus didn't teach with 3 points and an illustration. He used pictures and stories. And none more important than his description of the Kingdom we are living in.
Reading someone else's mail sounds rude, inappropriate, and yet rightly understood, Christians do it all the time!
God bless the broken road that led us all straight to Him. You may choose to give up on God. He will NEVER give up on you!
Sometimes it's the tiny details in the text that carry the most powerful meaning. Like the time God let it rip!
We Christians know how to "do happy" or at least pretend we are. But what about the pain, trouble, hurt, confusion, doubting, and more that we also feel. It's time the church learned to lament. Today, I'll tell you how!
Whole libraries are filled with books trying to describe and understand God. What of ALL the descriptors, which one matters most and what does that have to do with the way we live?
When you see another person you're looking at a beautiful complexity. They are more than the actions and attitudes you see at that moment. They also have a long invisible bag they drag behind.
Unfortunately in our world today respect has almost become extinct. That should not be the way of the people of God. In fact, showing and giving respect and be a powerful and even shocking way to love.
A lot of people are emotionally exhausted, not because of their own burdens, but because they try to carry the burdens of others. Is that you? Today, three questions that will help.
A chain reaction happens when one thing leads to the next to the next and so on. But what is a SPIRITUAL chain reaction and how can we be a part of THAT?
It's so easy to feel overwhelmed by the needs of the world that are constantly coming at us. What am I supposed to do about all that? Well, there's good news, not guilt for you today. Listen in!
People who think themselves indispensable, but here's the cold hard truth. The graveyard is filled with indispensable people.
Have you ever considered how often big things happen around food? How can food be a tool of love? Let's talk!
Words fail when we try to describe ALL that the Lord is to us. BUT today I'll give you a pretty good list.
Have you ever had someone give you their word, break their word and then minimize it? Let's start looking at giving our word as a form of love.
Blame, Deny, Deflect, Defend...that's the way of the world, but it's not the way of Jesus.
The way of Jesus is to...OWN IT!
When you think of POWER...under control there are lots of good examples. My most resent one involved kissing a stingray.
What does it mean when the Bible says God's Word is "living and active?" In what way is it alive?
People measure their own value in different ways: money, possessions, education, abilities. How does GOD measure your worth?
We are all rightfully self conscious of our nakedness. But there was a time in human history where that wasn't so. What happened? What changed? And how should we now live?
Have you ever been to the Panama Canal? If so, how would you describe it? It depends on what you're using to compare it. On that one hand, it's magnificent, on the other it's...puny!
There's a difference between being KIND and being NICE. Nice is about people pleasing, kind is about grace AND truth.
Have you ever been let down, of course you have. And you've let others down too. In a world that is changing, scary, with people not able to keep their promises--what is it, or WHO is it that we can COUNT ON?
Yes and yes and yes--we love those words coming to us. But a little no is like a slap in the face because we think we know best. What would it take for you to come to the place where you could thank God for His no?
Friendships are hard and when you move, breaking into existing friendships is even harder. Yet, inviting in is what God does best!
Usually when we think of generosity we think in terms of MONEY or THINGS. But what if the concept of generosity was SO MUCH BIGGER and WAY MORE EXPANSIVE and INCLUSIVE than that?
Our lips are too fast and loose with words. We take GREAT words and we too often use them for ordinary things. And when we do that, the greatness of those words loses some of its shine.
When people ask us if we need a reminder, it may sound offensive, as if we forget...well we do! When it comes to the things of God, do you need a reminder?
What a ride! Thanks for 5 complete years of T2G. And yet we are NEVER finished being loved by God and loving Him back as we love others. T2G now and into forever!
Sometimes life feels like your running across the Sahara barefoot looking for water. May God help us FINISH WELL.
Loving others doesn't have to be HARD all the time. It's not just BIG INCONVENIENT acts we don't want to do but know Jesus wants us to. Loving can be FUN!
What would throwing darts at your enemies look like for you? The cold shoulder? Gossip? Mocking? Being passive aggressive? Other?
It's hard to love someone with Alzheimer's Disease. How do you love someone who doesn't remember you? Let's talk about a difficult side of T2G today.
An ugly person is a person all about himself or herself. And it's worse when it's a person of God.
Is the Bible God's Word or Human Words? How to the two interact? If we don't get this right, we quickly fall into heresy.
Sometimes we read a Bible verse, and it's directed to us, but we're not sure HOW to do it. One of those might be for you "be filled with the Spirit." What does that mean and how do we do it? Let's talk!
The people we hang around and allow access to our heart and mind WILL shape us into the kind of people we will become, so choose wisely!
When we measure success FORWARD we are alway reaching and never grasping, we are in the GAP. When we measure success BACKWARDS we are seeing how far we've come and we live in the GAIN.
Where's the line between caring and intruding? How can we love without sticking our nose where it doesn't belong. Some practice steps today.
Oh the church, the bride of Jesus, the people of God. So beautiful and so broken. May be be a window, not a mirror.
It's so wonderful when God sends just the right person at the right time to us. May He help us appreciate His provision.
Expectations and make us or break us. They effect our attitudes and actions and can express or repress our ability to love.
How would you finish the sentence: YOU ARE WHAT YOU....?" The Bible gives us a clear answer and some clear instructions when it comes to what determines what we become. Listen in!
How would you define "faith?" If you think it's just what you think, you've misdefined it and are missing the point entirely.
There's some stuff in the Bible that is weird to us. It's strange because it's written to them, not us--in a different culture, under a different covenant. BUT there's some good nuggets for us to enjoy and apply--including your ear, your thumb and your big toe!
Is it okay for Christians to "love themselves?" Well, yes, of course--rightly understand and applied, that's exactly how we are able to love others.
There IS a moment when transformation starts. Do you know when that is? Let me tell you today.
They ARE real and WE are curious. But when do we cross the line into focusing on them instead of the Lord?
There's something that happens between someone's action and your reaction. It's the story you tell yourself.
The grass IS greener...but WHERE? How would you answer that question. You answer will determine the quality of your relationships.
Tech isn't going anywhere--it's going EVERYWHERE, faster and further than ever before. But is it a good thing or a dangerous thing? How do we live as Christians in the technology tension?
What do factors will have the biggest impact on the person you will be in five years? Let's talk AND begin to take action!
It's one thing to do what is required; it's quite another to go the extra mile in the name of love!
It's not a building. It's not a program. It's not a Sunday show. It's not a business. But what IS it?
Please don't take for granted your sense of smell. I lost it, got it back and am thankful for it. But also don't forget that YOU SMELL, I mean others smell YOU. What do you smell like? Jesus?
How much of your emotional energy do you spend fretting and stewing and worrying over OTHER PEOPLE'S choices that YOU can't control? What if we just LET THEM?
Some people, including me, use some prayers that were written by others to express my heart to the Lord. Can we find support for THAT kind of praying in the scriptures?
Would God cause someone to resist him just so he could punish that person for rebellion? How is that fair? Is that what's going on with Pharaoh? Let's look deeper.
Does your Bible Study consist of just an encouraging "verse of the day" or even a daily chapter reading a day? Do you, can you, should you go deeper because READING and STUDYING are NOT the same!
We often use the word "hospitality" but I don't think we use it in the same way the bible does. Let's look deeper.
Oh the temptation to constantly care about what others think of us. But are we living for THEM or for the Lord? Let's talk about impression management.
Jesus gives up on NO ONE. And in fact he ofter seeks out the very people we are tempted to believer are forever lost. Thanks be to God!
There are moments where LOCATION and LANGUAGE come together to create a powerful, unforgettable experience. That's the case with PETER AND PAN!
We are a distracted people. Yet how much more could we give and receive love if we only learned to pay attention?
Ohhhhh our STUFF. What should our relationship to our stuff be? Is there a principle that will guide us? YES!
One of THE most difficult postures to hold in life is the posture of contentment. In fact, society is BUILT on YOU NOT BEING CONTENT. God has a much better idea. Today, maybe a story will help!
What's the purpose for in person church gatherings? How you answer that question is important when it comes to the satisfaction you get when you're there and the contribution you make in the lives of others. Does your reason for gathering match what the Bible says?
One of the most loving things you can do is to be keenly aware of how your decisions affect those around you.
There is a direct line, a connection between your VALUES and your LIFE. What you SAY you believe needs to be confirmed and demonstrated by how you practice those values moment by moment. Don't let their be a breach in your walls.
It's easy to get lost in this old world. The evil one wants to pull us way from the things of God. When we drift, what can bring us back to our TRUE NORTH?
Bitterness is so subtle, so slow growing and so very dangerous. If you allow it to go untreated it can destroy your life and the lives of those you care about the most.
Jesus promised, by his Spirit, he'd ALWAYS be with us. Does that comfort you or freak you out?
When we go through hard times the devil wants us to believe we're unique, alone, and forgotten. The Bible says otherwise!
Turn the other cheek assumes you're been hit once already and are volunteering for another blow. What's that all about?
What IS the "Old Testament" and what role does it play in the life of a Christian today?
Jesus was a story teller, but why? What was the reason behind the stories he told and are we taking them a bit to loosely?
In our fear of making Communion/The Lord's Supper MORE than Jesus intended, my fear is we have instead made it so much LESS than He wanted.
What is IRREPLACEABLE to you? If does your time, attention, and money indicate its true value?
You don't have to look very far to find someone grieving. If you lean in and not look away you can love them powerfully like Jesus.
Is it ever loving to allow someone who has hurt you to to suffering the natural consequences of those choices even while you forgive them?
Do you feel guilty when you take some down time? Do you believe you're somehow letting down? Well, hear this--JESUS prioritized getting away and you can too!
The greatest stash of untapped wisdom is in our elders, mentor, those who have walked the path of faith longer than we have. THIS year, why not be more intentional and ASK YOUR ELDERS!
Relationships are messy and risking. BUT they are sooooo worth it! Let's be more intentional in our relationships this year.
It's so easy to see other's people's small sins are BIG in our eyes and then turn around and ignore our "small sins" that are really whoppers!
It's all about how you view the people around you. How you treat them, talk to them, care about them. Are they props from your ego or are they teammates?
I'm sure we've all said GET OVER IT to someone and had that said to us. But do you think GOD ever says that to you? Why or why not?
When life take an unexpected turn, in that space, God can get our attention, if we have hears to hear!
There's a reason why companies, churches, sports teams and more keep their "mission statement" front and center. It's too easy to mission drift!
LOSS is real, painful and prevalent. We are called to walk with those experiencing it. Today's episode will help you understand the various dimensions of loss.
Oh to be wanted and welcome. So good. And oh the shame of being told you're NOT welcome. Because of Jesus you are WELCOME IN!
We've all been there. We are trying to "impress" a potential girlfriend or boyfriend. We want to make a good impression on a boss, a coach, a teacher or friend. But have you ever considered that Jesus also made a FIRST IMPRESSION?
Parenting is hard work and we only make it harder when we believe out some common myths about parenting and kids.
There are four of them that begin our New Testament. Why four? What is the purpose? Why do they matter?
THE Apostle is Paul of course. He has written for us the theology of the gospel so it can be lived out in our everyday lives.
When people experience trauma in their lives, they need something just like you to walk beside them and love them in it and through it. May we T2G in Trauma!
Going through a crisis is part of going through a life. And we NEED one another to love on and walk with us when we the crisis is happening. That's T2G!
This year the battle for your soul is real and raging. Pay attention to your soul, keep it anchored in the Hope of our Salvation.
When we are in the midst of the mess, it's hard to remember the faithfulness of God in the past. But when we do...there is peace and freedom.
Have you made any New Year's resolutions for 2025. Here's one I hope we'll all keep. This year, let's move FROM fear to TO hope!
Welcome to 2025. What will this year be like? Who know? GOD DOES! And his love and presence did not change. But what was the worst year to be alive. Here's one thought...
Don't just eliminate the "bad" things for your life in 2025, replace them with the good. It's THIS instead of THAT!
It's a classic move, but it doesn't work. We can't fight God or finagle God, so we try to flee from God. Why? His arms of grace are wide open!
We are saved by God's grace PERIOD. But that doesn't mean we sit on salvation. No, we partner with God in His work in the world--kingdom work. Don't stop with "so what" ask "for what!"
Thank God he's not finished with me OR you yet. Now, in Jesus our salvation is already and forever secured and yet the living OUT of that salvation is always a work in progress!
Often we anticipate an upcoming holiday. Then we really enjoy it when it comes. But after that, it's clean up and move on! But remember, with Christmas, it's NEVER over!
Merry Christmas! Of allllllllll the gifts, keep your eye and heart on the GREATEST one!
How crazy would it be to throw a party for someone's birthday and virtually ignore the one you're suppose to be celebrating? Yet we do it all the time--it's called...Christmas!
There are some wonderful things about Christmas trees. But our lives should NOT resemble one!
Everyone is waiting for something and waiting is NOT easy. But when we are waiting for what God has promised we KNOW it will come to pass, no matter how long it takes. What are YOU waiting for?
There are signs everywhere we look. Some of fully, some are serious, some are silly. But there was ONE sign that our shines them all!
What have you been pondering lately? Pondering and be good or bad, healthy of destructive. But it's all good if we are pondering like Mary!
There's always SOMETHING hanging over our heads--others can't see it, but WE know it's there. But what if that overshadowing was the Lord?
Will you be "home" for Christmas? What images does that bring up for you? How is "home" best to be identified in Jesus?
There are lonely, forgotten, overlooked people around you and me. We can be the hands and feet of Jesus to them. Will we?
This Christmas don't rubberneck, looking with envy at what others have--be thankful for what YOU have.
There are important things and there are urgent things and if we don't know and live out the difference, we won't love well.
Christian hope is unique because it centered in a person who did for humanity what no one else could. And in that act, we too can have hope!
The holidays can make us all a little crazy. Today four symptoms of Christmas Craziness and the antidote.
We either over play or under play the role God has for us in his grand plan. But the point today is YOU, yes YOU, DO have a part! Rejoice!
The call to selfless love is not just for the super saints, it's for all of us. Here's a story today to encourage and inspire us to get on the level of love with those in our world.
In the shifting sands of our world, never forget what never changes. Today we also explore why so many Christians DON'T have a Biblical worldview.
So many thing in life run out on us. It's sad and heartbreaking. But there is one thing that will NEVER run out on you. Let's give thanks for that today!
Do you know the words to the doxology? Do you know the person who wrote it? What about other doxologies in the Bible? They can all help us T2G better!
Did you know you can LEARN contentment? I didn't say it would be easy or a "one and done" experience, but it can happen. Let's go to school and start cultivating contentment!
How much responsibility, if any, do you have for the welfare of another? That question is as old as time!
Are you a gambler? Do you take risks? Is risk taking a good or bad thing according to the Lord? Let's talk.
We make thousands of choices every single day. Those choices matter; they have consequences. Choose carefully.
We love Jesus as SAVIOR but not Jesus as LORD. We want a God who will keep us comfortable and safe and if bad things we want God to show up and prove it (based on our standards).
It was a taste of heaven. It was one of the more moving worship services I've ever been part of. It was ALL Generations Worship!
When you hear the word "theology" what feelings come to you? Are they positive or negative? Did you know that you ARE studying theology? You can't help it! Let me show you.
It's easy to see the faults in others and we are good at it. We are equally good at avoiding, denying or at least not seriously considering our own shortcomings. It's time to look in the mirror first!
There are two sided to the forgiveness coin. RECEIVING and GIVING forgiveness. Which one is harder for you?
What if humility, properly understood, has to start with God, not us. Who is the most humble person you know? My answer is....Jesus!
Every four years the country has a big anxiety fit over who will be the President, Senator, Representative, etc. in our great land. Voting matters and Christians should be part of the process. But do we need to be worried about the election?
What book or books other than a Gospel do you think a new believer should read first? The podcast today may surprise you and encourage you!
We all go through hard times. Some survive and others thrive. What makes the difference?
Whether you came from a strong Christian home or not...you are not your parents. You can't ride on their Christian coat tails into the heavenly kingdom and you don't have to follow their path to perdition, if that was your heritage. Because YOU are NOT your parents.
Do your words build up or tear down? What if you went ONE WHOLE DAY without being negative about ANYTHING? Can you do it? Spread the love! T2G it up!
Choices are wonderful, until the making of those choices paralyzes us and keeps us from being content.
What's the difference between your REPUTATION and your CHARACTER? What is yours? Why does it matter?
It's sooooo beautiful when the church is living and loving, caring and service like Jesus. Here's a GREAT recent example and can be commonplace everyday!
It's awkward, yet often unavoidable. You have to be in the same room with people you really don't like and you DON'T want to be there. How can you T2G in THAT place with THOSE people?
Have you been baptized? If so, what special memories surround that event for you? And if you haven't, why not?
Time is precious and relationships are lived within the contexts of our days. Make the most of every opportunity to love, because you never know when it could be the last time.
Are you able to be open and honest about your struggles with sin and the flesh. Can you admit you blow it and need God's help, not just for salvation, but everyday. Paul did! Let's Get Real!
Who gets to decide what you do and don't do each day? Sometimes those permissions come from bosses or family members. But THEY are not the one ultimately in charge of your calendar, and NEITHER ARE YOU!
There are D Christians and there are R Christians and there are I Christians. How can we follow our KING JESUS and vote?
