When Peace Isn’t Possible
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18) The Scripture says, “IF it is possible, live at peace with everyone.” Sadly, sometimes it’s just not possible. Sometimes, when we stand for truth and righteousness, we get labeled “troublemakers” instead of “peacemakers.” When this happens, we […]
How Did You Enjoy The Worship?
Some have mistakenly focused on the personal enjoyment or blessing derived from worship. It wasn’t but a century ago, the question being asked after a sermon, ‘How did you get on under the Word?’ Now we ask, “Did you enjoy the worship?” (i.e. the rest of the service apart from the sermon). If we are […]
Don’t Stop At The Sign
As foolish as it sounds, imagine you and your family are driving to Disney World, and about 100 miles out, you see a sign for the resort complex. Because you see letters that spell Disney, you pull the car over and have your vacation on the side of the road. What a wasted vacation! You […]
Be Careful Not To Trash People God Created
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27) All people have the DNA of God inside of them. This means that even though human beings are fallen and broken, they are still image-bearers. That includes the people you disagree […]
Satan Didn’t Entice Jesus “To Change His Style of Worship.”
Why do many churches debate the styles of worship. “Should our worship be contemporary or traditional?” But worship style is not what matters to God. The object of our worship and the depth and sincerity of our devotion matter. When Satan tried to entice Jesus to bow down and worship him, he was not inviting […]
View Satan Didn’t Entice Jesus “To Change His Style of Worship.”
Worship Is More Than Singing and Style…
Perhaps it is time to change the way we think and talk about worship. We need a bigger view of worship as something that extends beyond what we sing, say, and an activity we do in church, to how we live our lives outside the four walls. Let’s not try to “turn on” worship in […]
Faith and Mental Health
Yesterday, I sat with someone I love and deeply respect in the faith. I shared my heart with about some of the “bad learned” behavior I learned as a result of ministry. Having spent these years undoing the “system” of validation and acceptance, it’s like coming back to the heart of worship after the music […]
The Danger Of Worshiping The Past and Pain
Yesterday talking to my friend Herb while we were driving, we share how everyone in this life will experience, “unexpected hiccups”. If you haven’t yet, you will in time. None of us will go through this life living it perfectly. Be careful not to point fingers. No matter the hiccups, no matter the pain, no […]
Remembering Who God Is
Worship is intimately intertwined with who we are as human beings. I am not talking about the formal religious activities. Worship is first an identity before it becomes an activity. Meaning, you and I are worshipers, which is why we worship. Our hearts are always under the control of something, and whatever controls your heart […]
Negative Patterns of Communication
Over the years I have struggled with “Withdrawal and Avoidance” (4) in communication. This pattern ruled my life for many years, all in longing for acceptance, validation and fear of rejection. With the help of a therapist (and of course Jesus), this past year and half I am finally feeling a sense of victory. Learning […]