A few words can alter someone’s life: “You got the job!” “It’s a boy!” When we think about life-altering words, we usually think about big events with photo-ops and months of planning. But you can also have a positive, life-altering impact in your everyday conversations with the people around you. “I’m proud of you.” “You … Continue reading Speak Life (and a request for some help)
devotional
When many things are important none of them are
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works..." (NIV) Today's Thought 15 years ago one of my co-workers had a habit of writing important things on sticky notes and pasting them around his computer screen. He soon ran out of space. So when the area around his computer … Continue reading When many things are important none of them are
A Person who demands your confidence
Matthew 28:8 "So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy..." (NIV Today's Thought Holidays and traditions are great. I love big meals, hot cross buns, and Easter egg hunts as much as the next guy. But when the things we do start to eclipse the meaning behind WHY we do … Continue reading A Person who demands your confidence
Shouldn’t it be called Sad Friday?
It always perplexed me. Why is it called “good” Friday if it’s when Jesus was crucified? As a child at church asked me last year, ‘Shouldn’t it be called Sad Friday?’ One explanation I’ve heard for the name is that the word “good” comes from God. So it’s really like “God’s Friday.” Of all the … Continue reading Shouldn’t it be called Sad Friday?
Why does Maundy Thursday matter?
Maundy Thursday is one of those days that leaves a lot of people scratching their heads. For a long time, that was certainly true for me too! What does the name mean? Why do some churches hold special services? And what does it matter to me? The word “Maundy” comes from Jesus’ words in John … Continue reading Why does Maundy Thursday matter?
Repeat it out loud to stop the cycle
Luke 11:4 “And lead us not into temptation.” (ESV) Today's Thought Did you realize that 95% of the ocean is still unexplored? That’s right. Ninety-five percent! That statistic just blows me away. Imagine all the beauty yet to be seen. Imagine all the cures for diseases that are simply undiscovered! That’s like the Bible. Most … Continue reading Repeat it out loud to stop the cycle
When better isn’t easier
Our culture promotes convenience, comfort, and things being quick and easy. 100 years it would have been virtually inconceivable to drive up to a restaurant window, order your meal, and get it back almost instantaneously. Today, fast food drive-thrus are incredibly common. 10 years ago it would have been virtually inconceivable to pick up a … Continue reading When better isn’t easier
What if it wasn’t a coincidence?
When you look up “coincidence” at dictionary.com here’s what you find: Coincidence. Noun. a striking occurrence of two or more events at one time apparently by mere chance. It’s like being in New York, saying to your friend that you miss so-and-so from back home, then bumping into that person you just mentioned 10 seconds … Continue reading What if it wasn’t a coincidence?
Celebrate a victory anniversary
Yesterday my friend Courtney messaged my wife and me. Courtney reminded us that it was the third anniversary of our daughter Anna’s baptism. She had led the service because on that day I just wanted to stand beside my wife and children and be a dad (and not just the pastor). Her message was a … Continue reading Celebrate a victory anniversary
For those who think they’re “normal”
It’s waayyy too easy to erase ourselves from God’s equation. That’s what we pretend to do when we say or think something like this: “God is so huge and extraordinary. But my life is just so… small and normal.” Granted, I kind of get where that comes from. Thinking about the utter bigness of the … Continue reading For those who think they’re “normal”