No is such a hard word for any of us to hear, especially when it comes from the Lord. Can we trust that he sees what we can't, knows what we don't and is working for our good, even when He says NO?
When we look at the character of our lives we should never be shocked. We have been planting seeds all day every day and the fruit that comes is not a shocker!
None of us can totally avoid toxic people but we can avoid falling into their trap. Today, practice tips and a Biblical example.
Are we doing the RIGHT things with the WRONG core motives? Paul warns us about that. Everything minus love equals nothing!
If you look at our worship services, our times together as the Body of Christ, are we doing what the early church did? Or are our modern church services out of balance?
Games are won or lost with clock management. But so are good stories. The Bible is full of clock management and so is YOUR life.
The Bible has a LOT of strange stuff in it. And if we are not careful we will miss read the point, the reason what it's included in God's Word. Today I want to introduce you to a tool you need in your Bible Study toolbox.
Ohhhh the power of the tongue. It's like a fire. Have you ever been burned? I bet you have. Have you ever burned another with your words? Yes, that's true too isn't it?
A GRUMP or A GRATEFUL people, who do YOU want to be around. Gratitude is a super power that changes US and OTHERS for the better!
Do you ever get FRUSTRATED with the people in your church. Well...News Flash...It's NOT YOUR Church!
666 the dreaded "Mark of the Beast." What is it? What are the views? Do we have to fear it?
What grade would you give yourself on being patient with others? Did you know being patient is part of the definition of love?
Can you remember a time when you did something special and you looked to your mom or dad to see their reaction, hoping for a smile? What do you see when you look for God's reaction?
It's funny how rich people don't think they're rich. They have trouble accepting the truth of their vast wealth. Well.....the same is true for Christians!
Imagine the conversation around your deathbed. What topics would you be talking about? What would concern you most? Give you the greatest joy? What is YOUR ONE THING?
Is your "quiet time" more duty or delight? Is it more "onward Christian soldiers" than "just a closer walk with Thee?" If so, let's change that!
The church today has borrowed to much for the secular business world. And it's killing the church.
Is God humble? Are you? And would you know? What would it look like. Today, three words.
Are you a humble person? If you admitted it, would you still be humble? Let's tackle some of our misunderstandings when it comes to this virtue.
Teachers need our love, support and prayers--and so do students. Let's talk about how we can T2G these special folks!
What words would you choose to describe our current culture in regards to God and spirituality? How has it changed? How do we relate to it now?
Children (and adults) of all ages are tempted to rubberneck and see how God is blessing someone else, compared to us and scream THAT'S NOT FAIR!
Sometimes what we THINIK we need isn't what we need most at all. Trust God enough to give you the true needs of our life.
If you feel hate, can you PRAY hate? Well, there are examples in the Bible of just that. So what do we do with that in our own prayer life?
Look at Jesus. He often FELT compassion. But that emotion wasn't the end of the story--it ALWAYS led him to ACTION. Our compassion for others should do the same.
Yes, we need Jesus to save us and whisk us off to glory some day. But do we need Jesus TOday?
Do you believe Jesus was ever surprised? If so, at what? What would be a good and bad surprise?
If we can see people as only positions we can mock and mistreat them. If we see behind the positions they hold (even though we STRONGLY disagree) we see them as image bearers of God and T2G must come into play.
It's a subtle enemy infecting many Jesus followers. It prohibits love, increases passive aggressive behavior and too often goes undetected. It's time we started battling our bitterness.
The Sermon on the Mount is not some idealistic, unrealistic, unattainable goal that is so far out of reach we can ignore it. Jesus meant it, meant it to be lived in the lives of those who follow after Him. Jesus was NOT kidding.
Do NOT give the Devil and foothold in your life. There are subtle entry points you may not be guarding right now.
We read the labels on food. We read the labels on other products we buy. But do you read the labels on people, given in scripture? You should!
I love having something to look forward to, don't you? God paints a beautiful picture of all that we, in Christ, have to look forward to in all eternity. It's time to started looking forward to it.
Do you believer for the the follower of God, the world is a perfectly safe place? Maybe more important, did JESUS believe that and does HE want us to believe that?
You don't have to SAY everything you think or feel. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is remain silent.
Sometimes we read a Bible story through only ONE lens. But ofter there are multiple, beautiful ways to see the good new in the old stories.
Do you have a nickname? Do you like it or hate it...it's usually one or the other? Nickname have power to harm or help. Let's learn to use them for T2G!
Oh, that's a good question. You might think you're prideful if you say yes, and thus, NOT holy. But is that God's position on you?
Of course God doesn't NEED our help with anything, but our amazing, relational God WANTS to invite us into what HE is going. Are you game?
What's the difference in a gardener and a mechanic. How does that difference play out in how we interact with people?
It can happen in an instant. You're just having an ordinary day. THEN suddenly, you're having the worst day of your life. What do you do when your whole world implodes?
What does it mean to "take up your cross daily and follow Jesus?" Is it any little inconvenience we face in life or is it something more?
When something happened to us negatively we have a choice. We tell ourselves a story. Often we choose to believe THEY MEANT to hurt us. But what if we practiced API instead?
YOU have control over what you let stay in your mind. There are somethings we should NOT allow ourselves to even THINK about.
First impressions can say a lot about a person. Sometimes they are wrong of course, but ofter they reveal a person's character in a way that is consistent with their whole lives. That's even true of BIBLE people.
With the church in decline in the Western World, what happened? Is there anything we can see that has caused his mass exodus? YES! Let's talk about it.
Jesus is God. His ways are perfect. Yet at times, as you read the text you wonder...why did Jesus do THAT? Today, an example.
Do you have a guardian angel? How do you know? What does the Bible say about guardian angels? And do you even need one?????
It might be a friend, a relative or someone you don't really know. They are RUDE to you and you know it and so does everyone who heard it. How do you respond with T2G AND boundaries in ways that could move the relationship FORWARD, not back. Listen in!
BE WHERE YOUR FEET ARE! Too often we are anywhere BUT there. We are in the past or in the future. Today some wise words...if you have to look.
People get their names published for all kinds of reasons, some good and some not so good. But there's only ONE publication that matters for eternity. Is your name written there?
It's interesting how our conversations with someone changes the more we do life with them. That's true of our walk with God as well.
Does God seem distant, far away to you? Does he seem like a stranger rather than your dearest friend? Well, He's closer than you think!
We all know GOD has a plan for our lives, but did you know the devil has one too? Jesus told us, let's look deeper.
We all go through the season of life. Some are more like summer joy and others more like winter hardships--but all are to be lived in and with the Lord. Let's be ready IN season and OUT of season.
A hard, difficult conversation can go off track really fast! Understanding these "don'ts" increases our chance of having an fruitful not failed conversation.
It's easy to be negative and only focus on the bad. But in the midst of the bad, our good good God is on the move, if only we have eyes to see! Let's take a look!
If we don't know history, we might assume that all the turmoil and trouble in our generation is unique to us. NO ONE has faced the kinds of problems WE face. But you see that ain't so when you TAKE A STEP BACK!
We have ONE word for love, Greek has four primary words. And they all convey a different meaning on what it means to T2G!
Are you a visionary or a plodder? I'm a plodder and I'm learning to be okay with that. There can be joy and peace in plodding.
Have you ever thought, "God can't use me, I don't have enough _____?" That's not a true Biblical theology, in fact, just the opposite! Thanks be to God!
You are not stuck in the loop of a bad past--you are free to write a different future. Today one inspiring story to motivate us down that path.
It's hard to love people who are sort of like you. But what about loving people you are so different than you. Today, loving your Muslim neighbors!
It's so much easier to love and appreciate someone when you know their story. Let's take some time to know better the guy who wrote over 1/2 of the New Testament!
What if you AND someone else can't have the glory, the spotlight, and you get to choose which one? Would you bow out?
Is there ONE THING that matters to you more than any other? Is there ONE overarching principle that guides everything else you do? Can you state it in one sentence?
One of the best ways you can love someone is to pray for him or her. And it's even better if you can ask them HOW they would like you to pray for them. Let THEIR need build YOUR prayer!
If you want an easy way to love more....listen more. Really listen. Without your phone in your hand. Not being distracted. And when the other person has told their story, thank them for telling you. Now instead of giving advice or jumping into YOUR story, just say these three magic words: TELL ME MORE and listen again.
We all want peace. The problem is, most don't know how to get it. What if we could find in in the first four words of the Bible?
We've all experienced it. After being away for so long, it's so good to be home. But what about a longing for our forever home?
The Lord Jesus used lots of questions as a tool for love and truth. We should too. Often our questions are superficial. Here are some deep ones!
It's time once again to be the people of God who are so full of grace and truth (just like Jesus) that we are irresistible. It's happened before, it needs to happen again.
The media WANTS you to be afraid. If you are you'll listen more to their "wisdom." If you are you'll buy more products they tell you are things you must have. The Lord did not give us a spirit of fear. So don't take the bait!
Not all conversations are alike. We bring our feelings, our agendas, our hopes to all conversations. But if we are having one conversation and the other person is having a different one--we are experiencing conversation fail.
I'm not good a dreaming, but God is. And I want to dream his dreams and do His will without fear. Join me on HIS journey! Let's DARE TO DREAM!
You can't control what happens to you. But you can control how you respond to what's happening to you. Positive people are magnets for love. Eeyore people are not. Which will you be?
Life is more than "getting things done." Yesterday I talked about to-do and to-don't lists. Today I want to make sure you know what really matters.
Most of us live our days with some sort of to-do list. Things we want to accomplish that day. But there's also value in a to-don't list. Things we want to avoid!
What does it mean to say "Jesus was a Nazarene?" What do we know about this place where Jesus spent almost 30 years of his earthly life?
We tend to see the Bible through the eyes of our world, our history, our culture and our experience. That can and does lead to some dangerous theological conclusions. The three world's approach is so much better.
Some Bible books are sweet and easy to hear. Others are a bit in your face. We need BOTH, even this blessed BOSSY book!
It's fun to score all the points. It feels good to be the hero--but that's not the measure of a godly person. Don't be a ball hog!
Lots of motivational material has been written around the concept that your FAILURE is never final....but what about your successes? Are they never final too?
I bet you've said "oh rats!" Or maybe some other version of that sentiment. Sometimes the best laid plans of mice or men get sidetracked. Then what?
I love trying to find GOD LESSONS from almost anything in life. Today some lessons about odds and uncertainty from Blackjack!
We are so blessed to have the written Word. It's full of so much more than facts. It's also beautiful!
It's hard to be a good, honest, loving leader of others if you don't know how to lead yourself well. What holy habits show to the world how well you're leading yourself?
Just because you can do it and something thinks you should do it doesn't mean it's yours to do. Don't let people manipulate you, let the Spirit lead you.
We should go very long without conducting an attitude check on ourselves. Negativity, sarcasm, unChristlike thoughts and feelings creep in so easily. Isn't it time for an ATTITUDE CHECK?
We all have things we have to get done. But with our work on our phones, where does it end? When does it become a barrier to love?
What if there was a book filled with wisdom? Wisdom for marriage and family. Wisdom for your job and friends. Wisdom for your money and moral. Well THERE IS! It's wisdom for the REAL WORLD...God's way!
Can you choose to be openhearted? Or does it just happen or not? What if it was a decision you can made BEFORE you close up?
I love country ballads and time songs. And sometimes country TITLES are all it takes to tell the whole story.
Sometimes a question can change how we walk in the world. The 10 million dollar question did that for me!
You reap what you....
You are free in Christ but don't use your freedom....
There are strong boundary principles the Lord has laid out for us and for our ability to love well.
Is it okay to say "no" to a request? Can I put a fence around my time? Does God want me to try to meet all the needs I see? What happens to me and my ability to love if I have no boundaries?
It's both easy and dangerous to underestimate the power the people closest to us have over us. Choose your companions carefully.
If you were going to tell YOUR story, where would you start? Your birth? Or would you need to go back even before that? The story of you is not just about YOU!
Of course CHRISTIANS talk about Jesus. But what about people who don't believe in Jesus? Do they even acknowledge he exists? Oh Yes!
Are you a person who allows circumstances to dictate your mood? Is it possible to live another way? A more joyous way? The Bible says YES!
Happy 4th of July everyone! How do we wrestle with being citizens of heaven and citizens of a particular country? Where does our allegiance lie?
We are to love ALLLLLL people, but what about TOXIC people? And what's the difference between a difficult person and a toxic one?
Hi Ho Hi Ho it's off to work we go and go and go! Do we ever ask the question, what does GOD think of my need to succeed?
Our thoughts are just that...thoughts. They aren't reality. Sometimes our anxiety increases before we give our thoughts more power than they deserve.
We can't MANUFACTURE peace, it's a God given gift. BUT we can put our souls in a position and posture to RECEIVE that sweet gift in the chaos of life.
Throw them, yes, throw them. Throw all your cares on the Lord, because he cares for you!
Are you a gentle person? Would others say you are? How is it possible to be gentle when stressed or anxious? The Word of God tells us!
We have have that low grade fear called anxiety. It can rob us of life and steal our peace. Is there anything we can do about it? YES! Rejoice....BUT be careful you pick the right object of that rejoicing.
You have an enemy, and he doesn't have skin on--but he is out to get you. The ONE in you is greater, and yet the attack from the devious devil is strong. Don't let him sit at your table.
YOU are always and constantly responding to the stimuli around you at every given moment. But what about responding to what GOD is doing in and among us?
If someone says to you THIS will go on your permanent record, how does that make you feel? Does GOD have a permanent record on you?
The lie of the world is you have to always be doing, eating, going, saying, experiencing something AMAZING or your not really living. But LIFE, true life is found in the simple daily things.
Is your walk with God more Master to Servant or Friend to Friend? Yes HE IS LORD and we are not. There is an "otherness" of God--but there is also an intimacy WITH God. After all, that's what Jesus prayed in John 17.
Do you ever find yourself unable to be present in the present even with people you love? What's going on and what can we do about it?
According to the World Health Organization we spend about 93% of our lives INSIDE. Yet when God made humans, he didn't put them in a mall, he put them in a garden!
In our hurry, hectic world, how do we slow down long enough for our soul to catch up? John Elredge gives tips for our transformed tool box. Today, THE ONE MINUTE PAUSE.
We all have enemies. They might be health enemies, financial enemies, relational enemies, professional enemies, stressors, etc. But do you let them sit at your table?
What if the ONE word that answers all questions was hidden in plain sight in the most famous verse in the Bible?
When you read the Bible do you see any interesting linguistic patterns the Holy Spirit uses to communicate God's truth? In one book, it seems that THREES ARE WILD!
This is the final question to asked ourselves based on Andy Stanley's book Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets. It's the easiest to answer, and the hardest to live. But it pays back the best relational dividends.
The ONE thing in your life that you regret the most was preceded by a series of UNwise smaller decisions. What if, before we get THERE we asked the maturity question?
Do you ever get a little check in your gut when you're about to do something, say something, buy something? If so, do you pay attention to the tension?
You and I are writing the story of our lives one decisions at a time. Stanley challenges us to ask the Legacy Question as we do.
This is the 1st of Andy Stanley's 5 questions for making better decisions and having fewer regrets.
What if we had GREAT questions to ask ourselves that would lead to better decisions and fewer regrets. That's where we're going, get onboard!
I say it's time to reintroduce the WE portion of Bible reading that has become almost exclusively ME in the modern age. Are you in?
You might be surprised how much Plato has influenced modern theology. And it's not always good or Biblical.
Who is the hardest person for you to be completely honest with? What if that person is YOU?
We alllllllll feel the pressure to achieve! Some of us show it more than others. But how in the world (literally) do we get out of that trap.
Sometimes we come across a Bible text and honestly don't know what do make of it. The text about "Bible zombies" is one of them.
Love is not sentimentality or simply sweetness. It's not a theory or abstract concept. It's lived in lives everyday. And it has a look!
Work HARDER, FASTER. Do MORE. Sleep LESS. Is that the Lord's way? Is there a better way? And what do we really mean when we say we're getting things done?
Where you put something matters. Usually we put things we value or use alot close at hand and things we don't farther away. What is God trying to say by putting the tree in the middle?
Paul tells us to take EVERY thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Listen, you can be a believer and STILL deal with strongholds--both rational ones AND irrational ones!
Waiting on ANYTHING is hard. But what's at the CENTER of your waiting has the POWER over you.
Your story is YOUR story and THEIR story is THEIR story. Let's learn from the life experiences of others, even when they are so different from our own.
We all like to thing we're "self made" people, but the truth is we're all imitators. We become like what we hang around. Would you be willing to say to people, "imitate me?"
In what ways does a Christian's life resemble a dog's life? My friends, we were made for so much MORE!
What was Jesus' Gospel? What gospel did he preach? How does it differ from the one being preached today? How can the three movements of the Gospel help us?
Richard Dawkins claims, now, to be a cultural Christian. He's not a fan of Islam or of the new sexual ethics. But can you just be a "cultural" Christian?
It's not a light switch, it's more like a dimmer. It's a process. And we do others a disservice when we try to force it in unscriptural haste.
Hello, I'm an over thinker (read I worry too much). I play out in my mind bad things that MAY happen (but probably won't). And all that limits my faith in the God who loves me and is more than able.
