Sometimes the place of "blessing" is the worst place for us.
Read moreArchival Post: Leaving Ease, Entering Blessing
Leaving Ease, Entering Blessing
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Archival Post & Podcast: Build A Support Team Like Jonathan
Build A Support Team Like Jonathan
Archival Post & Podcast
Home field advantage is a thing. Some athletes say they thrive on opposition, that they love playing in front of a hostile crowd. But, time and time again, it is a general rule that teams win a higher percentage of games when playing on their home field, ice, court, or turf. Many factors are cited, but one is the support of the fans.
Read moreArchival Post: The Call of Abraham
The Call of Abraham
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The passage tells us the Lord spoke to Abram. We aren't told how God spoke to Abram, nor does it tell us why God chose to call this man. I think it is unwise, though, to use this passage as an example of divine election for salvation. Abram received this call of God, not for eternal salvation, but to be a blessing to the nations.
Read moreArchival Post & Podcast: 7 Ways for a Man To Humble Himself
7 Ways for a Man To Humble Himself
Archival Post & Podcast
A proud man, Naaman had it all. As a man of war, victorious. As a servant to his king, pleasing. As to honor, held in high esteem. But this proud Syrian general was unclean with leprosy. Here are seven humbling acts for a man of God. Counterintuitive, they lead to life. Consider them like the muddy waters of the Jordan River for all Naamans today.
Read moreArchival Post: You Cannot Enjoy The Kingdom Without God’s Help
You Cannot Enjoy The Kingdom Without God’s Help
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It is important to note that Jesus had (and has) wealthy followers -- people like Joseph of Arimathea and some of the women on his core team. And once the church started, there were many wealthy believers. Philemon, for example, had an estate so large the Colossian church was able to meet on his property.
Read moreArchival Post: How to Crush Your Day
How to Crush Your Day
Archival Post
Mornings, it seems, are for singing. The birds know this. There is a freshness of a new day which elicits a song. But what song will I sing? The song of the gospel, of course.
Read moreArchival Post: Calling All Writers
Calling All Writers
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In my early years as a Christian, I came across a book by Alan Redpath. It rocked my world and helped frame my future. It was a simple book with a simple method. As a pastor, he wrote about the bible book of Nehemiah, teaching and preaching it in printed form. In each chapter he took the next scripture from Nehemiah and broke it down for the modern reader. I was spellbound.
Read moreArchival Post: Cast Your Nets Again
Cast Your Nets Again
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One day, Jesus was taught the Word, using Peter's boat as his pulpit. Pushed off from the shore in the Sea of Galilee, Jesus spoke to his audience on the beach. Upon completion of his sermon, Jesus told Peter to go out and cast his nets. Peter said, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing, but at your word, I will let down the nets.” I know the Lord is asking some of you to step out in obedience to him, perhaps in areas where you've tried in the past, but seemingly to no avail.
Read moreArchival Post: As Life Complexifies, Trust Must Broaden
As Life Complexifies, Trust Must Broaden
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He stood powerless in front of the people. Thousands had gathered. For them, life had become hopeless, and this man had told them to follow him. And follow they did, leaving everything to give him a shot. But now he stood, fearing he'd made a mistake. He might have led them straight to their demise.
Read moreArchival Post: Faith Accesses Victory From God
Faith Accesses Victory From God
Archival Post
We are a people in need of God's victory, his help in life. And believers have this great advantage. We are on team Jesus. Not because we're awesome, but because we realized we're the opposite, and accepted Jesus' blood to make us whole before God. Now he offers his aid by his Spirit for life today, life in the trenches.
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