Leader || Preacher || Teacher
Holy Father, we mourn with those who have suffered loss through gun violence.
We pray against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
We no longer wish to be ensnared in believing that we are powerless to make a difference in human suffering and senseless violence.
Continue reading “A Prayer for Our Nation”
Ana and I were using our King Soopers fuel points the other day. We pulled both cars up to the pump to fill both tanks and maximize our discount. We had enough points for 40 cents off per gallon. While I was pumping her tank I pulled the hose about as far as it would go and the gas stopped flowing. We both debated on whether or not there is a limit to how many gallons you can pump. But then I looked up the hose and there was a kink that was restricting the gasoline from pouring into the tank. I went up the hose and removed the kink and the gas started flowing again.
Continue reading “Holy Spirit Keep Pouring”
My family and I recently went on our first camping trip in Colorado. Really, it was our first ever family campout. My kids loved it! One of the main reasons they loved it was because we went with friends. Honestly, if we had not been invited to go with them we probably wouldn’t have done it. But since we did we experienced something beautiful and created a lasting memory, one our family may never forget.
Continue reading “Camping: The Holy Spirit in Community”
I recently saw someone comment on a social media post about God being the cause of our wonder. Someone commented, “The church of Christ could use some mysticism.” Followed by someone else who said, “…I believe an exercise in caution is worth consideration.” This is a common posture towards the Spirit, caution. But I believe we must take a new posture; conviction and courage.
Continue reading “The Holy Spirit: Conviction & Courage > Caution”
My father is deceased, in fact, June 14th is the anniversary of his death. I have fond memories of my dad.
Continue reading “Keep in Step: Following the Spirit in Uncertainty and Discomfort”
Prayer is the overarching keystone practice in having a faith that won’t quit. Jesus tells the story of a man who knocks on a friend’s door in the middle of the night because he is hosting a late night traveler and has no bread to offer him. The friend first tells him to go away, but eventually gives the man some bread not because they are friends but because of the man’s persistence. When your prayers are persistence your faith perseveres.
Continue reading “Unstoppable Prayer”
“He’s been dead for 45 minutes.” These were the words given to Joyce Smith when she saw her son John for the first time after he had been retrieved from the frozen waters of Lake Saint Louise. Doctors and medical staff worked diligently to try and bring life to his lifeless body. Joyce worked continually in prayer for her son. What happened next defies explanation.
Continue reading “Live a Life of Love: There is No Try”
Do you want to know Jesus better? You need the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.
Continue reading “Live a Life of Love: Know Jesus Better”
In college I accepted an invitation to attend a small church with some friends I had recently met. Everyone there was doing something I hadn’t seen before. They followed along with preacher’s sermon using their Bible. So as to not feel out of place I went out and bought my own Bible from a Book’s a Million in Mobile, Alabama. I was ready for the next time I went to that church.
Continue reading “Live a Life of Love: Worship God”
Confession time. I do not love Mondays. When I first dreamed of preaching a series on work and faith, I dreamed of writing and preaching something from a place of consolation. In reality, this sermon series is from a place of desolation. “Loving Monday” is more for me than it is for you. I guess you (the congregation I serve, the online listener/reader) are just listening in.
Continue reading “Loving Monday: A Confession”