The Bible must not be turned into a collection of little momentos without regard to the BIG STORY of God.
We often mistakenly impose our culture and life on the pages of Scripture. But the text was written to a different world, with a different culture. We need to start THERE first, before we think we know what it means for us today.
The Bible was never meant to be treated like a "name it and claim it" collection of fun facts we like. It's God's story, but we're not feasting, we're sadly snacking.
We have added so much to the Bible...not the text itself, but the order of books, the division of books and the helps. Let's make sure the helps don't hurt!
We are ALL anchored to someone or something. An anchor grounds us and settles us. We take our anchor with us wherever we go. What is YOUR anchor?
We all want to be wise--and it comes not in some one and done mysterious, but in everyday practices we can ALL do! Here they are.
Friends--we love them and sometimes we tolerate them. Sometimes their "good intentions" only make things worse. And often it's because of a logic fallacy!
Not all problems are alike in intensity, severity, or priority. It's important that we learn to discern the difference between muddy puddles and leaky ceilings.
It's not one of the other, it's both. Jesus brought his authentic self to every situation because he knew who he was and therefore could let go of expectations on others. Can we do the same?
How many shoes do YOU have? Answer...too many! What if you encountered someone who had ONE pair and wanted another to preach the gospel? Today I'll tell you what I did!
It's so cool to see God use a simple thing to bring light and life to a community. We are honored to be part of God's water magnet in Zimbabwe.
Sometimes when we have to wait we can get frustrated. THIS DOESN'T MAKE SENSE GOD! Then when we see why we had to wait and God is working in a mighty way, our mouths open, not in complaint, but in praise!
Spiritual warfare is real. Sometimes it takes a trip to Africa to remind ourselves of the spiritual battle we are in.
We must to a much better job of giving honor where honor is due. The people of Zimbabwe can teach us!
We 1st worlders complain at cold lattes or heavy traffic. Yet in many parts of the world folks face scarcity like we'll never know without complaint. Lord teach us!
"I got problems, you got problems ALLLLLL God's people got problems" as the old saying goes. We can't escape them--the question is what do we do IN them?
Oh how quickly and easily we can be selfish. We don't want to be, but it happens when we don't even try to have compassion for what is happening in someone else's life and are only concerned with our own.
In only takes a little unguarded minute around your heart and mind. Just keep harboring that bitterness, that disappointment, that anger--and the Devil WILL burst in and try to ruin everything!
Wouldn't it be great to have Jesus with you always.? Teaching you, guiding you, encouraging you. Well......you do! Enter HOLY SPIRIT. Jesus said, He's Just Like Me!
People want to try to discredit the scriptures by denying their historical reality. Yet every day more and more proof is presented through archeology and other disciplines to show us our faith is FACT not FABLE.
It's easy to glamorize other people's lives and professions without understanding the sacrifices and pains that go with it. Have you ever wanted to be God's prophet?
YES life throws us curveballs, sometimes knuckleballs--but it's NOT true that we can't prepare for them. No we don't know the specifics or the severity of each situations but we can guard our hearts and minds. We can put holy practices into our normal days that will help us on the hard days.
You all know the story of The Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. But do you know the story of The Tower of Babel REVERSED?
It seems the church is going through a very rough patch right now. And if we're not careful we might mistakenly think this is unique. But it's not.
Bibles...we've got LOTS of them. But there was ONE guy who literally lost his life so we could read it in our language. We should remember and give thanks for him.
I love stories. We ALL do. We watch them, read them, and tell them. Jesus did too. He had many famous stories with a point. The key is to not MISS the point!
Are you "saved?" Well....what does that mean? It is salvation from sin and death because of Jesus sacrifice on the cross....but is it MORE than that?
That line come from the most famous Christian hymn of all time. But do you know the MAN BEHIND that hymn. Far from perfect, wretched, you might say--but a person of growing faith that finally won out and overtook the wretch that he was.
We excuse it. It's the "Christian sin." But it's still SIN. We need a whole lot more Ephesians 4:29 in the church!
He hate them, avoid them, stress over them--but eventually have to have them. Today let me share a simple four step process for how to have difficult conversations.
People have ALWAYS been fascinated with sea monsters, and we still are. Lock Ness hunters are still a thing. But YHWH is the one who has the final say on sea monsters--He's the one that puts them out to play!
We talk to ourselves all the time. We have this internal, in our heads chat going on. But what about PREACHING to ourselves?
Everyone seems to be crying about something else days. But not all crying is negative. What if we were the one's crying out GOOD NEWS?
Did you know there were TWO Jesus's in front of Pilate on that fateful day? They each represented a way of salvation, but they are so radically different in every way. Which way will it be for you Jesus of Nazareth or Jesus Barabbas?
We get overwhelmed trying to figure out what God wants from us. So we DO this or DO that hoping that's it! But our DOING comes from our BEING. We have ONE Job.
There are several guys on the pages of the New Testament named Herod. It can get confusing who's who. But remember--they are ALL bad examples!
We are most familiar with the beatitudes in the Sermon on the Mount. But there are some OTHER beatitudes that are pretty amazing and encouraging for us in this crazy world!
It's not ways easy to discern if we are in the center of God's will. Sometimes we rely TOO much of external circumstances to tell us. But sometimes we ignore the signs God has put right in front of our faces.
Boundaries are NOT unloving. They SHOW love--to yourself AND to others. One of the best ways to love is to be clear about your boundaries. When they are not observed, don't get MAD, get CLEAR--and follow through.
We are ALLLLLLL human. We sin, we blow it, we mess up. And SOMETIMES we may be hypocrites--pretenders--but the label often gets misapplied!
WHO...ARE...YOU? Who gets to decide that question? How do you know who you are? Are you living FROM an identity or FOR one?
There are so many tips, tricks and tools available to the Christian today to make our time in the Bible more enriching and fruitful in our transformation into Christlikeness. Let me give you ELEVEN today!
WHERE have you heard the voice of the Lord speaking clearest to your soul? Nature? Church? Maybe even SHOWER POWER!
History and historical facts can get all jumbled up in our heads. But if we can see a clear timeline--the work of God is even more amazing!
We literally can't do everything, be with everyone, see all there is to see. We have to CHOOSE. And choosing is cherishing.
How much of the Old Testament law is for us today? All of it? Some of it? What do we DO with it?
It's a life sucker! When we are NEVER content, ALWAYS comparing and complaining we have no joy. Let's stop looking across the IF ONLY River.
I love the reliability of the four Gospels. We can trust their accuracy as ancient biographies.
Our faces can reveal so much about what we're thinking. Sometimes, even in hard times, someone can give us THAT KNOWING SMILE!
We are usually NOT good at waiting. Yet in the waiting God is working, even if we can't see it, hear it or experience it. May we learn to savor silent Saturday.
There are life crushing moments that suck the very breath out of all of us. We see one of those moments as we take notice of those standing around the cross of Jesus.
We all love cozy word pictures. I don't know your view of God. But can you see him drawing you UNDER HIS WINGS?
It's so much easier to understand and appreciate virtually ANYTHING IF you know the background. That's never MORE true than with Holy Scripture.
Command vs. Culture, NOW vs. THEN, ONE time vs. ALL time. How do we know what God expects of us and what are not written for us?
Thank the Lord for the Bible. BUT the Bible has been so misused and abused by well meaning God lovers who haven't taken the time to dive into the background so than can comprehend its proper meaning.
We aren't told WHEN Jesus will return, but we are told the world is going to continue to get worse. And Paul gives us some signs to look for.
I didn't say start acting like you ARE God, but certainly start acting LIKE God. How? Who? Start and finish with Jesus!
I'm so glad sadness, heartbreak and heart ache don't get the last word. Jesus' life, death and resurrection made sure of that. Thanks be to God!
How persistent, consistent, relentless is Jesus love for us? Well, what if I told you, Jesus drags us?
Some details are more important than others. Some of interesting but not essential. When it comes to the place of the cross and empty tomb the most important thing is the WHO not the WHERE.
Ever wonder how the church worshipped the Lord in the early days. Let me give you a first hand glimpse into their service today.
The Umpire can make or break the game. Having a good, accurate, fair, and competent umpire is crucial. The same is true in our Christian walk. Well, GOOD NEWS, we have one!
Are you more considered with making other people happy or making the Lord pleased? Sometimes we feel the Spirit's fire, but we don't want to burn for God, so we throw water on it instead!
Have you ever been a streaker? I haven't. BUT there is a sense in which the Lord wants us to RUN NAKED!
One of the heresies of the early church was to made the God of the OT different from Jesus. The OT God is wrathful and must be appeased. Jesus is good and nice and all love. But the Trinity has no parts.
We all know how to dodge what we don't really want to do. In fact, we're quite good at it. The trouble comes when we try to do that with Jesus.
Oh what peace we could add to our lives if we only KNEW and LIVED IN the difference between surrender and stewardship.
There are heroes of the faith that we don't know, never heard of. Yet we owe them so much! Today we look at one of them, the Black Dwarf!
Did you know there's a WHOLE BUNCH of people cheering you on in your faith? Yep! They are in the nose bleed seats, pulling for YOU!
Here's someone we ALLLLLL can do to love others better. It's easy and the opportunities are EVERYWHERE! Philoxenia!
You can grieve those who love you, care for you and are close to you. What if the person we are grieving is God?
You have the best intentions. You want to bless someone, help someone, do good for another--but THEN something bad happens. Yep. It happened to Jesus too.
What emotions, reactions do you have when you hear the world "sacrifice?" How do you deal with all the blood and guts in the Old Testament? I have a VERY helpful insight for you today. Listen in!
We are NOT islands. We are ALL influenced by factors that make US, US! What are they? Let's talk!
If the horse is dead, dismount! Why does the church continue to hang onto losing methods of becoming like Jesus? Here are three that don't work.
Have you ever said something you instantly regretted and then you said, "Sorry, that wasn't me." BUT it WAS you. It's a heart problem.
Do you have any idols? By Paul's definition, I think we all do. Let's beware, it's IDOL TIME!
It's hard to know WHEN to say something about someone else's behavior. When is it loving and when is it just meddling? The Bible can help us here. Cover, don't cover up!
Where does God live? Well....depends on when in history. He, of course is BIGGER than any one place, but in time He has made his "home" in specific places. Today WE are God's living room!
Is there anyone you don't want to live next door to in heaven? Anyone you'd be MAD if God saved him or her? Who's on your OUT list?
We all make thousands of decisions every single day. They weight and consequence of those decisions are not all the same. Some are hats, some are haircuts and some are tattoos!
There are times when God is working, but we're not fully understanding. That's okay, it's just a "manna moment!"
People often say they are "searching for themselves." It's a fruitless quest. The "self" is clearly defined by the One who made us. Any other narrative is asking for trouble.
There are LOTS of reasons why forgiveness is difficult. Today let's look a reason not often talked about.
How we walk in the world is determined by how we view our role here. Are we pilgrims or tourists. The difference is obvious when your looking.
The wedding is easy compared to the marriage. The gym membership is a piece of cake compared to the fitness that only comes with time and consistency. We must know the difference between event and practice.
Helping others "cheer up" or "look at your blessings" often hurts more than it helps. Instead, what if we were safe people for others to process their ungrieved grief?
In a culture of rage, where the volume only gets louder--one way Christians can stand out for Jesus is to have an opinion, not a fit!
One of the lies of the devil is to keep telling you you're not enough. God can't bless what you might have for the sake of others. That's a lie from the pit of hell. He just wants you to share your lunch.
You and say a little and still say a lot. In just TWO WORDS Jesus reminds us who God is, who we are, and who we are to one another.
People leaving churches. People "deconstructing" their faith. People finding community with God's people. People encountering the living God in Jesus. ALLLLLLLLL that is happening. So what's going to happen to the church in America?
Words have power. Sometimes you know something and so does the other person, but when it comes out of their mouth, the magic happens. God wants to hear YOU say it!
Where do you get your value? Your worth? If you don't get it from the God who made you, you will see it in sick ways that won't every satisfy.
Is there anything TOO silly, TOO mundane to take the the Lord in prayer? What about parking places? Here's a story for you today.
Grief is not easy nor is it fast. It's a journey. But you don't have to take that journey alone and you can be a loving presence for those going through that dark valley.
What's your prayer life like? Do you DEMAND from God? Do you passively hope God doesn't something while you do not much? OR do you pray in the Middle Voice?
There are lots of cool examples of things Jesus healed instantly! But there are many things he didn't. Let's look at those!
When you believe that someone GETS you, they truly understand you, it makes all the difference in the world. There is someone who DOES!
Do you like history? It helps if you see it as HIS story. And there's more to the story than you and I know.
Life is.....SHORT, PRECIOUS, A GIFT....and so much more. But it's in realizing the brevity of life that we can make choices toward the abundant life for us and for others around us. In the end, we are walking each other home!
When we're large and in charge we have less problems because WE get to call the shots. But what if love calls on us to submit to people that have less knowledge and experience than we do? How do we do THAT in love?
I love questions! And I ask a lot of them...just ask my friends and family. But if you could ask JESUS ONE QUESTION, what would it be. Today, let's look ask someone who had that opportunity.
Two questions: 1) What are you seeking? 2) Does your life look like you're seeking what you SAY you're seeking?
The way the poetry goes you'd think loving would be easy peasy lemon squeezy! But love lived out it that simple AND that complex!
Every single human carries with him or her the power of life and death and we wield that power everyday!
There are seasons and rhythms to all our lives. Today we reflect on Ecc 3:1-8 and ask God, What Time Is It?
What is a "bad" word? Is it ever appropriate to use harsh, bad, strong language to get your point across? Paul thought so!
"Home." What emotions and feelings come with that word for you? If you can from a loving, nurturing environment that word is sweet. And that's what we should feel with Jesus.
Christians fight unnecessary fights with nonbelievers because we or they try to make the Bible something it's not. Let the Bible be what it is!
The church is (rightly) concerned about people's eternal destiny. We want to populate heaven with those who have said YES to the good news. But what about getting HEAVEN into US so we can be that effective witness?
Moses was asked to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. Why do YOU stand on holy ground? The answer might surprise you!
We CRAVE knowledge. We have the false belief that if we have enough of it, we can do anything, solve any problem and so on. But the truth is there was always be HOLES. So instead, focus on the WHOLES.
We are all on a quest for joy. The sad irony is, for many, the quest for joy leads to despair. It doesn't have to be that way. Listen in!
There are so many who have promised and NOT followed through. We get cynical. But what if there is one who HAS promised and DOES follow through EVERY TIME? There is! And His promises are fantastic!
It's sad that we often forget to remember what's good for us and we don't remember to forget what's not. But we are the managers of our memories. Let's be more intentional!
What is a GREAT person (other than Jesus of course)? What makes that person great? Are you "great?" How does Jesus define it?
Are you able to face your own mortality with peace? The ONLY way that happens is IN and THROUGH Jesus.
We are not the random victim of our thoughts. We are the victim of the thoughts WE welcome or allow to stay!
Why is if we are sooooooo much info about the Lord, but we don't attract the world TO the Lord. I think I know...
Being a grown up means there are things we don't want to do but we do anyway. Being a Christian means all that and more. What is it you know God wants you to do, but you don't want to do it? Do It Anyway.
Sometimes we talk about the need to deal with the elephant in the room, meaning an uncomfortable topic we ALL know exists but don't want to acknowledge. BUT what about the gorilla in the room we don't even see?
How do you define success? Is your life a "success?" Let's make sure we don't get to the end of our journey and realize we've succeed at the WRONG things.
I bet you haven't had many people encouraging you to suck, have you? But today, when it comes to the Lord and His Word, I want us to SUCK, Don't Crunch!
Time is NOT the same as TIMING. If we're going to love like Jesus, it's best we learn the difference.
We all have blindspots. Areas of our lives that are hurting us and hindering us from loving God, others and ourselves well. Thank God for people who speak truth in love into our lives so we can name it to tame it.
Do you like to look in the mirror? Some people do, I mean they REALLY do! For others mirrors are a necessity not a pleasure. But which mirror most accurately reflects the real you?
Some people get really theologically nervous when you talk about working "with" God or even doing something "for" God. They are afraid it undermines justification by faith. That's not the case. Let's look closer.
Have you ever had a REAL AWFUL ENEMY? What if I told you your last enemy is already defeated, so relax?
ME FIRST! That's the mantra of the masses. YOU first, is the way of the cross. Which one characterizes your life?
Have you given much thought to what songs you'd want sung or played at your memorial service? What songs would best reflect your life and faith? One person made his list, see what you think!
Do you have a birthmark? I do. Right there on my chin, but I keep it covered with facial hair most of the time. Do followers of Jesus have obvious birthmarks?
Do you have a scarcity mindset? Are you afraid you'll run out of something you will desperately need? Let's talk today about something what never stops coming your way.
Everyone grieves and everyone's experience and timetable of grieve is different. We can't expect everyone to grieve as we do. Love means walking with them on their grief journey, NOT trying to determine the pace.
We are prideful people. WE NEED help but it's so hard to admit it. Isn't it time to JUST ASK?
Have you ever wondered if YOU have committed the unpardonable sin? What is it? How do you know if you've committed it? Let's talk!
