Blog
-
May 11, 2020
Arrows - Week 03
D.L. Moody once heard Henry Varly, a preacher in his day say: “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to him.” And his response was: "By God’s help, I aim to be that man.”
Moody then poured his life and work into that calling.
This is the kind of vision we need to give our kids! What would your life look like if you threw everything at Jesus? What if you were a young man or woman who was fully committed to His work and His will for your life?
-
May 04, 2020
Arrows -Week 02
Discipling Kids For The Day They Move Out
The psalmist of Psalm 127 poetically describes children as arrows. And like real arrows we must allow certain key anchor points or values guide our leadership toward the goal: to send of fully devoted disciples of Jesus.
I mentioned having principles that govern my parenting and leadership in the student ministry. These are the key cultural markers I want to drive into my kids and students before they fly off. I’m going to talk through the first today:
-
Apr 27, 2020
Arrows - Week 01
Discipling Kids for the day they move out
I can still remember when it hit me: I was free.
My cap was flying in the air, and what came down was the sense that the rest of my life was up to me.
Whether I walked with integrity,
whether I worked hard,
whether I was a faithful friend,
whether I lived an honorable life,
…and whether I followed Jesus
was all up to me.
Yet, the only thing that would determine what decisions I wouild make moving forward was the discipleship I received up to that point.
-
Apr 14, 2020
Freedom From Anxiety | Philippians 4:4-9.
Two practices to fight anxiety from Stephen Madrosen
It seems that we can’t escape this message. It’s everywhere.
In fact, many of us voluntarily start and end our days by catching up with the latest news, seeing what other surprises 2020 and the infamous corona virus have in store for us. Fixating our vision on these things, while it’s often beneficial to be well informed, will only result in fear and anxiety.
It’s not easy to be optimistic during these times, and it can be even more difficult to bring ourselves to a place of worship, offering up praise and thanksgivings in the midst of what feels like chaos all around us. In the eyes of the world, this would be foolishness; giving praise to a supposedly omnipotent being who in his infinite wisdom and goodness allows his people to suffer. We, however; who are partakers in the life of The One who is restoring all things, are not persuaded by this line of thinking.
We fight anxiety with rejoicing. -
Apr 09, 2020
Saturate your Home with the Gospel
We can all agree that the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown our world for a loop. Particularly, my heart is heavy for parents with young kids at home during this time. If your home is anything like mine, there have been big emotions and challenging behaviors in response to the sudden changes in daily life. As my mind spiraled the other day about the many unknowns and hardships, my sister-in-law asked me, “What do you know?” -
Apr 08, 2020
We Can't Go Back to the Way Things Were
Treasures we've gained from this tragedy.
There’s a light at the end of the tunnel. The cases from this pandemic are starting to taper off in some the most intense regions it hit. One example is New York. That doesn’t mean this is over, but it does stir up the question: what happens after this?
Will things go back to being the same?
We look forward to life as it was. However, I want you to consider that there are some things that shouldn’t go back to normal. -
Apr 03, 2020
Surviving Your Quaran-Teenagers
THREE Thoughts On Surviving Your Quaranteenagers
THREE Ways to Survive Your Quaranteenager! -
Mar 30, 2020
Redeeming Evil Days
How to buy back what feel like stolen time.
This morning I was looking at the news and saw that the White House will be extending the the coronavirus guidelines until April 30th. I’m going to be honest, even though I knew that was coming, I was still pretty discouraged by that thought.
These days feel dark. This is but one of many difficulties within this pandemic. People are losing lot. From their sense of normal, to their jobs, to retirement, and even loved ones.
I was on our church’s prayer channel Friday morning as prayer requests came pouring in.
-
Mar 27, 2020
Did God Cause The Corona Virus?
Sickness, Suffering, and the Sovereignty of God
This question haunts many of us. If there’s an all-powerful God, couldn’t He have prevented this? If there’s a sovereign God, why would he allow this through His sovereign will? And maybe even more pointedly, did God cause this? I want to offer three imprtant reflections from biblical theology.
-
Feb 28, 2020
All About The Numbers?
Have you experienced that moment when someone’s boasting becomes nauseating? There’s no where we hate this more than in the Church. You’ll hear phrases like, “They’re all about the numbers!” But the reality is, pride is a double-edged sword. Some churches boast numbers, but others flex how “not about the numbers” they are. Conceit can manifest as chest-beating or false-humility. Here’s the question: Is there another option?
-
Nov 11, 2019
Stuck - Matt's Story
I got married in 2013. We had big plans: buy a warm inviting home, have a couple of kids, and get involved with church. Yet, not too long after, she began to question her faith in God. One day, she came to the conclusion that she didn't believe. From there, everything our relationship was built on unraveled. She realized this wasn’t the life she wanted anymore. Today, I’m closing in on 3 years since the day she left.
-
May 09, 2019
Kylie Missions Update: April
Hello everyone!
This month was another eye opener of just how AMAZING our God is. He shows us His UNCONDITIONAL love and guidance even when we can’t see it at times. In April, He really helped me grow my relationships here and I was able to see His power once again.
Where to start? Let’s see if I can get this in order!
-
May 05, 2019
Resources for Anger, Lust, & Divorce
Resources for the difficulties of anger, lust, and divorce.
In this passage (Matthew 5:21-32) Jesus calls his disciples to follow him out of anger, lust, and divorce. That's an incrediblly steep calling we cannot face without the even more incredible love of God.
Furthermore, we cannot face these painful circumstances alone. What do we do in the midst of anger, battles with lust, or in the face of divorce? The Gospel reminds us we have all fallen short and Jesus offers us grace. Part of that grace is walking through these things with help.
Below are some resources both interpersonal and informational to support you as you wrestle with these most difficult challenges.
-
Apr 17, 2019
Common Questions About Baptism
WHY BE BAPTIZED?
IT’S A BEAUTIFUL CELEBRATION
The first day of marriage is this explosion of celebration we call a wedding. On New Year’s Eve we throw parties across the world. On the day a baby is born, the whole family gathers to hold her, laugh, and cry tears of joy. The reality is: beginnings always call for a powerful welcome.
JESUS COMMANDS IT Matthew 28:19-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” -
Apr 08, 2019
Kylie Missions Update
Hi everyone!Well, March was definitely a busy month. It didn't go by quite as fast as February which I am okay with. I am having fun here and learning more and more every day. Everyone keeps asking if I'm ready to come home and my answer lately has been "I am having fun here, but home is home for me."
