This weekend, we talked about tithing (listen here). Always a touchy subject because money is among the most personal subjects we can talk about. You might balk at that statement, but think about it, who knows how much you make? Who knows how much you have in savings? Who knows how much debt you have? This is all information that we keep very close to the vest because we know it speaks volumes of us and our priorities.
As we looked into this discipline of tithing we heard loud and clear …

Jody and Cammie Shelatz taught on fasting this week at The Summit. They brought some fresh insight to the subject that really hit home for me. They concluded with a challenge to fast for one day during the week. (Listen here)
I have been challenged or “invited” to fast in the past and I always have this great excuse. God didn’t invite me, you did. If God didn’t invite me, I’m not going to do it, and if you tell me I have to, that’s legalism.
Here’s the deal. God did invite …

Have you ever read about David’s Mighty Men? Take a minute and read 2 Samuel 23:8-39. What is your gut reaction to this passage? I would dare say that most men react in a way that is quite different from most women.
As a man, I read that and think, “I want to make that list.” Can you imagine sitting around that dinner table and sharing those stories? I believe that somewhere in every man is the desire to be considered a mighty man. I also believe that most men haven’t …

I was reading in Exodus 4 today, and there is a passage in there that makes for good discussion.
Exodus 4 22 Then say to Pharaoh, ‘This is what the Lord says: Israel is my firstborn son,  23 and I told you, “Let my son go, so he may worship me.” But you refused to let him go; so I will kill your firstborn son.’”                                                     …

The Golden Globes just passed me by again. I don’t care who won. I don’t care what they were wearing. I think this whole awards deal is just an enormous practice in hedonism. Actors are being paid a ton of money to play make believe. That’s not enough. They have to pretend like the movies they are making have some social significance. That’s still not enough. They need to be thought of as politically relevant. That’s doesn’t bring fulfillment. What’s it going to take to bring joy to the very …

So I’m reading in Genesis 22. This is a story I have read and studied so many times. It is among the top in the “Best of the Old Testament” moments. An event that we have celebrated for millennia.
Genesis 22:6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together,
You can’t help but see the parallels between this story of sacrifice and the story of Jesus’ sacrifice. The …

I’m reading a book called Primal, by Mark Batterson. I love the way he writes. Two of the books that have had a giant impact on me were written by him. They are In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day and Wild Goose Chase. Great stuff.
Anyway, I just read and reread a quote in Primal. Batterson quotes an author named Gary Thomas:
“Thinking about eternity helps us retrieve [perspective]. I’m reminded of this every year when I figure my taxes. During the year, I rejoice at the …

Idling…

So much for redlining. It seems like God has put us all in idle mode today. As much as I hate to miss gathering together on Sundays, God clearly wants us to worship Him is a little different way this weekend. Here are some thoughts that come to my mind, but I’m sure you guys can think of some creative ways to put a smile on the face of God. Click here to share your ideas or ask your questions on our facebook page.

I know some of you will be …

We are preparing to celebrate Christmas.  This is a pretty big deal. It’s a big deal throughout most of the world. Why is that? Why is the birth of Jesus such an occasion? Jesus’ birth took place in a moment. Though this moment passed with no pomp and circumstance, no ceremony, largely unnoticed by the world, this moment changed everything. Our very calendar revolves around this moment. History has since been divided into the era before this moment, and the era after this moment.

Things changed when Jesus Christ entered our …

OK, I just got another e-mail ranting about the evils of saying “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas.” I was told that if I love Jesus, I will say in loud, angry tones, “Merry CHRISTmas!”
Here’s what I’m thinking. I’m going to say Merry Christmas every chance I get. I love Christmas. I can only say it for a month or so. I will make the most of it. No one will tell me I can’t say it. Honestly, I don’t fear that I will lose my right, as an American, …