Often when we read the Bible we come across a verse that just doesn't made sense to us. Now, there's nothing wrong with the verse. There is something wrong with our eyes. We are seeing it through 21st instead of 1st century glasses. A great example of that is DOGS and PIGS.
Who are you enemies? What if the enemies you think you have aren't the ones you should worry about the most?
People sometimes just make stuff up. Jesus said _______, when he never did. And the Evil One plants messages "from the Lord" that are NOT from the Lord. There are things you may THINK Jesus said, that he NEVER said.
I don't think we think seriously enough about how fleeting our opportunities are to make a difference in someone's life. We may not get another conversation. We may not have another day. Sometimes, you got one shot!
How negative are you toward life, the world, and people? Today, it's easier than ever to be negative. Are you claiming that all is HEVEL?
We all have a garden to tend. It's the garden of our soul. What weeds are you allowing to grow there that's choking our the life of your soul and what seeds need more water and care?
Quality of Life, we all want it, but what is it and how do we get it or even know if we have it. Today, four words that might help us.
What makes a person someone you'll willing to trust? What qualities are need to to be a trustworthy person for someone else? Are you someone to trust?
What is it that you want that deep down you believe if you had it, you'd be happy? Does happiness come in BIGGER HOUSES?
There are moments when you witness the agony in someone else's life. You can't fix it, but you can give them the gift of your presence when they are wrestling on their Olive's brow.
Most of the time our decisions are not between GOOD and BAD or even GOOD and BETTER, but between BETTER and BEST!
When someone is in mourning we fear we don't know what to say. Or we fear we'll say the wrong thing (and many often do). Sometimes the best way to love is to just sit shiva.
God loves his creation, from the greatest to the least. If God loves, cares for and sees a sparrow--how much more does He loves you?
What a person chooses to KEEP and what a person chooses to THROW AWAY says a lot about that person. What do you throw away? What does God throw away?
Where is your nearest library? I bet it's closer than you think and it's not what you think. READ before it burns down!
We are influenced by others everyday, all day. And some are more influential than others. But THE most influential person in your life may not be the person you think!
We're all a little different...some a little MORE different than others. Christian are called to be different too. But what EXACTLY does that difference look like in the real world? Titus 3 can help!
What do you know about lefties? Do you know the "struggles" we face in every day life? What about the struggles of others who may not be like you? Are you in tune with the way they must walk through the world?
Haste makes.......well, it certainly doesn't make HOLY! Hurry does a lot of things to us, most of them are not good. It's counter intuitive but true--slow down to find what you're looking for.
Whether you play Wordle or not, there are seemingly small and insignificant ways you can connect with people you care about. Let's find them and use them for the glory of God.
Often events are JUST joyous, there's something some pain or anticipated pain in the offering. How can we best battle the bittersweet moments of life?
We often think if I just explain my view well enough, the other person will agree. BUT that didn't happen with Jesus, why do you think it will happen with you. Insight is not enough.
One of the biggest MISreads of the Bible is to see our faith as only personal and private. The cultures of the Bible would not understand our hyper individualism and we should reject it too.
I DON'T UNDERSTAND can turn into OHHHHHH NOW I UNDERSTAND if and when we get a fresh perspective.
What "runs" your life? It is more grouchiness or gratitude? Let's look at a guy who had EVERY REASON to be grouchy, but instead, he was very grateful!
When God wakes you up each morning what does He want you to do with and in your day? What if you KNEW, without a doubt what his mission for you was each and every day? Well you CAN KNOW what's yours to do when God wakes you up!
If you've walking with the Lord very long, you've questioned God's timing. What didn't he step in and do this or that sooner??? Even Jesus got an ear full about what others perceived as very bad timing!
In a seemingly ever darker world, do you have hope? If not why not? If so, on what do you base your hope?
What is the most unlikely place or situation where you've had a deep meaningful conversation with someone. Let me tell you about mine while I was sittin' in a dress that opens in the back!
We do it all the time. WE PRACTICE. It might be a sport, or brushing our teeth or our job, but we practice. But do we practice for HOLINESS?
Is the gospel ANTI obedience? What role does obedience play in the gospel? What do you do about ALL the text that say the gospel is to be OBEYED?
When we say "no comparison" we mean the one thing is CLEARLY, WITHOUT QUESTION better than the other. Does it help to compare our sufferings with heaven?
When have you really really wanted to get someone back for what they did to you? Is revenge ever a good thing? If so, when is the best time to get it?
Have you ever had an unexpected yet totally wonderful moment where God was present and you knew it? You recognize the vulnerability, the love, the grace, the hope and it blows you away.
It's very hard to admit we're mistaken. Somehow we take it personally. We falsely think it affects our self worth and value. Let's practice saying "I could be wrong."
We really really really want to know God's will for our lives. And we WILL DO IT if only we could figure out what it is! What if we're making it more complicated than it needs to be?
Ohhhh we want to know. Do you agree with me or not? And if not, well, anathama! Away with you! Let's let Joshua help us.
You ever notice how you begin to notice the thing you just bought everywhere? It's not that everyone else just bought one too. It's you've just started paying attention. What are you paying attention to?
Question--who is the most important woman in the New Testament. Mary you say? Yes, but what about THAT Mary, the contrary one?
What does God want from us more than ANYTHING? If you say "faith" you might have to argue with Paul!
Being honest about the "whys" of any relationship is hard, but necessary work. In no relationship is that "why" question more important than in our relationship with the Lord.
Responding to suffering can be tricky for a person of faith. We MUST acknowledge it for the pain and problem it is AND we must see it in a wider more glorious perspective.
There are things in our life and our walk with God that's ONE AND DONE. But other things are to be a way of life. It's important to know the difference.
This episode is all about being socially and spiritually sensitive to others around you before you just start "being honest" with people.
Everyone thinks about it. And we wish the Lord would have said more about it. What do you think? What will heaven be like?
We all love heaven. We love to think about it, talk about it, preach about it and so on. But what about hell? How comfortable are you talking about hell? Maybe a Hitler story would help.
No good or Godly parent would want to intentionally set their kids up for failure; just he opposite. Yet we may be unintentionally doing just that.
Just say the word "church" and lots of different images pop into people's heads. Some are true, many are not. Here are six misconceptions about the church.
The pull to produce and "be somebody" and "have something" is so strong. It's not all bad, but it can become an idol that describes that which matters most.
Do you know what your name means? Ichabod means NO GLORY. But that was just a snapshot in time, not the whole story!
I'm not asking if you "believe" in miracles, I'm asking if you see them. And I'm not talking about one in a blue more, I'm talking about all day every day. Let me show you how.
Oh the unnecessary wars Christians fight over science. It does not need to be. Let's talk.
The trouble we have is our vision. We can't see all of our life at the same time. That means in any given moment THAT moment might be horrible. We would do well to remember the cake.
You and I face hard times WE WILLINGLY agree to and choose. Why? Because we believe, in the end, we'll say "it was worth it!"
Do you like to study? I do. But study MUST lead somewhere or it's worse than useless. That's true for BIBLE study too. You've got to get to Jesus!
Do you have any blessed "used to thinks?" You once thought thus and so, but now you know and live differently. It that a good thing or not? Sometimes loving is UNlearning!
It hard to talk to people who see the world different than you do. Yet that's the challenge of every generation. Today, let's look briefly at one generation and they questions they want the church to lovely answer.
Let's be real, PEOPLE ANNOY US! And sometimes it doesn't take much. But if that person if a friend, we much for quickly excuse and overlook the same offense. What if we became a secret ally?
Life IS NOT fair. So what? Are we to just accept that fact or does Jesus call us to be an advocate to those being unfairly treated?
How can you help someone who is living now know and appreciate someone who is no longer living? The answer is STORIES! What stories about others are you telling that help promote T2G?
Dealing with death is not an option. It's not something you can take or leave. The only question is HOW are you dealing with it--with or without hope?
Are the GOD moments always the BIG moments? Can we learn to find the Lord at work and wonder at his love in the seemingly small moments of our lives? You bet!
Which is more important DOING or BEING? Can we do one without the other and have the same impacts for the Lord? I don't think so.
We live in an increasingly angry world. We ALL get sucked up into it. It's something very appropriate to be mad--just make sure you're GOOD and mad.
Today is a continuation of yesterday's episode on anger. Here we get some tips to tame the temper.
Temper, Temper! Does your temper get the better of you sometimes? What's that all about? Where's it coming from and what do we do about it. Let's see, starting with this episode today.
Archaeology might sound dull and boring to you. Yet what is uncovered isn't about things, it's about PEOPLE. And as you relate to people, you too and be an archaeologist!
We all inherited more than just eye color and DNA from our ancestors. We also inherited ways of being and doing. Attitudes, habits, worldviews are all part of what it means for grandpa to live in our bones.
Sin secrets will destroy us. We falsely think we are helping ourselves by hiding our faults. But confession really is good for the soul!
Do you "go with the flow" or do you swim upstream? Well, it depends on the situation, right? Sometimes just going along as you always have is not just a bad idea, it's a terrible idea!
The lessons of the Lord are everywhere, if we have eyes to see. Today, the lesson of life from two pencils.
SQUIRREL! We say that and we laugh at people who are easily distracted. It that you? Let's not believe the lie that we can't do anything about it. We can! Let's focus people!
It's not only bad things like colds and pandemics that are contagious. Good things are too and we can be part of that holy spread!
We don't think about it, recognize it or adjust for it--but we should. We ARE being formed and fashioned by all things we allow to come into our lives. Whose hands are on the wheel?
Hellos are hard, but goodbyes are harder. It there a way, a word, that can help us express the feelings we feel when the parting is painful?
It doesn't take much, yet it can be so powerful. A little refreshment of body and soul can draw people into the community of love and we can ALL do it.
Can you get closer to God in one place over another? Does place matter? What do you do to "feel" closer to the God who is already with you?
It's fun to dabble in this verse or that one. To jump from one text to the other, But there is a danger to the Hop On Hop Off approach we should be aware of.
We live in a very noise world. We seem to think we can't do without it all the time. That's not true. Sometimes words just get in the way. Let the moment BE the message.
In a mass of humanity, it's easy to not notice people; even though there are people all around us. Pay close attention to the people in your life who are going against the flow.
Do you talk to yourself? I bet you do, but is that okay? YES! It's more than okay, it's biblical!
We stay, we listen, we sometimes even participate in conversations that are not of the Lord. We know it but we don't do anything about it. Let's change that.
If you go to Jerusalem today, there are two primary sites for the cross and the tomb. Why didn't the early disciples make sure we knew exactly where it was? The answer is simple and profound. Listen in.
In the ancient world there were temples to gods everywhere. You pick your god and worship. Easy peasy! I don't think much has changed.
If I asked you to define "witness" you'd probably say something about sharing your faith. But do you see our corporate worship as also witness?
It's never a question of WILL you get discouraged, it's always a question of HOW you will handle it WHEN it comes. Today, a story about discouragement in my life and how I handled it.
It's easier to look good on the outside and not deal with that can't be scene. Bitterness is a root that can rise up and cause trouble. How are you doing, battling bitterness?
Have you ever read a book and been disappointed in the ending? What about a Bible book?
Being overly concerned about the future gets us into trouble. We can be ANXIOUS and WORRY about what MIGHT come and miss the moment. And we can find our joy in the plans we have for down the road and miss the joy right in front of us now.
I love a great story and the story of Jesus is the greatest of all. AND it's TRUE. I'm so thankful we don't just have ONE account but FOUR. Dig in!
It's not loving to label people into a group we hate so we can hate them too. It's more like Jesus to seek to know a person in a deeper way, that goes become a label you might give them or a label they give themselves.
Most of the time our prayers are safe, not bold. They are asking for what we want God to give us, instead of asking God to give us what HE wants, even if it's uncomfortable.
We don't want to be vulnerable, to put ourselves in a position where we could be hurt. But we do need people we can trust with our whole selves. Who do you trust?
What do you see all around you when you look at the world today? Is it all bad, negative and depressing? There's more going on than we sometimes have eyes to see. Let's look closer.
When we think we know best, it's hard to not PUSH to hard. But there's good news. The Holy Spirit is the one who draws people to the Lord. That's not our job.
When life is a bowl of cherries, it's easy to trust God. But what about when life is hard it God seems to be working against us?
We can get all worked up trying to convince someone of our love and faithfulness. Maybe the person has been burned and abandoned before. Well, God says "I'm not going anywhere. NO WAY, NOT GONNA HAPPEN!"
"Rituals" can be empty and devoid of heart OR they can be rich and full of meaning. How do you feel about THE SIGN OF THE CROSS?
God doesn't dwell in buildings, but in people. People do and should come together in buildings to worship, learn, serve and encourage. And yet we can also find GOD ON THE EDGES.
It's getting harder and harder to let relationships go. With the internet there are always ways to keep relationships "alive." But that's NOT the way it's supposed to be. We all need to allow some sacred goodbyes.
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT--that's the way of the world, but not the way of Jesus. BUT we are to fight the GOOD fight aren't we? Let's talk!
Have you ever wanted to get beyond pleasant chit chat and talk about what's really happening in our souls. Here are 8 conversation questions to help with that in everyday life.
I remember Donny Osmond singing "And they called it puppy love." It was about a teenage crush. But we can have "puppy love" about much more than romance. It's puppy love over perseverance for too many of us!
Respect...when we don't have it, it feels like we're being suffocated. Yet there are the invisible people we interact with everyday who are not respected. You can be the difference maker in Jesus' name!
We DO become like what we hang around! And that means as the church (I mean the people of God) hang around the world, holiness can become more muddy because we're looking in the wrong place.
Are you more of a positive or negative person. Sometimes, when we see what's going on in the world, it's hard to be genuinely encouraged or encouraging. Maybe an ancient letter can help us.
When we don't believe we are loved we will seek it or try to destroy those who didn't give it to us.
Our relationship with God is...A RELATIONSHIP. All relationship go through times of closeness and times when things feel more distant. One thing you can do is mix it up to drive it home!
We want to believe we have lot and lot of years with the people we love. But the truth is, we don't know. Everyday is a gift. Let's make sure we are saying all our HELLO'S before we have to say GOODBYE.
Sometime we don't realize that when we say YES to one thing we are equally saying NO to many other things. We can't pray "Thy Kingdom Come" and still live comfortably in our own kingdoms.
Have you every watched people interact when you couldn't understand their language? Even without the linguistic knowledge, you can always tell if love is spoken here!
You can tell a lot about a person by what they say and what they DON'T say. The same is true with prayer. We know some of what Jesus prayed, but what didn't he pray? And what's the ONE prayer request he had for us?
What do you think? Can you judge the future by the past? Is it an absolute rule? What are the exceptions? What are the dangers of applying that saying to people?
Would you say Jesus is your friend? If so, what do you mean by that? Is he your friend in the same way your buddy up the street is your friend? Let's be careful!
If there is one little white lie that we permit ourselves to say over and over it's "I didn't have time." That's a lie. So let's be honest.
Oh boy! Memories are powerful things. Our physical bodies to reaction to them like an allergy attack. What do we do when we're allergic to our memories?
What is someone has a bigger "portion" than you? How do you feel? What do you do? Maybe you're looking at the wrong portion!
There are some very practical steps we can take when we feel the brokenness of the world or even of our own lives. They come down to four verbs.
There are soooooo many good and beautiful things available to us each and every day that we flat out ignore. May God makes us sensitive and receptive to his many good gifts.
When you see things happening in the culture around you, how do you normally respond? Is it the way of Jesus? Let's look at some options.
How obvious is your faith in God? Can it be clearly seen and plainly understood by you life not just your lips? May our faith be as obvious as the waving of a blind man!
If someone audited your prayers what themes and patterns would emerge? How would your prayers compare to the prayers of God's people in the Bible?
Do you remember the first time you held someone's hand and the love the flowed between you was tangible? Hand holding can show care and safety. God wants to hold YOUR hand!
There are people for whom you have only ONE memory and it may be a BAD one. Today can we gave grace in knowing there is so much more to his or her life than the ONE frame in time where I have frozen that person?
We all love happy ending and truth be told, we WANT to live one ourselves. BUT seeing a story as happy or not depends on where you stop the story!
It's so tricky to have a proper view of ourselves. We get imperfect input from others as to our value and ability. Sometimes we think we are Superman and we've got the cape to prove it!
Long distance relationships are hard, taxing and draining. May your relationship with God but nothing like that! He's a near as your next breath!
What do you want on your tombstone. Will it be about your greatest accomplishment, what is most valuable to you, or what was done FOR you instead?
Information overload is real. It can lead to caring fatigue. But what if there are many things we were never supposed to know?
We are very very very upset when our latte is late or our favorite team loses. But are we at least equally if not more upset of the things that should break our hearts?
Let's face it sometimes we come to worship with the church and we've NOT FEELING IT. So, is it, then, wrong to sing anyway? Let's talk.
It's a really really big deal to God how we treat those who can't help us back. You don't have to look very far at all to see hurting people. How will you treat the bruised and smoldering?
We are usually very aware of our bad habits. But there are SOME habits we do that we may be mostly obvious to, yet the damage to relationships is just as real.
We label people and groups as ALL good or ALL evil and that's neither fair or true. Sometimes they're just the good, bad guys!
We often use churchy words but don't fully grasp wha we're saying. I say, let's know what we mean when we speak. Amen?
