Lent… 40 days of preparation, starting on Ash Wednesday, not including Sundays. Preparation for the celebration of the greatest, world transforming event in history… the resurrection of Jesus Christ!
Category Archives: Discipleship
Books I’m Planning To Read In 2019
The books I read in 2018 had a profound impact on my family, work, and ministry (top 10 reads from 2018 below). Setting goals, having a plan, and making that plan a priority can go a long way in personal growth. The start of a new year provides a great opportunity to do just that.
These are books I already have that are on my list for 2019.
Why I’m Take A Break From Social Media
I'm going on vacation!
I love social media! It’s great for staying in touch, connecting with friends and keeping current with family. It’s great for news, networking, and resources. It can also be a huge waste of time. Or worse!
For the last two years I’ve taken a break from social media while on vacation. That’s been the best vacation decision I’ve ever made! This is not just a valuable principle to apply while on vacation… this has changed my life and could change yours too.
Jesus, Broken And Poured Out For Us
Reflections On Mark 14:12-26 #ChallengeTheNorm
Yesterday I preached, “Jesus, Broken And Poured Out For Us,” from Mark 14:12-26 at Restoration Church. I hope it’s a blessing to you, especially if you’re struggling with challenges in your life and uncertain where Jesus is in the midst of it all. HERE is the audio.
Unfortunately I forgot to set my phone to airplane mode and got a call 20 minutes in, which stopped the recording! Yikes! So I’m pasting my full sermon manuscript below.
I’d love to hear from you, comment below or send me a message.
Behavioral scientists have discovered that we usually see things that we are prepared to see. It’s a network of nerve cells called the “Reticular Activating System,” which is KINDA LIKE a BRAIN FILTER. There are millions of data points floating in our brain at any one point. This “BRAIN FILTER” signals what’s IMPORTANT!
Your Impossible Is God’s Possible!
Reflections On Mark 10:17-31 #ChallengeTheNorm
I’ve always been intrigued by things that seem IMPOSSIBLE, like sneezing with your eyes open, eating just one potato chip (especially Doritos), or a Washington D.C. Sports team winning in the 21st century! (come on Wizards and NATS, this is the year!)
Have you ever felt like you were in an IMPOSSIBLE situation?
- Parents, ever feel like making it through the day is IMPOSSIBLE!
- Maybe you’re in a relationship that feels IMPOSSIBLE to reconcile!
- Or like me, your bills are piled up and it feels IMPOSSIBLE to get ahead!
- Or like many, you’re struggling with the same vice, addiction, or bad habit that seems IMPOSSIBLE to get rid of!
Let me encourage you… God loves to turn OUR impossibilities into HIS possibilities.
Yesterday I preached from Mark 10 at Restoration Church, our new church plant in Gaithersburg, MD. HERE is the audio, I hope it’s a blessing to you, especially if you’re facing what feels like an IMPOSSIBLE situation!
Below are my sermon notes. I’d love to hear from you, comment below or send me a message.
“I Can’t _____, He can!”
#ChallengeTheNorm
We all want to be successful, right? Understanding what we CAN’T do is KEY to that success. When I recognize what I can’t do… sing, design, cook, write computer programs, etc., not only does this help steer me in the right direction, but it fosters humility. And I’m proud of how humble I really am! OK, I’ve still got a long way to go, but i’m in process just like you!
Last Sunday I preached this message from Mark 8:1-21. It’s one of my favorite messages I’ve ever preached. I hope you listen and are blessed. HERE is the AUDIO. I’d love to hear your feedback. Some of my notes are below.
Seven Reasons You Should Challenge The Norm
#ChallengeTheNorm
Did you know… there are a lot of things we think of as normal that shouldn’t be? Last Sunday I preached the first part of a series in the book of Mark. The series title is Challenge The Norm, a.k.a. #ChallengeTheNorm. HERE is the audio. I hope it’s a blessing!
SEVEN Reasons You Should Challenge The Norm
Christmas Really is All About Gifts
Yes, I said it!
Who doesn’t love getting gifts? One of the best gifts I’ve ever received was when I was 14. I was taking drum lessons and using cheap three piece starter set. But that Christmas I got one of the best gifts ever… a blue Pearl Export Drum Set!
On the other hand, it’s amazing giving gifts too. The best gift I’ve ever given was a diamond engagement ring! She said yes and the rest is history!
Here’s the point… CHRISTmas really is all about GIFTS! That was the title to my message this CHRISTmas. It was one of my all time favorite messages to share and I hope it blesses you too. HERE is a link.
How To Experience JOY This CHRISTmas
Jesus is Restoring JOY
Christmas can and should be a time of great JOY! The first Christmas started with a message that included GOOD NEWS… of GREAT JOY… for ALL PEOPLE! There’s no three easy steps to live a life of joy. But there is a secret…
Yesterday I preached, “Jesus is Restoring Joy.” I’ll give you a hint… Jesus is the secret to experiencing JOY this Christmas. Have a listen, download the Way of Life Plan, and take steps to enjoy more JOY this Christmas! Below are some further encouragements from the birth announcement of Jesus.
Experiencing Peace This Christmas Season
Jesus is Restoring Peace
I LOVE this time of year… something about the colder weather, Christmas decorations, delicious goodies, gatherings and celebrations, Christmas music, Charlie Brown specials, watching ELF, the Michael Buble Christmas special, and so on. Can you relate?
But for too many people the joy of the holiday is as hollow as your neighbor’s snowman lawn inflatable. Take your pick of the holiday stress increasers:
- Less time to get more done
- Increased expenses and financial pressure
- Awkward family gatherings at “uncle Fred’s” place
- Having to get that “just right” gift
- Reminders of painful loss or personal crisis
On Sunday I shared this message, “Jesus is Restoring Peace.” I hope it encourages you to embrace Jesus as your PEACE during this Advent season.