In August my messages highlighted the “with Him” principle of discipleship. A disciple is a Jesus follower, one who strives to be and do everything with Jesus. I described the 4 aspects of this as follows: Being with Him Talking with Him Learning with Him Serving with Him Why am I bringing this up again? Because…
pride goes before the fall
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 10-11 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Another list of names. The human population is being fruit, multiplying and filling the earth, just like God intended (Genesis 1:28). But sinful human nature spreads with them, including pride and greed and lust and violence. No matter where people go, they take themselves and their nature with them. There is no escaping…
mercy… and justice
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 9 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: This passage starts out good. God makes a firm commitment (covenant) to never destroy people the same way again (i.e. completely). He renews the arrangement with Noah that was first made with Adam; in others words, God is going to work with humans to rebuild His kingdom. Though He will not punish…
musical advice for husbands
Alright you guys out there, here is a helpful ballad to remind the do’s and DON’TS of a healthy relationship. Its called The Don’t Song, and I think you will figure it out. This is not for the wives to watch, just for the husbands! PS, I’m thinking of getting a new hairstyle.
do I trust Him?
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 8 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The basic message of this passage is that God takes care of those who put their hope in Him. Not always in the way we want, not always in our timing (no quick and easy), and not always in terms of this life (i.e. sometimes He takes care of them by bringing…
a seeker-intensive church
In recent years churches have worked hard to be “seeker-sensitive”. That is, to remove all the unnecessary hindrances and roadblocks that would keep non-Christians from feeling welcome or from understanding what was going on. Like churchy or in-house language or dress-codes or cliques or ignoring visitors or reserved seating or unwritten rules or negative, judgmental…
“Axiom” by Bill Hybels
I find myself with mixed feelings about this book. It was inspiring, and I found it challenged me to be more intentional about how I lead, and more passionate about why I am leading. There were many points where I found it clarified my fuzzy thinking and leadership practices.
stand up for Jesus
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 7 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Noah had a heart for God. He must have felt very lonely in the world, since he was the only one who stayed true to God. Notice that he does not allow peer pressure to turn him away from God. This is an encouraging example for those who live or work in…
teenage affluenza
Ok, this is satire, but it does make a challenging point. And its not just the teenagers who this speaks to, its something we all need to consider. Lord, open our eyes that we may see!
sin going too far!
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 6 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Sometimes, the Bible has passages that are really hard to understand. Who are the sons of God? Fallen angels (demons) having sexual relations with women (the phrase ‘sons of God’ is used for angels). Believers who become unfaithful (like Solomon) and intermarry with women who do not follow God? I do not…