If you're a Lord of the Rings fan, that phrase is easy to recognize. But what really is PRECIOUS to you and how do you know?
Some of us are real criers. We cry at most anything touching. Others of us are more stoic. But ALL of us can be more empathic to the pain of others around us. We can all learn to cry like Rachel.
Whatever you might think is your greatest foe, THIS day remembers us, it is defeated. All that we dread, including death itself, is swallowed up in the glorious victory of the Resurrected Lord. Thanks be to God--WE HAVE A GRAVE ROBBER!
Wisdom! We all need more of it in our lives and the good news is God's wisdom will meet us in all the places where we need it the most.
I know it's illegal and unhealthy. But I'm not talking about incest. I'm talking today about something much more spiritually profound that if we embraced its truth it would immediately strengthen every marriage.
We are BUSY, BUSY, BUSY! But is busyness the measure of a good and beautiful life. Let's not fall for the placebo of productivity.
For many people faith is not their own, it's 2nd hand, like someone else's smoke that now clings to you but doesn't really belong to you.
It's easy to think of God as "the force that is far away." But the truth is, God is the loving Father who is ever near.
It's a Frank Sinatra song and a method of golf. It's full of grace but not very fair. I also may be a key to love!
Temptations are hard, I get it. But don't buy the lie that you "deserve it" or "ask long as you're happy that's all the matters." Those are lies from the pit of hell. It's time for commitment over craving.
There are certain "bible words" that make us cringy when applied to us. "Sacrifice" might be one of them. But, let's take a closer look. Sacrifice is NOT a dirty word.
It's so easy to be negative, to believe the worst, expect the worst and give up hope. But that's not the way of that walkers with Jesus. It's time to stop being a cynical Christian.
"LOVE!" Oh how that word gets thrown around so sloppily. It's so fragile and fickle. Is there any "forever love" we can really count on?
There have been a lot of "one hit wonders" that have moved us and changed our lives. They are in the Bible too. Let's look to Ethan.
What's the motivation, the reason for living with goodness? Why not be as mean as selfishness demands, if I can get away with it? There a good reason to be good!
When does your life most resemble the life of our Savior? What character trait is most like Christ? Well, I think I know!
Oh the throw away line--"I'm fine, how are you?" But we're all broken and hurting. How can we find and be people with whom the truth can be told?
Saying something is not the same as DOING something. We can deceive ourselves and short-circuit the spiritual transformation when we confuse confession with repentance.
We are constantly in a state of becoming. The good news is you and I have a LOT of say in what we will become--but it takes intentionality on our part.
We can soooooo easily convince ourselves that whatever we want, think, do is RIGHT. And yet it can be harmful to us and others. The key isn't to follow our heart, but to GIVE our heart to God and follow him instead!
There are too many people just "trying to do better" without the indwelling power and loved enabling them. Let's not just be cleaned up; let's be filled up!
We've all been caught saying something to one person we didn't want the other person to hear, but he or did. BUSTED! It's hard to clean up after that verbal miscue. What if we always assumed there's an open mic.
If you are holding out on forgiving someone who has hurt you, you're harming yourself more than you are the other person. It's time to set yourself free.
Words have GREAT power in our lives. Words from God are good, beautiful and true. Some of those words are Little BIG Words!
There are times when we all see an event as HORRIBLE, the WORST EVER. And later, as bad as it was, we can learn to thank God that it happened.
Sometimes we feel STUCK! We THINK we can't do anything to change a bad situation. We are NOT STUCK. Listen in.
If you listen closely to what people praise, you will quickly understand what/who is most important in life to that person. Because we praise what we love.
We're so tempted to live in the lament of what could have been. God has a better plan. Yesterday is forgiven. Live in the Power of Today!
Citizenships is a BIG deal. But what does it mean to be a citizen of heaven? Is it more than just "going to heaven when we die?"
We assume the way we have experienced or reacted to something is how EVERYONE ELSE SHOULD TOO. That's not the case or the Christlike way to love people well.
Telling someone to TAKE IT EASY often seems like an insult. If they are getting all worked up in anger you might say TAKE IT EASY. But taking it easy is a good thing, a GOD thing and a neglected thing.
Have you ever felt guilty for taking communion? Ever felt like, maybe I shouldn't, I'm too much of a sinner? If that's you, this episode is a much needed narrative correction for your life! Listen in!
The Main Thing isn't a THING at all. And the main thing is always the main thing--it's doesn't change from time to time or person to person. Let's keep the main thing, the main thing.
When we are out of balance, we are in danger of tipping over. We are body, mind, and spirit. We can't neglect any and walk through life very well.
Wandering minds! We all suffer from this malady. It's hinders our ability to love. Let's give ourselves and everyone around us the present of presence.
Life is to short for plastic, fake, surfaces relationships. Let's lean into and love out of real ones!
Did you know there are at least 7 ways you can be generous. It's not just about money. And did you know that being generous will benefit YOU in many cool ways!
You don't have to live your life in chaos. You can say NO to things that don't bring life. You can prioritize things that are of the Lord. It's time for ORDER! Order in the Christian!
Don't DRIFT Disciple! You only have THIS day, THIS moment. Live into and out of it with INTENTION.
It's an uphill battle to try to live life simply when the world tells you constantly you're not enough unless you have this, do that, go here, achieve the other thing. It's exhausting. But it's not Godly. Let's practice the KISS METHOD.
I want to convert you! If you're a "glass half empty" person, I want you to begin to see the good and beautiful things around you all the time. I want you to GROW IN GRATITUDE!
I fear many of us wander through life without any plan to schedule in and then live out the true values of our lives. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Let's instead plan to live our values.
How do you feel when OTHERS are being blessed and you're not? Not only are you not blessed but your burdened, hurting, and it seems God isn't going to do anything about it.
What is "cursing?" What is "swearing?" It's probably not what you think it is according to the Bible.
Jesus is not removed, distant, unfeeling or uncaring. It's not inexperienced in the ways of the world. He GETS US. Thanks be to God!
IDENTITY! That's a BIG word today. The question is who gets to decide that for you? Don't say "I do" because you don't make that determination without lots of outside influence. Are you wondering about your worth?
What we do to prepare for the big moment is even more important than what we do IN the big moment. One guys has a lot to teach us in that area.
We are all influenced by the voices of others attempting to speak into our lives. We better allow access carefully because it really matters who has your ear.
In a world of shame and blame, mocking and dehumanization--God's people are always to be about preserving dignity.
Some folks are roosters and others night owls. But no matter, in the Lord we are all morning people!
We don't like pain, not one little bit! We avoid it at all costs and when we can't we ask God to take it away. But sometimes he doesn't. When he doesn't it's for our good. Maybe it's time to make friends with thorns.
There are many blessings we think we deserve, but the truth is they are none earned and all gifts. So let's learn to be thankers!
Some medicines are soul, bitter, hard to swallow and downright unpleasant. But there is a medicine scripture talks about that's none of those things. It's the BEST medicine.
If you would making a list of dirty jobs, what would be on your list? What about a list of cool jobs? In Scripture there were these guys who as a pretty cool job and we can have it too!
We can't stop the storms from coming, but can and do prepare for their arrival all day every day. In your little habits and routines in peace, you are preparing for the times of panic. Because crisis is an amplifier.
Often I think we ask the wrong questions. And we ask them in ways that makes it all about US instead of all about the Lord. Let's stop "asking Jesus into our hearts" and start asking to enter His instead!
Sometimes you can't even tell what they are supposed to be--but you hang them on your refrigerator anyway because they were made and given with love. God views our imperfect attempts to love the same way.
The words "children" and "questions" go together. How else will they learn? Well, we answer their questions not just by what we SAY but also by how we live.
How honest can you be with God? Do you have to sugar coat it, hold back, make sure you only say polite things to God? Well, Herman didn't!
We can become disillusioned into things that the way things are right now (good or bad) is the way they always will be. The more health perspective is to recognize, it won't be like this for long.
Fishing can be good or bad, depending of a lot of things. Spiritually it can be good when we are "fishing for men" that is caring for the souls of others. It can be bad when we are fishing for forgiven sin, ours or others.
When does a really bad thought true into a sin? Today's episode has some good news/bad news with it for this topic.
I know people say there are no stupid questions, but let's face it there are! But did Jesus ever ask a stupid question? I don't think so.
Nicknames can be fun and loving or mean and hurtful. The trouble with nicknames if they can be applied wrongfully and then continue to hurt and cause pain for years after the label was given.
You've heard the expression "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." But sometimes you can't get out of the kitchen. We can't run from the heat and the heat will transforms us, one way or the other. We want to be transformed in the fire, to be more like Jesus.
We all need the input of others. Others know things, see things, and perceive things we just don't/can't. BUT sometimes we aren't looking for advice and it comes to us unwelcome and unwanted. That doesn't feel very loving.
All of our hearts ARE after something; the question is what or whom? I'm so thankful for messed up people who have made BIG mistakes gracing the pages of scripture. It's not our sin, but our heart that matters to the Lord.
Safety. It's a multi-billion dollar business and the concern of every thinking person. And we fear our fear will only increase because we believe the world is ever becoming LESS safe. But what if we ARE safe?
It's easy to buy the lie that if I could just (fill in the blank here which something BIG), then I'd be truly happy. The truth is, happiness comes in the little things.
There's a real danger is saying everything that comes to our minds. It can damage relationship in ways that can't be repaired. Sometimes it's best to say nothing at all.
Where, who or what is your En Gedi? Your place of refreshment. When you find it--take the opportunity it gives you before it's too late!
There are the unnoticed, unsung heroes of our lives. The people who loved us, gave to us, encouraged us, protected us in ways the world will never know. But we wouldn't be who we are without them. Today, let's thanks God for them.
People know when they are loved and when others are only pretending to love them. And the pain of being loved less is too often part of our life-long burden. May God heal our wounds when someone else was loved more.
We love hanging with people who think, act, vote, dress, etc. like we do. But life is very messy and we don't always have that option (nor should we). Instead we have to deal with our "ites!"
Have you ever been disciplined? YES! But have you ever been disciplined BY GOD? If so, what was it like and what was the purpose--condemnation or correction?
Aren't we kind of proud of ourselves when we can list off all the things we are busy with? It makes us feel important. But what's the motivation behind our busyness? How does that differ from hurriedness?
I love questions. But question that are the right ones, at the right time, to the right person are best. I think evangelical Christians are asking the wrong question.
Have you ever felt led by God to do something, say something, or give something. The wonderful truth is God doesn't NEED us, he INVITES us to be a part of what he's doing in the world. Who will you respond, when the heart prompts?
There are some songs that draw us like a magnet to something good, beautiful and true. That's the HOME SONG.
It's so hard to remain PRESENT in the PRESENT. We are either future tripping into a world not yet to be or we are stuck in the mud of yesterday. Are you living in the past?
Glasses help us see. BUT if we are wearing the wrong prescription the word will be distorted and blurry to us. We all wear glasses, let's make sure they are the right ones.
It's challenging to sum up human history in just a few words or images. But I believe you can do it with just three trees!
We aren't patient people, not with ourselves and not with God. But SOMETIMES we can be thankful for the LONG way instead of the shortcut.
I don't want an easy to understand, no problem grace. I want grace that is scandalous--and that's exactly what God's grace is--now it's up to us to receive it, celebrate it and then give it away!
Do you believe God is good ALL the time? If so, how do you explain the suffering in the world and in our own lives?
What's the most cringe worthy request you've ever heard? Well, the Bible has one that tops them all!
Is there anything you do to prepare your heart and mind for the public worship of God? Often family struggle get to church. They fight and fuss or they are simply distracted on their devices. What if we started SING our way to church like the Jews did?
Do you have a problem with bragging? We do it because we think we need it to help others have the impression of us we want them to have. Well, if we're going to brag, let's Bible brag!
Some folks have a habit of thinking THIS place is holy so I much be on my best behavior for God. But THAT place is NOT holy so I can say and do whatever I please. Here's the problem. YOU are the one to be holy, not just the place, so every space is holy.
We show what our priorities are by how we live our lives. We can SAY we value one thing, but our actions speak louder than words. Where is the priority of God in your life?
A.W. Tozer said what you think about God is the most important thing about you. Do you think God has a sense of humor? If not, where did we get ours from?
Who is the most courageous person you know? What makes you call them courageous? In 2023 we will all be called upon to have courage. Let's talk.
What if you intentionally gave yourself permission to slow down this year? To spend more time BEING and less time DOING, STRIVING, WORRYING. What if you could be present in the moment instead of worrying about the future or regretting the past? What if you began 2023 with the vow to really, actually SLOW DOWN?
"Time Management" and "Priorities"...we ALL have to figure that out. And if we're not careful the urgent takes the spot of the important. Remember to put in the big rocks first!
Some people make them, other don't. BUT we all want to improve ourselves in the year ahead. Here are some ideas, suggestions. Pick what works for you and can THAT YOUR New Year's Resolution.
Contentment is hard to come by and hard to hold on to--but we CAN learn it. Let's vow on this NEW DAY of this NEW YEAR to start with contentment.
As you think about the year now done, what emotions, what memories, stir within you? It's okay to look back to repent and to give thanks. Let's just not get stuck there.
Life REQUIRES intentionality or we WILL drift and the places we drift to will not be good. We can get lost or we can live with intention. To not decide IS to decide.
When you are tasked with arranging the sitting at an important event, how do you decide who sits by who? And who sits by YOU?
This episode encourages us to SLOW DOWN. Pause in the in-between. Don't rush from one task to the next. And here are some ideas to help us practice Statio and find God's peace.
Advent has been a time of waiting. And yesterday we celebrated that Christ as come.....BUT we're not finished waiting because we're still in the muddled middle.
I've been in a few delivery rooms in my time. They are always packed with pain and potential. They can be full of anticipation and anxiety. Thank God for the delivery room of Christmas!
Fear not! Well, that's easier said than done! Maybe that's why we hear it so often in scripture. What fears are you harboring this Christmas?
Sometimes you give a gift or get a gift but it's not for now, it's for later, even MUCH later. It's important, valuable, but delayed in its full meaning. The original Christmas story has three of those for us to consider.
What do you do with Santa? How does he fit into the Christmas story, or does he? Let's consider Santa's tomb.
The mask debate is ramping up again. But regardless of what you think about wearing masks, we can all give thanks for Christmas, the day God took the mask off!
Would Christmas still go on in America if Jesus were completely removed from it. Absolutely...it's true already. Followers of the Christ child have to be intentional NOT to be simply sucked into cultural Christmas.
As we enter Christmas Week, here is a grounding, centering prayer to help you find the peace intended for this season and for all year too.
Is the Gospel Good News? If so, how can that possibly mean we are to live our lives frustrated by a constant concern about sin management?
Relationships are not one way streets; yet often we THINK that's the way it is with God and us. Do you think God cares about YOUR desires? How you answer that question will determine how you feel about God and how you speak to Him.
Do you think you see yourself the way others see you? Why not ask them? It might be just the conversation you need to grow in Christlikeness.
It doesn't take much to tear us down or to build us up. Words can be weapons of destruction or instruments of blessing. Here are nine little phrases that bless. Pick them!
Someone yells at you. You yell back. Someone hurts you. You hurt back. That's not T2G. That's not the way of Jesus. And that doesn't have to be YOUR way either.
Our view of Mary is complicated. Some seem to elevate us higher than we are comfortable. Others seem to ignore her completely. But she is the Theotokos you know!
Today I welcome a special guest to the podcast to help explain an intentional strategy to pass on the legacy of faith.
We all have had those quiet, unassuming people in our lives who have impacted us in big ways. They aren't flashy, but they are faithful and we are thankful. Let's look at a quiet Christmas character.
We all have a story and we don't tell all our story to everyone. Oh what a blessing when we find that special person who take hear the hard truths and love us anyway.
It's easy to fail to recognize the radical nature and message of Christmas. That gets lost in the trappings of the season. Let's let Mark remind us today.
I'm pretty sure you've never said "thank God for road construction!" But I think you should...let's talk.
We all need and look for comfort. Sometimes we seek it in healthy ways and sometimes, not so much. The good news is the lasting comfort we all need is already promised and provided by God.
The world hit a milestone. Eight BILLION people are not on planet earth? How does that make you feel? What's ours to do in that truth?
What's your emotional reaction when you see a picture of yourself? Do you swell up with pride or cringe? Does it make you happy or sad? Let's work on how we see ourselves in pictures.
Perfection is overrated and underachieved. We can be it, do it, obtain it--but we're told to "be perfect." What do we do with that?
Sometimes there are no words, just deep, guttural, painful sounds. We make them, but does God?
There are artists whose music have helped shape your soul for Christ. Some, like Rich Mullins, died young; yet they leave a legacy that lives on.
The world can be a lonely place. There are lots of image bearers who wonder if anyone cares, anyone sees. YOU can make a difference in their lives. YOU can let them know, with God, there are NO invisible people.
WORDS have power--to build up or destroy. One of the BEST and EASIEST ways to love well is to use our words to cause someone to say "thanks, I needed that!"
Pride is one of the 7 deadly sins for a reason. Today a great example on someone who had every reason in the world to be prideful, but instead, kept pointing to Jesus.
A lot of confusion and hurt in communication can be avoided if we ask the other person if he or she wants us to be a trashcan or a repairman.
