The sun was bright, and the sky was clear as I climbed on top of Mount Arbel. This mountain is a special one in the life of Jesus and special to those who follow Him. It stands today, as it did over two thousand years ago, as one of the tallest peaks surrounding the Sea […]
You were made to make an eternal impact. God didn’t save you to simply live a life that was safe, predictable and cautious. He saved you to leave a legacy of faith — passed down from one person to another — that will change generations long after you are gone. I can say from personal […]
Imagine over 2 million Jewish slaves wandering in the wilderness. For 400 years they were enslaved in Egypt, providing the hard labor force to support the luxurious lifestyle of its citizens. God had heard their cries and brought them out by His own power under the direction of Moses. Next, they were wandering, waiting on […]
John Newton was in trouble. The battering waves and violent winds beat against the bow of his ship to the point that all hope was lost. In utter despair, John cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us!” Reflecting back, those words were the turning point for this wayward man. John grew up on the ocean. […]
A disciple-making church is constantly evaluating the effectiveness of every program, event or initiative and asking the hard questions: “What part of the strategy is this accomplishing?” “Is this really working?” “Is there a better way to be more effective?” Traditions are not bad. In fact they can be incredibly powerful. We have certain traditions […]
It was late in Jesus’ ministry. He knew that His time on earth was coming to a close. Jesus turned to His disciples and stated plainly, “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is still day, night is coming when no one can work,” (John 9.4 ESV). The work Jesus […]
I want you to imagine that you are sitting in a group and I am speaking. Now, imagine that I’m holding an apple in my hand…a red, clean, crisp apple. As I hold it up and everyone is looking I ask, “How many apples am I holding?” Faces stare with a matter- of-fact look, wondering […]
You were made for something more. What vision do you have for your life? How will you measure your success? While these questions are thought provoking, they are absolutely critical if you want to wring every bit of meaning and purpose out of the one life God gave you. You might say, “I want to […]
The National Science Foundation conducted an extensive research project on loneliness in America. The findings were highlighted in the “American Sociological Review.” After interviewing over 1,500 people — all face to face — researchers reported that one out of four Americans said they had “no one with whom they could talk about their personal troubles […]
Busyness can choke out your effectiveness! It was the only time I’ve ever hit my mother-in-law. She was busily preparing a special luncheon, and I could tell she was a bit nervous. Her son was bringing home the girl he planned to marry, and this was going to be their first meeting. Suddenly the doorbell […]