Do we need a reminder today of the largeness of Jesus’ story? Do terms like “sin,” “salvation,” and “redemption” stand a chance in this sophisticated day of humanism and relativism? Well, apparently they do! After all, where are the Romans who crucified Christ and the great temples of Corinth that dwarfed the infant church? Do worshipers still sacrifice to Zeus? No, but they still sing to Jesus. Do you wonder if your work makes a difference? Against a towering giant, a brook pebble seems futile. But God used it to topple Goliath. In God’s hands, small seeds grow into sheltering trees. He cures … Listen Now
Jesus repeatedly escaped the noise of the crowd in order to hear the voice of God! Which presupposes a decision on his part. I need to get away…to think…to calibrate my course. With resolve, he pressed the pause button on his life. Richard Foster hit the mark when he wrote, “If our Adversary can keep us engaged in ‘muchness’ and ‘manyness,’ he will rest satisfied.” The devil implants taxi meters in our brains. We hear the relentless tick, tick, tick telling us to hurry, hurry, hurry, time is money—resulting in this roaring blur called the human race. Follow Jesus into the desert. Accept your … Listen Now
It took a purposeful pause to pull me out of a spiritual desert! Standing in our new church building before a beaming congregation, I was thinking, I should be thrilled. Instead I was hollow and mechanical. A friend noticed and convinced me to do what I’m urging you to do—that is, clarify my sweet spot. Renewal began when I paused on purpose. Do you sense a disconnect between your design and daily duties? God may want you to leave but you’re staying. How can you know unless you mute the crowd and meet with Jesus in a deserted place? He says, … Listen Now
Look over your shoulder. The crowd is one step back. They don’t consult your strengths or know your story. Still, they seem to know more about your life than you do. They’ll lead your life if you allow them. Jesus didn’t. “When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he told his followers to go to the other side of the lake” (Matthew 8:18). After a day of teaching, “Jesus left the crowd and went into the house” (Matthew 13:36). Christ repeatedly escaped the noise of the crowd in order to hear the voice of God. He resisted the undertow of people by anchoring to the rock … Listen Now
Many people dread their work. If you’re one of them, try changing your attitude toward your work! God’s eyes fall on the work of our hands. One stay-at-home-mom keeps this sign over her sink: “Divine tasks performed here, daily.” Indeed, work can be worship. Peter wrote, “You are a chosen people. You are a kingdom of priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. This is so you can show others the goodness of God.” (1 Peter 2:9). So, let every detail in your life—your words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus. (Colossians 3:17). You don’t drive to an … Listen Now
What if everyone worked with Ephesians 6:7 in mind? “Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Suppose no one worked to satisfy self or please the bottom line but everyone worked to please God. Many occupations would instantly cease– drug trafficking, thievery, prostitution, nightclub and casino management. Certain behaviors would cease as well. If I’m repairing a car for God, I’m not going to overcharge his children. Imagine if everyone worked for the audience of One. Every nurse, thoughtful. Every officer, careful. Every teacher, hopeful. Every lawyer, skillful. Impossible? Well, not entirely. All … Listen Now
When Michelangelo was in his early thirties, the pope invited him to paint a dozen figures on the ceiling of a Vatican chapel. Painting wasn’t Michelangelo’s first passion and he almost refused the project, thinking it was an insignificant one. But he accepted, and as he painted his enthusiasm mounted. Four years, four-hundred figures, and nine scenes later, Michelangelo had changed more than the chapel; he’d changed the direction of art and the style of European painting. What turned Michelangelo’s work of obligation into an act of inspiration? An observer asked why he focused such attention on the corners of … Listen Now
When you are full of yourself, God cannot fill you. But when you empty yourself, God has a useful vessel! Paul, the Bible’s most prolific author, referred to himself as “the least of the apostles” (1 Corinthians 15:9). King David wrote no psalm celebrating his victory over Goliath, but he did write a public poem of penitence confessing his sin with Bathsheba. And then there’s Joseph, the quiet father of Jesus. Rather than make a name for himself, he made a home for Christ. And he was given the privilege of naming the son, “and he called his name Jesus” (Matthew 1:25). Queue up the … Listen Now
Would you forfeit your reputation to see Jesus born into your world? Let’s say you’re someone who enjoys the role of a “Christmas Christian.” You sing the carols, attend the services—but once the season passes, you jettison your faith and re-shelve your Bible. But this past Christmas, the immensity of it hit you: Heaven hung her highest hope and King on a cross for me. Radical thoughts have since surfaced—like joining a Bible study, going on a mission trip. Your family and friends think you’re crazy. They want the Christmas Christian back. You can protect your reputation or protect His. You … Listen Now
God grants us an uncommon life to the degree that we surrender our common one. Jesus said, “If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life” (Matthew 16:25). Imagine that you are a photographer for an ad agency and your boss assigns you your biggest photo shoot ever—an adult magazine. Say yes and polish your reputation; yet you’ll use your God-given gifts to tarnish Christ’s reputation. What do you choose? You have a choice! Jesus did too. He “made himself of no reputation, taking … Listen Now