Are you afraid of snakes? What if the snake had its head cut off? The old snake is really dead, it just doesn't know it yet!
Jesus said he came to what? Answer: SERVE. And we are to be LIKE him. Maybe a transportation example can help us.
Social media can be used as a wonderful tool or a vicious weapon. It's important to represent Jesus well in that space. Today, 7 commitments to make before you post.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! There IS so much to be thankful for--can you see it and then say it today?
There is much value in prayer. It's not only communication with God, but it's also spiritual formation for us. Jesus gave us a prayer that can form us by reminding us who we are, where we belong, what we're about and where we're going. Let's find ourselves in the Lord's Prayer.
We are all dream chasers. That's not a bad thing, use it removes all focus from the joy of the journey now.
Is life pointless, meaningless, vanity as the Teacher in Ecclesiastes seems to say? Or is it possible there's a different, better lesson for us?
If we have eyes to see, nature itself can teach us about God's intentions for his people. Where is our community bath?
It's funny how many different ways there are to recognize people. It might be their voice on the phone or they body type or they way they write. And we are all known by OUR WALK.
When you hear the world "zeal" or "zealous" do you think of it as positive or negative, good or bad? What determines which it is? Should God's people be "zealous?"
Time travel is a fascinating topic. But we don't really believe it's possible. What if, friendship was a type of time travel?
When we talk the talk and don't walk the walk the world calls us names...and we deserve them. Let's match the two so we can love God and others better.
There is power and potential in music to shape our hearts toward love. Music creates emotion and intention in us. Choose carefully what songs you listen to and may they form your soul for love.
When you and I regularly rehearse what we believe, the core foundational truths that we seek to live by--those truths can be the springboard for love, because the God we serve IS LOVE.
There's NOTHING like a good family meal where the family gathers in love to express love on purpose! As they family of God, we have one of those, thanks be to God!
There are a LOT of good books out there. I read as many as I can. But none forms your soul for love quite like a regular, reverent reading of THE Good Book.
Today we begin a six part mini-series on Holy Habit that form our souls to love. How you love is greatly affected by the story you live into.
What do we do with the pain others have given us? How do we see it? Could we ever (even a little bit) be thankful for it?
We live in our minds a lot! And where we live in that space is often not one of grace. Let's talk.
God uses EVERYTHING to teach us about Himself, Ourselves and our World. Even the "Sankofa Bird!"
I don't know how you view God. Is he a mean ogre? A cosmic kill-joy? Well, look again. God LOVES being God--thank God!
All businesses have code words, initials, jargon that is specific to that trade, sport or interest. Loving people well involves taking time to learn THEIR jargon.
Can you be a "believer" and an "unbelievers" at the same time? Well, we can certainly live that way!
Does God still want to show us "burning bushes" today? God didn't just save you to take you to heaven ONE day, God wants to live IN you TODAY!
We want answers and sometimes we just get presence instead. With God, knowing who He is and what He's promised...that's enough.
In a toxic culture, God's people are called higher. We must continually resist the temptation to respond in kind and instead, as always, respond like Jesus by killing contempt.
What role does the power of music play in your life? Let's look today at the connection between music and the power of God.
Lights, sounds, music, and more come at us like a firehose. They claim to have the power to satisfy the deepest desires of our hearts. But they can't. Let's stop seeking sensory overload.
There is a difference between believing IN Jesus and BELIEVING Jesus? It takes BOTH to enjoy the abundant life in God's kingdom.
What really matters? Try to put it in just one sentence. Jesus gives us T2G; Paul gives us G56.
Have you ever had a dream or vision you thought was from God? How would you know? What if you had to choose between the Bible and the mystical vision? Peter did!
It's risky and hard to open yourself up to another person...but often it's so worth it. When have you last shown love by sharing some of the most tender parts of your life with another?
One of the very best ways to show someone you care is to make it clear you CARE about what they care about. You really are concerned about the outcomes of his or her life. Make your care obvious!
It's a choice you know? You can assume everyone is lying and accuse them of doing bad things for evil purposes. OR you can start with assuming the best, getting curious with them and then seeing if that can lead to a more loving conversation and relationship.
We all want loving conversations, but they don't just happen. Here's just one of four tools to help us along the way.
WAITING...most of us don't do it well. Yet all of us are living in the meantime all the time. What helps us wait well is when we have confidence in the one who promised our future.
We usually see death as an evil enemy and that's true. But here's a way of seeing it as...gift!
When we don't want some thing known or we don't know how to deal with it, we usually smack it down like Whack A Mole.
The words "commandment" and "blessing" aren't usually thought of together--but when it comes to the Apple Pie Commandment--they should be!
You gotta walk before ya run, right? Instead of worrying about running, just focus on walking--God is with you!
We are storied people. Our stories have informed who we are, how we see the world and how we live in the world. But we better make sure the story we are living into is good, beautiful and TRUE!
Sometimes being invisible would come in handy. But the hard truth is that what we really want is to be seen, known and loved; but instead we feel invisible.
We are all leaving a legacy. It's not an option. The only question is WHAT KIND of legacy are we leaving. That legacy is affected by every moment and every decision and every word. Let's built it well!
There are the fools and the wise around us and in us as we look in the mirror. What does it take to become "wise?" Well, it's not downloadable!
What SHOCKS you? And is that good or bad? My fear is that God's grace has become so familiar we have stopped being shocked by just how radical and redeeming it truly is.
Being pregnant is more than physical. We can be pregnant in other ways. We can go through the process of pregnancy and give birth to something full of life and love that will bless the world!
What's your FAVORITE color and why? Colors move us, remind us and bless us. What about the colors of scripture? How are they used to point us to God?
We are all control freaks. Controlling things, events, even people makes us feel safer. Yet no matter how hard you try, you can't control your encounter with the Lord. And that's good news because what he wants for you is so much better than what you can imagine for yourself.
If we could all learn the secret of satisfaction the peace God would give would be delightful. Unfortunately our soul rarely stays in that place for very long.
One day there will be a big table where all those blessed saints who have touched your life can gather with you to share stories, joys and the new adventure in the fully realized kingdom. Come to the Table!
The word "love" rolls easily off our tongue, but the proof of love is not the tongue, but our actions.
I love countdowns, but all my countdowns are about life not death. Yet we can't deny the death countdown is always ticking in the background and that should motivate us to REALLY LIVE!
It's one thing to "express" your individuality by the way you style your hair or the kind of clothes you wear; but there's a much more dangerous expressive individualism that's being pushed and promoted today. It must be challenged.
There are few gifts more easily given and more desperately needed than the gift of gratitude. When you cultivate this as a natural part of your soul, you are blessing everyone--God, others and yourself!
We've all attempted to love someone and gotten burned in the process. But we've all also attempted to love someone and being extremely blessed. Friends, the risk of love is worth it!
People label us all the time. They might give us put downs or prop ups. They might be true or false. But what about the labels we give ourselves? Whatever they are, I bet we're living into them.
We label what we believe has value by the way we live our lives in relationships to those people or things. God tells us what is of worth, why do we keep seeking what is worth LESS?
Surprises! Sometimes we love 'em and some times we hate 'em. But what if, like the Lord, we were partners with God in surprising people today with goodness, beauty and truth?
Isn't it amazing how intricate and precise the human ear can be. You have the ability to distinguish the identity of a person with just a few words. How good are you at hearing the voice of God?
Let's face it, we rank sins. And that way we can excuse ourselves when we continue to participate in the "little sins." Today, the despicable, respectable sin.
What do YOU think heaven will be like? There's a lot of speculation around that topic. There's a lot we DON'T know, but the one thing we DO know I want to focus on today.
Followers of Jesus as supposed to act like Jesus. After all, WE are the BODY of Christ. But sometimes we are more like the Devil than the Divine. God Help Us!
To what would you compare a good kiss on the lips? God has something to say about that!
There's a time to speak and a time to remain silent, scripture tells us. Don't miss the point that means THERE IS A TIME TO SPEAK!
Let's be very careful how we use our words. Some words are better reserved for God alone.
When you're the follower and not the leader, you might start to question where the leader is taking you. God's people have done that down through time and maybe you're doing that right now. What if it seems God is leading you down a dead end street?
It's too easy to be flippant about our choices without realizing just how much small decisions can impact lives in such holy or horrific ways.
If you don't know confidently who you are and who you serve, the world will tell you, and it'll be wrong. We all serve someone, something--who is your Master?
I love being out in nature. Give me the woods, the trees, the trails. And along the way God can teach me a thing or two about a thing or two. How about you?
I bet we all can remember words that cut us to the quick. Words that damaged a relationship that has never been the same since. Words have power. May God help us NOT be a sword thrusting saint!
It's so encouraging to know and remember we are part of something so much BIGGER and OLDER than ourselves and our current situation. Paul knew he was swimming in the river of God's story and so are WE!
If you were going to try to sum up the impact the gospel has had on your life in just one sentence, what would you write? Paul has given us his version, and it's a classic!
If you're opposed to ancient, written prayers, you're missing out! The Jews had one that has formed them for centuries. Let's take a brief look.
What role does YOUR body play in your worship of God and your love for others? What a powerful tool God has given us. We are not Casper the Friendly Ghosts--we are embodied people-and THAT's how we love and worship!
The music we listen to shapes us. It affects our attitude, our actions, our view of the world. It's powerful. We need a purposeful playlist!
How "okay" are you letting your tears fall? How uncomfortable are your around others who are crying? How can we show the value of tears by the way we love?
How do you view death? Do you fear it? What images help you deal with its approach? Let's try a new one today.
We live in a world that feels less and less safe all the time. That's a fact that is hard to deny. But we are told to "fear not." Is the world a safe place? Maybe it is!
There are a lot of things we may not know or get wrong when it comes to our faith. But getting the identity of Jesus correct is vital. We MUST know who Jesus is so that we know how we are to relate to him.
You have "your" truth and I have "my" truth and everyone's happy! Well, that's illogical and unsustainable. There is absolute truth. Truth is not a bad word, it's a good word. His name is JESUS.
Songs have a lot of power and influence in our lives. Sometimes cute, fun songs become really easy to sing, but the underlying message is not the kind of life the Lord would have us lead.
God is NOT forgetful, like we are. Yet there are many occasions in scripture where Moses, David and others REMIND God of his mighty acts and his promises to his people.
You are NOT an island. You did not get to where you are by yourself. The Lord brought many people across your path over the years. Don't you think it's time to say, THANKS FOR THE RIDE?
When we read the gospels, Jesus' approach to people as not pre-packaged, cookie cutter--it was individual and personal. Sometimes it was gentle and sometimes more harsh, but always exactly what they needed the way they needed it. May God help us to be more like Jesus!
TO LIFE! Take some time today to consider what gives YOU life! Write it down, schedule it in! Lean into it!
In our life with God on this earth, time is ticking. There are no unimportant moments or days. Everyone is precious and should be treated as such. Everything counts!
Our words will either feed someone's strengths or will further enforce their weaknesses. Be on the look out for strengths in others and FEED THEM. That's T2G!
Spending time with those you love is always a challenge in this busy world. Can you imagine having 100 grandchildren? How would you, could you, really know each of them? God knows us all intimately. God has no grandchildren, only children!
We never know when they will come, but come they will. Moments in our lives that will change the course of our lives forever. We can be intentional on making the most of what God puts in our control so our legacy is beautiful when our obituary is finally read.
As we age the need for hearing aids grows. But I'm convinced we ALL need hearing aids...let me explain!
Hard times and difficult days come to all God's people. Just read the scriptures. What do we do when we are in a pickle? Sometimes those pickles are dill and sometimes sweet, but they will come!
We all do it, but we may not like what we see. When you look in the mirror what are your thoughts? feelings? What if God wants you to see more than what you're looking at?
When you hear the word "grace" what comes to your mind? What does it mean? Do you need God's grace beyond salvation?
I believe, if we look with Spirit eyes, we can see lesson from the Lord about life and love in everything. Even Golf Lessons!
There's a big difference between the cycles, the rhythms of life and the trajectory of life. We don't get do-overs, we just get forgiveness.
If you've been taught that your body is evil you haven't been taught the truth. Your body CAN DO evil, but God says your body is GOOD. In facts, all you do to love is in, though, and with your BODY.
The messages from childhood and culture are strong and hard to break. We have all been taught, directly or indirectly, who to love and who to hate. Who have you been taught to hate?
The messages from childhood and culture are strong and hard to break. We have all been taught, directly or indirectly, who to love and who to hate. Who have you been taught to hate?
In all the losses of life, is there anything we can count on that won't ever go away? Good news! There is and you're going to LOVE it!
How one views the gov't can depend on a lot of things. Sadly Christians have used the Bible as proof that the current gov't is either the best thing ever or the beast from hell. Let's slow down and talk about it.
It's really not a question of DO you want to send a message to the future. You can't help it! The real question is, what kind of message do you want to send?
God's love for you is not fickle, conditional or uncertain. Why do we continue to doubt that? As we grasp it and believe it, our love for ourselves and others magnifies!
It's easy to think that the small decisions we make everyday (and we make 1,000's of them) don't really matter. And yet, THOSE decisions are what's making us into the kind of people we will be in the future.
Culture wants to silence the follower of Jesus. "Just keep your faith to yourself." That's not helpful or healthy. We can be obvious without being obnoxious.
Poke, poke, poke, poke. Some people want to keep poking at forgiven sin. It's not helpful or holy. There's a better way!
Everyone's got a past. It's what you do with that past that will determine peace or pain in your present!
We see, but then again, we don't see. Just like our hearing, our seeing is selective. This episode helps us see with Spirit eyes what others miss.
Let's be real, there are times when we want to see Jesus and we want Jesus to see us. And there are times where, maybe, we don't want Jesus to see us in that moment!
It can be uncomfortable to be around someone who is dying. But it's such a great honor. I hope this episode helps you enter in instead of pull back when you know someone who is dying.
Let's just say it Narcissism is NOT the way of Jesus. What are the qualities of narcissism and what are the alternatives?
Jesus was big on caring for the people others overlooked. And today, God's people must make sure all people, regardless of ability has full access to the church.
Grief is so painful we often find it challenging to just get through. Sometimes we make up a path that is more a grasping than it is gospel.
No one can still deny the truth that our society is in trouble. The church is no longer respected, but blamed. What can the church still offer to this messed up world?
God's will can sometimes seem hidden or slippery. But we know God's character, so we know His will is good, beautiful and true. Let's not start believing these myths about God's will.
Advice....even the word grates on us a bit. Sometimes it's okay if someone is seeking it, but it's not okay when we keep on insisting to give it. We all need to control our inner advice monster!
What makes death GREAT? Have you ever witnessed any "great" death? I wish for you a GREAT death!
Joy does not have to be history, limited, scarce or over. Joy can be yours today. So.....?
Who is my neighbor? Did you know that's an ancient question? It's quite possible what we think of when we hear that word is not exactly what it means at all. And the proper understanding can make all the difference.
When you feel understood you feel loved. Do you know God understands you completely, fully? Nothing is hidden from him and he still loves you unconditionally. Wow!
The BLAME GAME. We all play it and we all pay the price for it. It's not helpful, healthy or holy.
In many ways we need to slow down, but not when it comes to sharing God's love with any and all we meet. We should NEVER question God's love for each person we encounter. It's always a green light to love, because God loves first!
How much PLAY is in your life? Too much? Not Enough? Or Just Right? Play is a gift from God for ALL ages, not just youngsters. Let's Play!
Is your live always hurried? Do you need to slow down? We could learn a lot about how we are to live by looking at the pace of Jesus.
There's a LOT of evil that's been done in the name of God. And yet we are supposed to live our life in God's name. How do we make sure we do the latter but not the former?
Our usual approach to anything is "what's in it for ME?" But the way of Jesus is how can i be a blessing to THEM.
If God only helped those who helped themselves we'd ALL be in trouble. Let's not let an old saying, that doesn't even come from the Bible, keep us from loving those God puts on our path.
We are all broken. We all need someone who understands, loves us anyway and will listen to our story. You can be that person for others everyday. You can be a wounded healer.
Is it a true statement that "time heals all wounds." Well...yes and no. Time is not a healer, God is; but God can use time to heal if we will participate with him in it.
What kind of things do you feel most? What little battles are you waging? Today consider putting all that in perspective as you look at eternity.
We've all heard the phrase "don't die on every hill," but I fear we try to do just that. We have made every issue an essential issue and that has caused us to be less loving.
Is having a "personal" Savior in the Bible? What verses would you use to back up that language? Have we sacrificed "communal" for "personal" and made our faith private in the process?
If you are a worrier you know for counterproductive it can be. Today we look at four POWERFUL QUESTIONS to help us tame our terrors.
People wonder if there is anything they can do to make a difference in someone's life. The answer is YES and it doesn't cost ANYTHING. You can be a dream encourager!
Let's all say it together, "I'm NOT perfect. I make mistakes. God help me!" One of the first qualities a good leader needs is to admit, right upfront, that he or she is leading with a limp.
Do you know the difference between jealousy and envy? Is envy the same as desire? Does that make all desire, envy? Let's break it down and find ways to ignore true envy.
Joy is one of those qualities in life we all want, but seem to chase, more than experience. Today some practical tips to make JOY a reality!
