Enduring vs Enjoying

All things are meant to be either endured or enjoyed. They are opposite sides of the same mountain. The dark hard path of endurance is hidden from any good light and an endless number of obstacles. Enjoyment is the sunny side of the mountain in a green cloak and pierced with peaceful streams. It is …

The Tender Love of “Abba” Father God

“Confirm what you said to your servant, for it produces reverence for you.”‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:38‬ Maybe you think you’ve heard from God in the middle of a confusing time and/or a season of potentially deep sadness. Maybe. Psalm 119:38 is a reminder to ask God to confirm what you think He’s telling you. Doing so will …

A New Nickname Written Down in Glory

This is a repost from April 10, 2018. One night after midweek services at church a few years back, my then 12 year old came downstairs visibly upset. I asked him what was wrong and he said he knew we need to read the Bible as Christians, but it’s such a big book and always feels …

Do you know that I love you?

One of my sons crawled in my bed tonight after being told multiple times to get in his own bed. I normally have to be firm on this because he does it a lot. It doesn’t upset me, really. I love that he likes to be close to his mom and dad. He’s still at …

The Normal Life of Jesus

I was in between jobs from June 2015 until January 2016. I had a job during that time but I had went from salary to hourly and a family of seven which means you cut deep into your budget to make as much room as you possibly can. I worked in the catering department at …

The Power to Descend

Adapted from Oswald Chambers, Morning and Evening, October 1 “After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain by themselves to be alone. He was transfigured in front of them” (Mark‬ ‭9:2‬‬‬). Most have had those times on the spiritual mountain where we get to see things from …

Theology Thursday: One of the Best Gifts We we can ever give or receive

One of the best gifts we can ever give or receive is the truth in love. The American Gospel docuseries called Todd White out as a false teacher and his response was saying the film was "demonically inspired". Lately, he has received the the rebuke with humility after much soul searching and "pruning" in his …

Preaching at Abundant Life

I had the privilege of preaching at my church, Abundant Life, this past Sunday. Below is a snippet of the message. Just click the image to play it. Here is a link to the entire message if you want to watch it. The video is of our entire worship service. Feel free to watch the …

Long live Christian music.

I’m not one to listen to K-Love all day and this isn’t a post to complain about the small playlists of most Christian radio stations … BUT … there is value of listening to music which helps you focus on God. If you desire to have unbroken communion with God, anything that assists you in …

Tuesday Talks for Parents of Teens: “Stay Beautiful!”

Click anywhere in the image to watch the video. Parents, I did this talk for the parents of the teens I pastor at Abundant Life Church in Lee’s Summit Missouri. My hope is this talk helps you have a really great conversation with your teenager about their walk with Jesus! Just for fun... you may …