This is an incredible video that sums up our call and purpose as individuals and as the church. The message is simple but  very powerful. See if you are willing…

I really believe in coaching, mentoring and helping others be their best. Even though I have yet to find the “Perfect Coach” I know Jesus certainly would be. So if I could have a sit down with my Master and ask Him somethings about church and leadership, this is what I think I would ask…

. Continue Reading…

I heard this on Matthew Turner’s blog Jesus Needs New PR the other day. I just died laughing, but the thought behind it is kinda good, you just have to be open minded.

Just in case you’re wondering this is the verse in context:

Matthew 21:2 (KJV)
Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.

It’s 11-Min long, but listen to the first 3-Min and you will get the idea…

I was recently invited to a

“Real Man Weekend”

where the description was… When we “Kill our own food, drink beer, watch war movies and break stuff.” Honestly the description left me laughing uncontrollably, and resounded with something deep in my soul. Then it turned to a reflection, “Why does that sound so inviting?”

If you are a “Real Man” and wanted to plan a weekend Continue Reading…

What we preach and practice is huge! Preach and practice. If you can’t practice what is preached you may be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I believe when we preach, it should answer the question “How do I do this when I leave?” That type of preaching I call “Practice” preaching.

Teaching principles that are more knowledge based should be in the space provided for those more spiritually mature and can understand the difference between Practice and Principle. The things we preach must be based on solid biblical principles, but the application is emphasized, not the principle.

Those who are still outside or young in the Kingdom, need to see the Practices of the Kingdom are very relevant to where they are in life. Preaching a principle with no application to a widened audience can cause some listeners to think the Gospel is outdated or antiquated. This is not a “watering down” of the Gospel, quite the opposite.

Watering down the Gospel is much more easily done in the context or  the name of knowledge. Preaching and teaching on the Power of the Gospel, it’s ability to transform and shape everyday life is the essence of the Biblical message. The everyday struggle of life and how to gain victory in that arena is what most hearts yearn for.

Ask yourself a question, if you were a struggling single mother, a husband who wants a another woman or an addict wanting some ray of hope, what would you want to hear? Would you want to hear a discourse on the differing schools of theology? Or would you want to know how Jesus Christ has a future for you and what you need to do in order tap into the power of that future?

Preaching so those listening undertand how to apply the power of the Gospel is life changing.

Principle Preaching = Power Applied

Let’s preach the power of the Gospel and its ability to transform and touch even the smallest part of life everyday!

Scott Williams shared this on his blog this week, and I have showed it to several people, and I love it! It really speaks to me, that we can never judge the person sitting next to us, selling us gum on the street or the person still living out of a box.

Watch and enjoy!

I was reading this story the other morning, and this is the way I see it…

Ex 31- Moses is on the mountain talking to God. Great time!

Ex 32- The people become impatient and turned to idols. Bad, they build an idol to worship.

Ex 33- God says to Moses, Go down “Your people” that “You brought up” are making an idol.

Did you catch that? I thought God said they were “His people” and that “He would” bring them up. Well, it must be both! Do we understand that our partnering with God means we carry the weight of the outcome? It’s not just leading well, it’s taking responsibility for part of the outcome!

I see there being an agreement between and God and His servant. We should all have some type of “burning bush” experience where we hear the call of God and respond with a “yes I will join you.” When that occurs, we have a partnership, a joint ownership of the outcome!

If God has told me “this is the city you will reach” and I accepted that partnership then I must do all that is in God’s heart and do my part. God will certainly do His part, but I must do mine! That thought has brought great weight to my shoulders over the last several days?

How about you? Are you carrying the weight of your call and leadership?

Building the Kingdom is full time. It doesn’t matter where you are or what you’re doing, we should be building the Kingdom. But, that always comes at a cost. Living and loving for the Kingdom takes sacrifice and the willingness to be misunderstood or rejected. Many of us aren’t willing to pay that price, well…because it hurts!

It hurts to be misunderstood by friends and family. It hurts to be rejected by piers and those we seek approval. But this is the deal, we must BUILD the Kingdom! We must live a life of love and acceptance toward those outside the Kingdom if we are to win even one. But many times that comes at a price.

Things we may lose building the Kingdom…

1- Friends. Some will not understand your devotion and time given to others and not them

2- More Friends. Some will become bitter at your acceptance of others. They will reject you.

3- Acceptance. To be popular in  Christian circles, you have to be in that circle. Takes all your time!

4- Time. Investing in people takes time… over time. This is not a microwave process.

5- Disappointment. When loving those outside the Kingdom, we experience many disappointments.

These are but a few costs we will incur on our journey of building the Kingdom, and making disciples. But whatever the price may be we must be willing to pay it. It is our calling, or commission to emulate Jesus. This means we intentionally give our lives to those who don’t have life.

What are you willing to pay to see just ONE come into the Kingdom? Ask yourself that question honestly,  and answer it honestly. That question and its answer will determine the future of  your Kingdom impact.

I pray it is mighty! What say you? What are you willing to pay?

What Kills the potential of  Kingdom work through us? One word …

Compromise

Not the good kind of comprise, where a middle ground is found on non-essentials to maintain unity. But the killer kind that gives permission to move off the essentials.

What are the essentials?

• The Truth. Continue Reading…

At the end of the week, many times I reflect back and ask myself what have I really done? Have I made a difference and what should I have done differently. You may do that as well, but here are my…

Friday Reflections:

1- I really need to be a better planner! I’m having difficulty getting it all done.

2- When people you thought were your friends turn out not to be, it hurts. Really bad! Continue Reading…