One of the most awkward moments I’ve found over the years is when I have been in a Bible study group where the leader tells the group: “whoever wants to pray, start us off!” That’s when the awkward silence begins. Who will be the first one to pray? Who is the least concerned with how he or she is going to sound? The leader is calling for someone to take the initiative! Jesus is calling for you and...  Read More

Main Point and Overview:    My pastor told me years ago that every disciple of Jesus should serve the Lord in two ministries – one in which he loves to do, and one in which he doesn’t love to do. His reasoning was that it teaches humility and sacrifice. I never forgot those words. Jesus, in an emphatic display of humility, did what only the most menial of servants were required to do – he washed t...  Read More

Seven. Seven in one day. That’s how many pieces of campaign paraphernalia were in my mailbox today. A presidential election is upon us and with it: a plethora of TV ads, text messages, yard signs, and a lot of campaign mailers as candidates make their final push to communicate their ideas and positions on issues to the voters. According to the Federal Trade Commission, you can decide what types of...  Read More

It has been said that your life is the culmination of the decisions you make. Think of the number of decisions you make every day. From the most routine: “What flavor of chips do I have with my sandwich,” to something with a bit more life impact, “Should I marry this person?” Then there is, of course, the single most important decision that surpasses all of life’s other decisions, “Do you proclaim...  Read More

What is a time you knew something was coming that you were not looking forward to? Possibly your stomach was in knots and your anxious thoughts were overtaking you. Maybe it was a time you knew you were about to get in trouble and a punishment was coming. Maybe it was a time when you knew you were being challenged beyond your comfort zone. Maybe it was a time that you knew would be extremely diffi...  Read More

I hope by now you have seen the streaming series The Chosen. In one of the early episodes, we see Jesus calling Andrew and Simon (Peter) to follow him. During this episode Peter seems to be too busy, he is clearly upset they had not had a good night, and he had come back with empty nets. Peter is so worried about his life here on earth that he did not understand who Jesus was in that moment, even ...  Read More