Whenever we know guests are coming to stay with us, the whole family pitches in getting ready for the visitors. Bathrooms are cleaned, clothes picked up, beds made, windows cleaned, floors mopped, and carpets vacuumed. The process takes a lot of effort. Sometimes I wonder if all the prep work is really worth it. But when our guests come and enjoy our clean house and our hospitality, it feels great. Israel was expecting a guest in Exodus 19:10-14. This guest was God, who was coming to make Himself known to Israel. How in the world … [Read more...]
It’s Not About the Swag
Recently, we had a conversation with my oldest son about the possibility of cutting back on some of his activities because of time and money. As we talked about his involvement in his travel baseball team, a major factor for playing on this team became apparent … the swag. We have a team parent who's awesome at getting sponsorship for the kids and they get some pretty nice stuff–baseball bags, jackets, pants, Under Armour shirts, and hats. This team looks good wherever they go. My son looked at us and said, "You wouldn't buy me a … [Read more...]
LifeMatters // What Will Convince You? :: John 20:5-10
There have always been crime dramas on TV. They are always some of the most popular shows. When I was a kid, it was Perry Mason. Now, it is shows like CSI, NCIS, or Law & Order. Whether it is Perry Mason or CSI, the show has the same formula. There is a crime. No one knows who did it. Right before the end of the episode, the criminal confesses because of the mounting overwhelming evidence. The evidence for the resurrection of Jesus is overwhelming. If all the evidence from Scripture, eyewitnesses, and history were lined up in a court … [Read more...]
Trust Me
"Trust me. It's going to work out." Has anyone ever comforted you with that phrase? As a campus minister, there were many times when college students would swing by my office and share their anxiousness about graduation, an internship, or a relationship. And I'd point them toward that word trust, encouraging them to claim the promises found in God's Word. I've seen it happen time and time again. When we surrender control and begin to seek God for simply who He is, He then shows us something so different than we ever expected. So … [Read more...]
LifeMatters // Avoid Worldy Perspectives :: Luke 22:24-27
We have an innate desire to be praised by men. We like to have our work and our accomplishments exalted and praised. Often, the things that garner praise from men are contrary to the ways of God. Instead of placing His glory at the forefront, we glorify ourselves. We are wise to remember that everything costs something. Success in the eyes of the world can often be the worst possible thing to pursue. Gaining success in the world may cost you your marriage, your friends, your church, or your integrity. Nothing is worth losing those. … [Read more...]
Are You Easily Offended?
What does it mean to be offended by something someone does or says? First, you need to understand your own heart. Were you hurt by what they said? Or were you offended? If someone does or says something that hurt your feelings, then you need to own that. Sometimes it's easier to say we were offended than to say we were hurt. It's kind of like saying "I'm frustrated" rather than "I'm angry." Using the terms "offended" and "frustrated" allows us to save face and maintain a stronger position. But to say you were hurt or angry takes … [Read more...]
The Ups and Downs of Rejection
"Let's just be friends." Many of you had a visceral reaction to that sentence. Maybe your heart rate shot up, your muscles tensed, or you felt a slight gag reflex. Regardless, if you've ever been on the downside of uneven feelings in a relationship, those words bit you. When romantic feelings go unreciprocated, it's hard not to feel a little hurt and discouraged. It's easy to understand. Let me tell you what I don't understand: people who say rejection shouldn't hurt. After all, if your self-esteem is rooted in Christ and the love … [Read more...]
Free Facebook Timeline Cover
This week's free art is a Facebook timeline cover photo featuring Psalm 19:14, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." This is a simple way to share God's Word with others. We hope you enjoy! (Right click to save image to the appropriate file on your computer.) … [Read more...]
Speaking to 20- and 30-Somethings
I'm about to make a bunch of broad statements about twenty- and thirty-somethings. Please don't take this as the final word on our generation. I just know myself and kind of know the people I hang out/tweet with, so I'm basing these statements on us. I'm no sociologist (though I am greatly interested in their work). Twenty- and thirty-somethings are really into the Internet. Our generation grew up alongside the online world. We had access to it in elementary school, learned to type by chatting with friends on AIM in junior high/high … [Read more...]
BeachReach: Sun, Sand, and … Syrup?
While most college students can't wait to toss their cares aside and dive into a week of Spring Break relaxation, several students across the nation give their time off to the cause of ministering to their peers at Beach Reach in Panama City Beach, Fla. If you've never been, you're probably wondering what it's all about. So here's a brief explanation of what you'll experience as a Beach Reacher. WHAT IS BEACH REACH? In one word, Beach Reach is about Jesus. It's about showing His love and sharing His gospel to thousands of college … [Read more...]
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