What’s Your Excuse?

February 4, 2013 By 1 Comment

I was reading Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline and came across the portion on Fasting. I got convicted, so I wrote about it.

Why don’t we fast? As Christians, why don’t we fast? It is the central thing that is talked about in Scripture to refocus us on keeping Christ at the center of our lives. And yet, I’m not sure I know (not that I should know, I know Christ’s command) 3 people that regularly fast.

So, what if I was to invite you to join me to fast together on a certain day each week, for a certain amount of time? What would you say? What would your excuse be?

I mean, the opportunity is out there for all of us, it isn’t a command in Scripture, but even Jesus assumes that we would do it. And yet, we don’t. So clearly there is a reason for not participating.

So, what is your excuse? Is it really good enough? Is it legit? Mine aren’t, so I am wrestling with it.

What’s your excuse for not wanting to continually realign Christ with the center of your being? (bet you don’t like it worded like that, do ya?) :)

Filed Under: Life Updates

The Reality of Prosperity

January 31, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Have you ever seen the people you look up to, struggle? I mean really struggle?

Some of the greatest people that I know, have been through a ton of tough stuff. They have hit hard water and had to paddle upstream, been thrown on the ground and beaten down, they have faced hardship! You know how I know? Because nobody there is something that they have learned that gives them wisdom to be able to speak into your life.

I recently was given the chance, through some of my own tough stuff, to actually take the time to see into the things that got my parents to where they are today. You know, I had heard them talk about what it was like when I was young; too young to know about the efforts they had to go through to get to where they are today. But, I had never actually witnessed it; I never actually felt the tough times. It’s pretty amazing how much more you respect people and love people when you see what they have gone through.

The fact is, I don’t know everyone’s story. I go through life, see people that seem to have it together, and forget that it took something, some effort, to get them to where they are now. That thing is:

Discipline Forged by Fire.

Every person that has done something great, especially for Christ, has gone through the fire and has come out on the other side, prepared to do greater things than when they went in. They lived life, pressed into Christ, and had a life so full, they can pour into you and me.

So who is that in your life? Who has gone through the fire? Have you gone through the fire? Are you ready to go through the fire? Are you willing to trust Him through the fire?

John the Baptist said this in Luke 3:16: “…I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” See, it’s our perspective that changes this whole ballgame called life. I want the fire, because when I get to the other side, I’ll be more like Christ; ready to be more like Christ.

Let’s get ready for the fire.

Filed Under: Leadership, Life Updates

Pray for Mike

October 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment

This is a friend and former student’s dad named Mike Walter. He was an unfortunate recipient of one of those tainted steroids for back pain. The details escape me presently of the situation however, they aren’t overly important right now. What is important to know is that Mike’s health is in rough shape and doctors are a bit miffed.

What’s also important is that in Ephesians, Paul reminds us of a very important role that we are to play for other parts of our body as we come together and are united by the Holy Spirit:

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. – Ephesians 6:18

Some versions use the wording, “in all occasions.” Seems like this one is a good occasion to pray.

Would you join me in praying for Mike? You don’t have to know him. You don’t have to know the whole story. You just need to know that we need to pray. Just pray, right now.

Filed Under: Life Updates

Just Say It…

August 8, 2012 By 1 Comment

via Blogos.org

I’ve been thinking lately of the many times that we are so quick to say everything except the one thing that needs to be said. How many times in our daily routines do we say everything that surrounds a given issue, and sometimes make a big deal about much of the perimeter issues, yet walk away from the conversation regretting saying the one thing that actually needed to be addressed. We come up with all kinds of reasons why it would be better to not say it or to sugarcoat it but all they ever amount to is a hall pass excusing us from actually tackling the issue at hand. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Life Updates

Stop Accepting Satan

July 24, 2012 By 2 Comments

I’ve been learning, lately, about the power that we consistently give Satan. More and more, I am having conversations with people who, when it comes right down to it, are believing lies about themselves or the situations they find themselves in. And I get it because I do it to. But I also get it because Jesus talked about this kind of thing in the Bible. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Life Updates, Ministry
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