SCRIPTURE: Psalm 142 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION David is on the run, hiding from King Saul in a cave [see 1 Samuel 24]. He desperately cries out to God for mercy and protection (later he records it as a psalm). As the story unfolds, we see how God puts Saul into his hands, and how David refuses to kill God’s appointed ruler. Saul relents, and…
prepared for battle
SCRIPTURE: Psalms 140-141 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION These two psalms are help prayers for Jesus-followers. Although I am not facing the human enemies that David faced, I read these words in light of the evil one, the Enemy behind all other enemies. I am also having to deal with Satan’s poison, his tricks and traps. Like David, I need to…
here I am, send me!
Another great day at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. Craig Groeshel attempted to describe the IT that some churches have, that nebulous something that we sense when God is present and powerful. Chuck Colson challenged me to be a defender of the truth, the biblical worldview centered in Jesus. Brad Anderson (CEO of Best Buy) struck me…
leaning in what direction?
SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 2 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION Peter is describing spiritual charlatans, religious sheisters who cloak themselves in religious garb, but who live for their own selfish, sinful pleasure. Deceivers, false teachers, they put on a good show, but… Jesus said we could tell the true and false teachers by their fruit, i.e. by the outcome of their lives….
from discipline to desperation
Yesterday was a good, long day at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. I heard something from the Lord through all of the speakers. Bill Hybels challenged me to be more intentional about decision-making. Gary Haugen inspired me to be brave, and not just safe. Bill George challenged me to be authentic, true to who God…
eagerly striving?
SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 1 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION Peter is making sure that these Jesus followers never forget the basic message of God, namely that through Jesus we have been reconnected to God, energized by His Spirit and therefore free and able to live healthy, holy lives in this twisted, sinful world. We have everything we need, through our relationship…
one more church in Ajax?
Today we are attending the Willow Creek Leadership Summit at Carruthers Creek Community Church a local “megachurch” in Ajax. I am looking forward to this, since this is the first Willow Creek event I am attending. I hope to post some of my thoughts afterwards. In the meantime what is going through my mind is “comparing” crossroads with…
going against the flow
SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 4-5 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION Through Peter, I hear the Lord speaking to me about the challenge of following Jesus… if we do it seriously. To not live for sinful pleasure, but to deny myself for the sake of others, loving and serving them even though I pay a price for it. This is the way (the…
try using SOAP
To help you with your Bible reading, try using SOAP. You will need a Bible (a study Bible may be helpful), a pen and a lined notebook. Find a quiet spot and spend a few moments ‘connecting’ with the Lord – reminding yourself that He is with you and that you are with Him. S for…
i’m back!
Well here I am, sitting in my new office, the first day of my first week as pastor at crossroads (yes, its spelled that way on purpose, I’ll explain another time). I am excited and nervous as I begin this new journey here in Ajax.