It's easy to love those who love us. It's a different matter to love those who stab us in the back! How can we love our Judas like Jesus loved His?
Are you and OVER thinker or an UNDER thinker? Either way could lead to trouble. Today I share a leadership principle that could help you avoid the trap at both extremes.
It's so hard to watch those we love head down dangerous paths that lead to pain and brokenness. And we sit back, pray and shed tears of love.
What TYPES of people do you have surrounding you? What types of people SHOULD you have surrounding you? Today, let's talk about five people you need the most!
We are quick to compare our lives with others. We often ASSUME their life is better, easier, more fun, with less problems. Look closer, empathize more. It's not what you think.
Decluttering is not easy. We tend to hang on to too much for too long. It's not helpful. But it's not just physical things. Most of us need to do a bit of mind de-cluttering!
What makes something or someone valuable? How do you know? How should you treat a masterpiece?
Quality time is one of those things that we all know when we've experienced it, but we might have a hard time defining it. Today I want to give the THE key to understanding quality time.
It's easy to complain about NOW and romanticize about days gone by. BOTH are a waste of time. THESE are the good old days!
When we are going through hard times it's easy to think our world is ending. And yet, as we grow older, the "world ending" events of yesterday can be seen it a bigger more eternal proper perspective.
There are some fun fables surrounding independence day and the founding of our country, but our freedom itself is no fable. Thanks be to God!
Sometimes we are awake to what we should be asleep to and asleep to what we should be awake to. Be like the dolphin, sleep with one eye open!
Do you OVER use superlatives? Is everything "GREAT" "AWESOME" "AMAZING?" If you do there's a danger. If everything is GREAT, nothing is great! But when it comes to the Gospel, you can't over exaggerate it!
When was the last time you feared punishment? Where did it come from? How did you cope? Do you/should you have a fear of punishment from God?
The obsessive search for pleasure is part of being human. But the difference between a God follower and a world lover is how and where we seek it.
We live in an age of "instant!" We want what we want NOW! But life just doesn't work like that. We build our dreams one room at a time and we are constantly building!
Let's admit it, we all have a problem with technology. It can control our days and push us away from people around us. But here's a story about how we should all be MORE like Siri!
Some people can't stand the tension in a book, so they flip to the back and read the ending first, then they don't have to stress out so much while they go. Well, we can do that too!
It's one thing to travel down the road. But it's so limited, confining, incomplete. A view from the helicopter provides so much more guidance, information and perspective.
Do you have any scars on your person? Yes, we all do. Some are physical, on our body; and some are emotional, on our soul. What if we could have glorified wounds?
Is pride good or bad? Are we suppose to be "proud" of ourselves; if so, why is pride a sin? This is confusing. Let's try to help clear it up.
Have you ever been caught in a trap? Of course you have! Everything we get talked into buying something, going somewhere, or doing something we know we shouldn't...we've fallen into the trap!
We all have a "way of seeing" the world. We have "glasses" we look through. But if our glasses are only worldly, the events before us will always be blurry and out of focus.
We are people of 2nd chances! And we are to be people who know how to give 2nd chances too.
There are BIG forks in the road, decisions we make, to go THIS way not any other way. Sometimes we have BIG regrets--but today, on this SPECIAL day, a tribute, because I WOULD DO IT AGAIN!
What does it mean to be "blessed?" Most people assume it's about health and wealth, but not so fast. Let's look deeper.
Who does the dishes at YOUR house? Are you particular about how and when they are done? Maybe you should be!
The middle is always messy, but the first and the last is what really counts. Put your hope there!
Have you ever wanted something sooooooo bad, until you got it? We are easily triggered into wanting what people condition us to want. Sometimes that's like chasing poo!
Lots of people love fishing. It's their thing. But even if it's not yours, you might try fishing without bait. Now that's a blessing!
Do you have a teacher you look up to? The teacher doesn't have to have a classroom, just a life! Because we are ALL, ALWAYS teaching!
Do you have a favorite poem? How about the one that say "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways?"
Why is that that the SAME product costs more or less depending on who and where it's being marketed? What about YOU? Does your value change with the time or place?
We can find truths about ourselves, others and God everywhere. We see them in people, in creation, in circumstance...even in a cockroach!
Other than the Lord, who are you listening to, assuming that what he or she says is true? Who has your ear? It's important to seriously consider it because you live your life based on it.
Most dogs love a good ole' belly rub. But why? What's it all about? And how is a belly rub like our relationship to God?
We've all had someone tell us to "watch your mouth." We probably needed to hear it. But how do we DO it?
Every time you look at or listen to the news someone has decided which story is THE most important one to start with--it's the TOP STORY OF THE DAY (or the hour). What is YOUR TOP STORY OF YOUR DAY?
God gave you the gift of others! You are you who are largely because of others! You get to move through life blessing and being blessed by others. Ubuntu!
What are your regrets and what do you do with them when they come? Is it a sin to regret?
God loves and we are to love. Got it. But exactly WHAT or HOW does God love so I can love like him? I'm glad you asked. Let's take a closer look!
Hate is a strong word and powerful emotion. Does the God, who IS love, hate anything? Yes. Let's see what it might be.
We all wonder what heaven will be like. The scriptures give us a glimpse here and there but we'd love to know more. I believe we often get experience a little taste in our relationships here and now. Join in!
Yesterday we looked at what being a relationship CONSUMER can look like in some real life situations. Today, see the positive side. What does it look like for us to be relationship INVESTORS.
Givers and Takers, we all know, feel, and experience the difference. Today some practical examples of what a TAKER looks like and a little self examination along the way.
Do you like hugs? I do! Do you know anyone who needs a hug? It doesn't have to involve touch! It could be words, gifts, presence...some way to say you care. Be a personal hugger today!
There's no doubt about it, relationship are HARD. And in this current culture, they are extra hard. It's not always possible to be IN relations with people who think so differently about seemingly everything than we do--but sometimes we give up too quickly.
If you knew you had only TODAY to live, how would you spend it and why? That exercise will tell you what is ACTUALLY most important to you. Maybe Jesus can give us some clues!
The God we love is a God of participation. He desires to love others and the world through you. So don't just sit there, fill your jars!
Do you ever find yourself thinking and believing you don't have enough, you aren't enough, you need MORE? Do you play the "what if" games of the fear of scarcity? If that's you, I hope you'll learn to rest in our God of abundance.
Our minds are going to wander. It WILL, DOES happen. But is that bad? Can we do anything about it? Let's talk, but you have to pay attention!
That's the problem with idols, they can become quite comfortable. In fact, we get so used to them, we lean on them and we don't even notice we're worshipping them. This COMFORTABLE idol is a great example of that.
We are all life long learners. And there are some lessons that would have come in handy earlier in our life. Here are a few great ones we can all receive today.
If you're tempted to skip this episode because it has the word "death" in it...well, that's the problem I want to address. The truth is, we are ALL practicing death!
I hope you've noticed that the writings of the Bible contain difference genres of literature. History, poetry, prophesy, lament, praise and more are all there. And we NEED IT ALL.
You ARE vulnerable, not sometimes, but ALL the time. It's time we all embraced that as a gift and stopped trying to deny it or ignore it. It's true and it will be okay!
Some people are overly cocky. Others are overly dismissive of their true identity. It's not good to dismiss the beloved person God made YOU to be!
Hide and seek is fun, but it doesn't work with God. What if you knew you didn't have to hide from your Creator because He already knows all about you and loves you anyway?
Memories are a gift from God for good mental, emotional, and spiritual health IF we understand the Gospel and remember God's faithfulness to us.
You can't believe God into existence, but you can't DISbelief Him out of existence either. Do you believe in the God who IS?
Have you ever watched someone make choices you knew what going to do serious damage to his or her life? Of course you have! Why don't we just make better choices? Why are we sometimes, as dumb as demons?
Throughout the Old and New Testaments, God followers could be honest to God about their feelings of abandonment and unfair treatment. Read the Psalms or Job. But let's look deeper at what is ALWAYS true, even in the hard times.
We need one another. And that need can turn into unhealthy dependency if we expect too much from one person and don't see the beautiful tapestry of friends.
Are you a sinner? What verse would you point to that points that out? But have you read the WHOLE verse? Exactly what have we fallen short OF and why does that matter?
Hands up! Who wants a seven year old operating on you? No? Why not? Yet often we want to do surgery on others, acting like a seven year old surgeon!
I'm all for lots of people praying for a specific concern. YES! By all means! But NOT because I think prayer is magic or manipulation of the Master. Prayer isn't twisting God's arm.
We live in a "I want it right now" culture. That means we often aren't very patient with ourselves or others. But, God loves process.
Is there a person in your life who has always had your back. Do you have an advocate? If you're a believer, YOU DO!
It's easy to want it both ways, to have your cake and eat it too. But when it comes to faith, you have to pick a lane or you just might wreck. There is a yes AND no of faith.
If you're a worrier, this episode is for you! It doesn't help to be told, "just stop worrying!" Here's a practical tool to help lessen your anxiety.
There are so many wonderful and beautiful things to see and experience in our world. But don't stop with the penultimate, because penultimate points to something greater! Do you see it?
This is a follow on from yesterday's episode. Look with me at what a wonderful difference it can make to let the Bible read you!
Reading is one of the greatest pleasures of life. Reading spiritually is one of the most neglected treasures of life. Let's talk about reading for more than information.
Our culture today is so negative and we all too often enter in; but there is a cost to our souls. Cynics miss the joy.
It's possible to have great wealth, take fantastic trips, engage in interesting hobbies and still be very much alone. That's NEVER been the plan of God for us.
I bet you don't give your bellybutton much attention, except maybe to clean some lint out of it now and again. Yet there are some profound and important lessons we can learn from our bellybuttons.
There's a LOT of pressure on you to be EXCELLENT at something or many many things. BE A PROFESSIONAL. I get it. There's a place for that. But there's also a wonderful place to just be an amateur!
Kissing in church? What? Well, 5 times we are told to "greet one another with a holy kiss." So, what's that look like in our culture, in our generation?
Does your worship of God involve much more than your mind? We are so "word focused" we miss the many other Godly ways we are to use our bodies in the act of worship.
Love isn't just a fuzzy concept, it's expressed in action. Don't make the mistake of assuming someone you love knows you love him or her. Live it out as you SHOW and TELL.
Are you easily distracted? I am! It seems it's becoming harder and harder to focus for long on anything. Today some tips for paying attention.
When you read the gospels, Jesus doesn't label people and dismiss people like others do. He doesn't just see where they are, he sees where they can be. May we do the same!
We seem to be constantly watched; always on display. And for some people, they invite it, welcome it, and want it. THEY encourage others to always look at their lives. But maybe there's a time to close the door.
We all know people who are prideful and others who think they are pitiful. Neither extreme is the place of grace. Let's start looking both ways as we cross the roads of life.
We are supposed to be able to truly be happy for others when they are experiencing good things in their lives. That's sometimes not easy to do.
There are a lot of things that matter to you. There are truths that you hang onto and that determine the direction of your days and your entire life. What is the ONE truth that is the granddaddy of them all?
It's not easy to be silent. Noise seems to comfort us more, but really it just numbs us, distracts us. Silence is where we meet God. Silent Saturday came for Jesus and comes for all of us. Embrace it!
Murder, death, suffering....doesn't sound like goodness to me. Today is called "GOOD" Friday. But why?
We all HATE to WAIT. The trouble is we are taught to hate it. We are encouraged to be impatient people. Impatience is treated like a virtue, not a vice. But in God's economy, waiting is not the enemy!
You know that awkward moment when you're trying to get to know someone and you don't know what to say? Here are 5 meaningful questions to ask to jump start the conversation into something that matters.
It's like a drug. We almost can't help ourselves. We reach for our phones to snap a picture of ever moment of our lives. This episode asks us to consider the "why" behind the "need" to document socially our every move.
It's not so much WHAT we do but WHY we do it. Seeking the approval of modern gods is still the temptation today in ways you might not be aware of. Listen in.
There are so many translations of scripture out there. I have tons on my Bible software and in hard copy. So which one is the BEST? Let me tell you today.
It's easy to read by names and get confused. The name "Mary" is hard because we need to know who's who. There's a Mary who was quite contrary and was radically changed by Jesus. Hear her story today.
Don't be a drifter. Grab this one precious life by the tail and live with tension, intention and attention and you'll be on your way to experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised us.
We fool ourselves into thinking we are "all that and a bag of chips," as I like to say. We are blessed, loved, children of God--but we are also ONLY HUMAN and THAT's a good thing!
Do you have any allergies? I do. It's spring and my nose runs as the trees bloom. Yet many Christians have an allergy to DOING for fear of a works based salvation. That's one allergy we need to conquer!
How do you pray for someone who will likely NOT get better this side of heaven? Those with Dementia or a debilitating injury or disease. Why not pray that God will pity the afflicted?
To see life with joy takes some courage! Will all that's wrong in the world, can you see and rejoice in the right? It's worth it, but let's admit it, joy is risky!
Who is the hardest person for you to love? What makes that so? How would you respond if the person who wants to hurt you needs help only you can give?
This episode is a conversation with my son, Pastor Mark Knight, about his new book: Non Anxious Churches, Finding the Way of Jesus for Pastors and Churches.
Anger is everywhere. We WILL get angry. The question is what will we do with it? Here's some help.
We are pretty quick to read the little bit we know about a person from the pages of scripture and then begin labeling him or her. We do it with Peter, Thomas, and others...including Martha. But just what WAS Martha's problem?
How's your vision? I don't mean your physical eyes, but your spiritual ones. Sometimes we aren't seeing what we think we're seeing because we aren't looking at the world through the lens of the Gospel.
The term "good works" is often received in a negative light in Christian circles. It smacks of "earning" your salvation. But understood properly "good works" is GOOD indeed! We just have to get straight WHO needs them!
Often times people are so wounded and hurt we can't see the gifts of God in their lives. But they are there! May we be patient and loving and present long enough for the gifts to emerge from their pain.
Who are the women in church history who have make the biggest difference for the gospel? Who are the women in YOUR life who's faith helped shape your own? To whom do you need to say, "THANKS SISTERS?!"
God made YOU and there's no one with the same opportunities, gifting and call. You can't save the world (Jesus did that), but you can live out YOUR unique call!
If you were going to list out what you believe the church today needs most, what would be on YOUR list. Here are some thoughts from Dr. Michael Bird to get us started and you can add to the conversation in love.
Are you ever vulnerable? We try really hard NOT to be, but in reality we are every single night. It's called SLEEP!
I commend the folks who come to be with the church when they don't really want to be there. We need to recapture the WEness of worship and get rid of the MEness. And that means, at times, asking someone, "will you sing for me?"
When you think of the vast universe do you feel alone, tiny, unimportant? What if I told you the universe is not empty, it's in fact CROWDED!?
We are led to believe coveting is part of life and we can't help it. That's a lie. The Lord Jesus can teach us something better, richer, sweeter---contentment.
Are you "satisfied?" If so, why? If not, why not? The coveting culture continues to come at us in ways that make satisfaction unlikely.
It's fun and exciting to be present for the great moments in our history. But it's embarrassing and difficult to be present for the more horrific events. How would you answer the question, were YOU there?
Some folks like/love RUNNING. Others, not so much. But we are all running the race of life. The question is, what kind of race are we running? The answer to that question matters. It affects how you live out your days.
There are times we are too stunned to take in the truth. We just can't seem to take it all in? It's too much. Let that same sense of awe and bewilderment come over you when you try to fathom the depths of God's love for you.
We seldom take the time to look long and hard at anything anymore. Our lives feel hurried and rushed. But if we take the time to SURVEY what God has done for us, peace can come to our frazzled souls.
There is something beautiful and powerful when you are praying with and for someone else and he or she is praying with and for you! Do you have a prayer partner? YES YOU DO!
We all have one, perspective, that is. And whatever perspective we have on whatever is going on determines the reaction we will have to it. Let's make sure we have GOD'S perspective.
We need to be about the business of peace. PeaceMAKERS, Peace PRAYERS, Peace LOVERS. In a world on the brink of widespread war with catastrophic consequences, LET US PRAY!
We all have them, letter written to us for special occasions--graduations, birthdays, weddings, illnesses, accomplishments, troubles and triumphs. What if we saw much of the NT as a divinely collected collection of OCCASIONAL LETTERS?
No matter what style or genre you prefer, you can't deny the soul shaking, mood altering, mind blowing power of music.
I few well planned out habits in your life can create space for God to make you more like Jesus. But YOU have to be intentional to make it a priority.
We go to extreme measures to ignore, numb, forget, dismiss and discount our grief. But grief is HEALTH and NEEDED. And in Jesus we don't grieve without hope! Let's make time to grieve.
We get forgetful as we age, the Lord does not. He remembers ALL and that's okay, because He loves us anyway!
Everyone needs a scrub sink. It's a place to clean up, talk, and prepare for what is to come. AND it's a place to reflect on what just happened. May you be blessed with a scrub sink.
Are you a good dancer? I'm not. What if we saw relationships like dances? The movement of the two person, closer and then farther away are like a dance. Lord teach us to dance!
In an emergency it really helps if somethings are already decided. If the response is somewhat predetermined, the crisis can be endured in safer and more productive ways. Before pain and suffering comes, DECIDE THIS FIRST!
