"It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep." Psalm 127:2 When my wife was pregnant with our first son Matthew, I can remember thinking that all the preparation for his arrival felt like a second job. We shopped … [Read more...] about Receiving Sleep as a Gift from God
Recognizing when Jesus Reveals Himself to Us
After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples…and he revealed himself in this way. John 21:1 How does Jesus reveal himself to us? How can we recognize him when he shows up? These are pressing questions I often hear from people exploring their relationship with God and an important … [Read more...] about Recognizing when Jesus Reveals Himself to Us
How Fulfilling our Desires Brings Glory to God
“If you abide in me, and my words in you abide, whatever you might desire, Ask for it! It will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” John 15:7-8 Human desire often gets a bad rap in religious conversations. Many Christians tend … [Read more...] about How Fulfilling our Desires Brings Glory to God
Hamilton, Jesus and a Healthy Approach to Ambition
In the broadway musical, Hamilton, Lin Manuel chronicles the astonishing rise of Alexander Hamilton, America's first Treasury Secretary. Aaron Burr's opening line from the show artistically catpures the question on everyone's mind: "How does a bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a / Scotsman, … [Read more...] about Hamilton, Jesus and a Healthy Approach to Ambition
The Hard Work of Believing in Jesus
One of the great mysteries of the past 2,000 years is how Jesus came to be known as God. Born in obscurity without connections, living as a little-known Jewish peasant in the first century, and dying from a bloody crucifixion, are not the usual steps on a path to universal acclaim. Just as … [Read more...] about The Hard Work of Believing in Jesus
Leaving Behind a Halfway State of Mind
Several years ago, during an intern experience working as a Pastor, I got an opportunity to climb my first mountain. As a kid from Kansas that claims a bump in the middle of a field as it's highest elevation point, this was a very exciting opportunity. It was no Everest, but since the climb required … [Read more...] about Leaving Behind a Halfway State of Mind
Finding Compassion When it Doesn’t Come Easy
No doubt you've seen one of those uncomfortable episodes on ABC of "What Would You Do." In case you haven't, the main concept is to concoct scenarios portraying people in need, then witness the sometimes good and sometimes cringeworthy response of unsuspecting onlookers. Like when teenage kids … [Read more...] about Finding Compassion When it Doesn’t Come Easy
The Hidden Story of John 3:16
Without a doubt, John 3:16 ranks as one of the most well known verses in the Christian bible. It topped the list of most popular verses in 2016, finds frequent reference at sporting venues, and forms the cornerstone of countless sermons around the globe. Perhaps due to its ubiquitous usage, the … [Read more...] about The Hidden Story of John 3:16
The Secret of Creating Influence that Matters
When Donald Trump announced his plans to run for President to some close friends, just before the Christmas of 2013, they thought he was crazy. He didn't want to spend a lot of money on ads and ground crew, and he didn't want to spend too much time visiting the small town meetings and pizza … [Read more...] about The Secret of Creating Influence that Matters