Say It 3/30/14

“I don’t know how to pray for myself…no one ever taught me.” -Sandra Bullock in Gravity

We have become highly suspicious of what people say, and particularly when we cannot see how their words are backed by their actions. American Christianity seems to have determined it better in general to preach through actions rather than words. This does feel more comfortable; but, it defies what Jesus told his followers to do. We are to use both words and actions.

We should not waste the wonderful gift of words to communicate the all-important message of Christianity. Use your words, and use them honestly. It is easier if we're honest--if we open up to others about both the positive and the challenge. You can be honest about your church, about your faith journey, etc.

God uses our authentic words like tools to touch the lives of others.

"Upon this rock I will build my community." -Jesus

Risk Getting Soaked 3/23/14

"Lord," Peter said from his safe boat to Jesus walking precariously upon the Sea of Galilee, "If it is you, command me to come to you on the water."

The way to Jesus is out of the boat. The steps we'd take to be nearer to God and His hope, peace, and love lead us to walk on water. To have big-faith we need to risk getting soaked. And even if we fall, even if our faith wavers as we begin to sink, we will but find our selves caught up in the loving arms of the one and only God.

Is it time for you to step out of the boat?

 

 

Your Story = God's Passion 3/9/14

In this message I unpack something that should rightly be hard to believe: Your story is God's passion.

The central pivot of the Christian religion is God showing us this is true through the sacrifice of his very self (this is what we call the Gospel!). Jesus told his disciples that his purpose was to change your story--to change it towards the fulfillment of all you need.

So no matter what you've been told by others (family, friends, co-workers), who you are is so important that God chose to die for you. And there is absolutely nothing you can do to change his mind about you. Ya, that should rightly be hard to believe.