Theodicy is about physical and moral evil. How can a good God allow bad things to happen? Let's talk about trusting God in the dark.
What makes you feel secure? Has your security been shaken during the cultural shift or the pandemic? What if your security could be sure?
We are often very hard on ourselves when it comes to our prayer life. We don't think we pray good enough, often enough, clear enough. But what if none of that mattered because the truth is your Father knows BEFORE you even ask?
Emotions are tricky. Some of us hide them are afraid to show them. Others are over emotional. I pray the Lord with help us express our emotions honestly and genuinely in ways that communicate to others, we are WITH them.
The temptation is to respond, rebuke, and retaliate when criticized. There's a better way and more JESUS way. When the dog barks, keep shining!
We all find it super easy to love those who love us. It's a bit of a different story when we are called on to love the critic. Let's talk.
Are there some words that make you flinch? Make you uncomfortable? I'm not talking about "swear" words. I'm talking about words like the "A" word.
It's so important to choose people to look up to and imitate. We need to find and also be a mentor. It matters!
Are you an introvert or an extrovert? It's hard for those of us who like our alone time and are not as comfortable meeting strangers to lean in; but there's power when we do!
We all size people up, make value judgments about others before we ever say a word. We look at their clothes, their hair, their car and so on. But what if we looked where the Lord looks?
It's very easy for our minds to go to the gutter. The gutter could be anger, lust, bitterness, jealousy, greed, you name it. But it doesn't have to be that way. We are told in many and varied ways to set our minds on things above. Today, some encouragement to do just that.
When you're seated you see the room, others, and the world from THAT particular vantage point. If you were seated somewhere else, everything would look different. You would have a different point of view. What if we saw our world from the vantage point of being seated with Christ?
We all struggle to have the TRUTH of our being (who we are in Jesus) match the WAY of our being (how we actually live). Paul gives us some help. First it's all about what we are seeking.
Playing hide and seek with little ones is fun. You have to ask yourself, is the goal to NOT be found to TO BE found? And what about God, is He playing hide and seek with us?
There are some memories that are too painful to recall. But try as we might, we DO recall them. Is there a way they can be bring to the light and see for what they are in the light of God's love? What if every memory belongs?
When we are getting to know new people we engage in mutual conversations about our lives. We tell stories. Those stories come from our memories. But why THOSE stories and not others?
Memories are powerful, maybe more powerful than you realize. Our memories have formed us and now inform us on how to live and love in the present.
It's a struggle to get it just right. We don't want to minimize the intimacy God offers us in Jesus. Yet we also don't want to romanticize our life with him either.
There's nothing quite like the feeling you get when someone totally understands you to the core of your soul. We long for that and often search in vein for that person. But there is someone who 100% get you and he loves you all the same.
No one want to be labeled a hypocrite. And we need to be careful when we tag others with that word. Are they really a hypocrite or just a struggling human? There is an important difference.
When the road looks TOO long, the journey TOO hard sometimes the only thing we can do is take a step. And the good news is God begins to change your heart on the first step, not the last one!
When someone else has something really good happen to them and you wish it had happened to you, can you, do you rejoice? Genuinely, honestly rejoice? Here's to more freudenfreude!
It's so easy to take pleasure in the pain someone you really don't like. That's human nature; it's not T2G.
Severe depression, mental illness and suicide are rampant in our society. How do we love those who may be dealing with such desperate thoughts?
Jesus told us to love our enemies for a reason. He plainly and painfully pointed out that even non-believers love those who are like them. We are called to go higher. We are called to accept (not agree with) others who are different than we are. Lord help us!
Fights, arguments, violence, bitterness, hurt, pain and more are all caused when you so badly want to be loved and accepted and you don't believe you are. What if acceptance was a given? How could that change how you love?
There's a LOT of knowledge out there. People KNOW things, can GOOGLE things, and have no problem gaining INFORMATION. But WISDOM is different; it's the jewel that needs to be sought and found.
Can you change? Better question, can Jesus change you? Are you content just to say "That's just the way I am, at least I'm not going to hell!?"
It really is okay to not have an opinion about every controversial issue dividing families, churches and nations today. Stand on the essentials, but not every issue is worthy of that title.
Do you have items around your house that remind you of days gone by? I bet you do! How can we honor the past, anticipate the future, but LIVE in the present?
Are you an art lover? What style most appeals to you? Have you ever looked at a piece of "art" and thought, "ummmm, NO!?" How is value and worth assigned, not to art, but to us?
Loyalty! Commitment! Faithfulness! Where have those concepts gone in our world? It's time we affirm to the Lord that he is STILL THE ONE!
Has life every sent you on a hard, heartbreaking detour? How'd you handle it? Today hear the story of a trip to Italy that ended up in Holland.
We consciously or unconsciously pass things on all the time: opinions, attitudes, material items, world views and more. Sometimes we receive hard and hateful things from others, we need to NOT pass those on, but instead, lay them down. But when it's love we've gotten, well, then we need to pass it on.
There's a friendship crisis today. So many of us don't believe we have any true, deep, meaningful friendships. What's the reason for that and how do we fix it?
I've been to and officiated at a lot of funerals. I have seen a lot of things there. Maybe you have too. Let's talk today about the finger in the casket.
Which comes first the chicken or the egg? The cart or the horse? Your principles or your practices? It matters!
Do you/Did you like school? I did! Some hated school, but may you never stop learning. Because LEARNING is LOVING.
A pass is a pass not a place to stay. Now it's true you can stop and ski on a pass but you only stay there are few hours. For most of us a pass is a means of getting from one location to another. Death is a pass through.
When we lose a good friend we have to process, grieve, and move on somehow changed from the life we shared with the person we lost. But in Jesus "lost" is not the right word. Instead we commend them to the Lord in the confident hope of the resurrection.
We all have "stuff:" Money, things, opportunities, talents and such. The question of the day is what is your philosophy regarding your stuff? How would you finish the sentence: "What's mine is...?"
We only know people from our time with them. And there is always much more we don't know and haven't experienced. Sometimes it's helpful to look at ALL the pictures in the album.
DO THE OPPOSITE! How can that simple practice help us be better lovers of God and others? Listen in!
In what does "life" consist? Good question, huh? Well, Jesus told us pretty directly that life is NOT. Yet we keep trying to head down that path anyway.
We all must pay the price for the decisions we make. But there is one decision we can make that will greatly unburden us and set us free. Don't you want to lighten the toll on your soul?
I bet there are some things Jesus said we really wish he hadn't. Those words hit too close to home for us. We'd like to mark them out, gag Jesus so he doesn't say them, so we don't hear them, and we don't have to do them.
Have you ever compared the number of hours a person spends in church or Christian small group vs. the number of hours we do everything else? We will never be formed into Christlikeness one, two or three hours a week. It will only come as we see all of life as time with Jesus.
There are these little cliches or common sayings that dominate our vocabulary and in some ways dictate our lives. Let's make sure it's the Word of the Lord that guides our path this year.
We all live INTO and OUT of the stories we tell ourselves. What story dictates your days? Let's make sure it's God's story!
Is the Gospel just for when we die or does that good news also begin changing everything right here and right now? The Prophets and the Savior clearly believed in the earthy gospel.
NAMING things can be powerful. Naming our sins can be transformative. You don't have to hide it or fear it--say it--you're forgiven!
Today's episode is a conversation with my friend and fellow Pastor John Leffler about the challenges of Pastoring in a Pandemic!
Instead of just saying "I want to do better this year:" what if we have ONE thing in mind? Ask the Lord to give you a single focus in 2022. See what happens to your ability to love God and others when you have ONE THING you're seeking most.
You know what it's like to love talking to a wise, older person who knows you and loves you unconditionally. Is your conversation with God like that? Let's make this year a year of talking to Papa.
It's amazing how if you start, OFF, by just a little, you can miss your destination by a mile! God gave us a new year and one gift is the intentional tweak. What small change do you want to make now that will make a big difference later?
When you care for a person your heart hurts when he or she doesn't have the things in life needed most. So we pray for him or her. And our prayers include lots of essentials. This episode challenges you to pray this year for ONE person and to pray for the THE one missing piece the person needs most.
Are you buff? All toned and healthy? If so great! But what about being a body builder for Jesus? Say what? Listen in!
What are your BIGGEST time wasters? The first step is to see it admit it, and then to replace it. Redeem the time. Time is precious let's not waste it in 2022.
If you want to be good at anything you need to practice. How does that concept play into our walk with God? What will you practice more in 2022?
Families are MESSY, but worth it! But improvements in families need some intentionality. Without it, they won't improve on their own. What is one way you can improve your family life in 2022?
Do you pray BIG and BOLD? If not why not? As we start this year I want to encourage you to pray an "impossible" prayer.
There's often a lot of talk about serving God, obeying God, honoring God and so on. But what about ENJOYING GOD. Is that okay? Where do we get that idea? How do we do it?
Our parents often gave us words of warning that were needed in our life. Words that kept us safe and ensured our well-being. They would say things like, "Look Both Ways Before You Cross." What if we took that advice before we cross over into a new year?
We all waste a lot of time trying to be people we were never created to be. In the coming year, give yourself the gift of being the person God made you to be and let go of all the striving after someone else's life. The peace you'll experience will be amazing!
With lots of bad news dogging our steps this past year, this episode takes a moment to shine a light a just a few newsworthy stories of GOOD news. Can you add to the list?
People can get mighty creative in the various ways they express love. Today's episode gives you a new idea on how to sincerely, consistently convey your love in the coming new year. LOVE 206!
We make thousands of decisions all day every day. But what THE decision that makes all other decisions possible? What is THE decision that shapes us most?
Christmas is over, but is it? Really? Are we supposed to just put everything away, and move on until next year. The Christmas story answers emphatically NO! Let's let God be on the loose in our lives, not put in a box in the attic!
Merry Christmas! In all the hustle and bustle of the holiday, intentionally take time to adore Him. Here are some suggestions of how to make that happen.
If you watch people you can easily notice the direction they are pointing as it relates to you. Their words, actions and presence are either moving in your direction for greater intimacy and connection or they are moving away. The good newes is that God's direction is eternally USward! Thanks be to God!
Often people tell you things you're supposed to do. They give you instructions, advice, commands. The Christmas angel came to announce NEWS not ADVICE. The angel told us what's been done FOR us. Thanks be to God!
Oh how I'd love to sit down with Mary and talk about Christmas from HER perspective. It has to be so confusing and so wonderful at the same time. What do you think? When she kissed Jesus, did she know she was kissing the face of God?
Life goes by so fast. Even though God is always trying to get our attention, we often the sign. Here's one sign we must not miss.
The holidays have us hurrying enough already. And it's a common theme for preachers to encourage you to slow down. But today, I want to get you to practice a little HOLY HURRY.
When we buy gifts for others at Christmas we inwardly desire a certain reaction/response. We want our gift to bring joy. But what if joy doesn't come in a box?
This Christmas remember that God came here to be WITH US, LIKE US, and FOR US. And as you are "with" other people, you too can experience the joy of sameness.
The world wants to define your success as a human by what you do, what you have and how popular you are. Jesus has a much better way.
There are a LOT of legends surrounding Christmas. Some are silly and some serious. Some are true and some false. Through it all--don't let any overstep the truth of Jesus.
Christians easily get sucked into the culture wars over the holiday. The world doesn't give Jesus the respect he deserves. Yep! That's true. But the bigger question is....do we?
One thing is clear about Christmas. We are NOT suppose to live anxiously, but we ARE suppose to live expectantly. Let's learn to live on tip toe all year through.
We all have both, hopes AND fears. Christmas doesn't change that, or does it? Our hopes and fears intersect at a very unlikely place.
Where do you see crosses? Is that where they go? What do they mean anyway? And where does the cross fit in your nativity scene this year?
The season of BLUR is happening. Lots going on. Slow down, allow God's Spirit to form you as you PONDER not WANDER this year.
Have you ever eaten a tomato from the grocery store. Yuck. They are often plastic tasting. But oh the taste of a home grown, delicious tomato. No comparison. Is it possible that some people are walking away from the plastic tomato god instead of the real one?
Many of us are scared of the dark in some form or another. But look and listen closer. God often does his best work in the sacred darkness.
Just because a book looks worn doesn't mean it has been read. What if you begin to see people as books whose stories need to be told and you're just the person to listen!
Christianity is NOT supposed to be lived in your head but in your life. With more and more people walking away from faith, it's time we offer them a peach!
So much of our happiness depends on our happenings. But it doesn't have to be that way. Not if you play the wolf!
What are your holiday traditions and how can they communicate LOVE to God and others. SPECIAL GUEST TODAY on the Podcast, my daughter Jenny as we talk about our TRADITIONS!
Do you think there is life on other planets? And IF there is, what relationship would those beings have to Jesus?
What if I told you there was an almost magical thing you could do every single day that would almost guarantee that you'd love God and others better because of it? Well......there just might be!
There will be a lot of hurting people around the holidays. Today I want to share a gift you can give. It will LAST. It will MAKE A DIFFERENCE. It will be REMEMBERED for years to come.
How can a silly little children's game actually help us love others better? It helps if you know what your red light, green light hours are and maximize them for God's glory.
HOME! It's one of those words that can bring back warm memories or memories you'd rather forget. For me, HOME is wonderful and a taste of heaven. Listen in.
People wonder all the time if they are worthy. They struggle and doubt. It's better to ask a different question. God loves us unconditionally, so the question is not about our worth. Instead it's about living our lives in a worthy manner, as a thanks offering for the goodness of God given to us.
God is ALWAYS with us. He doesn't come and go. Yet there are certain times when his presence is felt in a more acute, intense way. That's a THIN PLACE.
DOING good deeds is great. Doing them with the right motive and heart behind them is better. Happy Mitzvah!
What do you want your family to KNOW about your life when you die? Do they know WHO has most influenced you? Could they articulate the events, the lessons, the scriptures that have most shaped who you are? You can be intentional about the declarations your life makes at your death. Listen in.
I love the smell of turkey in the oven, pies on the counter, and more. Thanksgiving is a fragrant holiday! Did you know Thanksgiving smells good to God?
In a divisive world of us vs. them, we need more odd couples. More please willing to try to love and befriend those who are different than they are. How about you? Are you in?
We've all seen them, the guys standing on the corner shouting at the people walking by. They think they are sharing Jesus, but often they don't sound like Jesus at all. Let me tell you about a different kind of street preach I encountered.
Having gross words come at you can be a lot like being hit with rotten fruit. The contents of our heart, whether pure or putrid, comes out in the fruit of our lips.
We all wrestle with evil. Why do bad things happen to good people? It's easy to blame God and then deny him. But is our blame misplaced?
Faith is ultimately living what we believe. We all show who or what we TRULY worship by the way we live out our days. Christians ought to be the shinning showcase that a different God makes a different YOU!
When people think of you, don't you want them to view you as an encouraging person? Today some specific, rubber meets the road ways we can be an encouragement to others.
It's amazing how easy it is to THINK we are building up and being encouraging when actually we are doing the opposite. This episode looks at three fake substitutes for encouragement.
Do you consider yourself a cheerleader? I don't mean the official kind at sporting events; I mean the daily kind at all events. Are you the person with true encouraging words that help others have confidence to move through their day with joy?
Can you keep a confidence? When you are looking for a true friend, I bet his or her ability to keep your secrets ranks high on the qualifications list. Today let's talk about loving by keeping a confidence.
Have you ever looked at a meadow of flowers and zeroed in on just ONE? Most see the whole, God sees the one! You are not lost in the sea of humanity. You are seen, loved, and special. You are God's wildflower!
Let's face it, we can't "CARE" about everything. It's not humanly possible. This episode asks you to consider that you might be caring about things you shouldn't care about. Don't waste your time and energy caring for things that don't matter.
It's easy to mock and dismiss people we have labeled but don't really know. What if we took the time to hear their stories, see their humanity and give the Holy Spirit a chance to build, not burn a bridge?
I'm sure there are a few decisions in your past you deeply wish you could change. We can't change the past, but we can live today so we will reverse future regrets.
We all rely on the narratives we tell ourselves about our past to navigate the waters of the present and chart the future. But what if there are echoes from your past that are unnecessarily slamming doors in your present?
We don't have to wait for some big moment of crisis to talk with the Lord. He delights in the small, everyday conversations just as much...maybe even more!
People like to talk about "situational ethics." The problem is ALL ethics are situational. Is it ever right to lie? The Bible seems to think so, or does it?
Sometimes people might ask you "what is your favorite animal?" I've never heard someone say, "A MULE!" But maybe a mule has more to teach us than we think. Listen in.
How do you view yourself? Self image is a big deal. But a bigger deal is how GOD views you. What if I told you we are POO and it's not what you think? It's not demeaning or negative--but life giving and transforming for the world! Listen in.
We are pretty good at conditional surrender to God. Are there any parts of your life you are holding back? How does that fit with calling Jesus LORD?
Are there any reminders of death around you? Is that a good thing or a bad thing? This episode talks about the positive benefits of being reminded of our own mortality.
You might be surprised to learn that God is very happy! He is joyous! His name is Jesus. There are ways you can increase YOUR joy by intentionally taking joy seriously.
Is there a way to never diminish the reality of pain in our lives and at the same time embrace joy? I think there is.