THE POWER OF STORIES We become the stories we tell and celebrate. We live vicariously through characters--whether fictional or real--and explore meaning, desires, and truth. Especially at young ages, stories are life-shaping tools. They frame our reality and expectations, our hopes and fears. Stories become our answers to meta-questions: who am I? what is my … Continue reading Tell Redemptive Stories (Psalm 78:1-4)
The Lamp Post
My notes from studying a passage of Scripture
Serve the King (Matthew 25:37-40)
“Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King … Continue reading Serve the King (Matthew 25:37-40)
Don’t love money (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
"Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless."Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV I remember when I was a child I was given $11 as a gift. I finally had my own money and I loved it. I was so worried that I might lose it. So, … Continue reading Don’t love money (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
Find a quiet place (Mark 1:35)
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.Mark 1:35 One mistake that we make in church leadership is that we too often ask people to get together and do something. Go to a small group! Come to … Continue reading Find a quiet place (Mark 1:35)
Drop Hostility, Pick-up Humility (Ephesians 4:1-3)
Hold the bag? But, I just want a handful. I don't want to hold the bag. If she wants me to hold the bag, then I don't even want any. These were the selfish thoughts in my head recently when my wife asked me to hold the bag of Cheese-Its. I had gone to reach … Continue reading Drop Hostility, Pick-up Humility (Ephesians 4:1-3)
See Trials As Pure Joy (James 1:2-4)
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.James 1:2-4 This verse doesn't make sense. How am I supposed to have joy … Continue reading See Trials As Pure Joy (James 1:2-4)
Wait In Faith (1 Samuel 1:9-18)
Waiting is hard. We're used to conveniences like Amazon Prime two-day shipping. It's absolutely wonderful to push a button and have something show up at my house in two-days. One time there was something I needed that didn't have Prime shipping and I had to wait seven to fourteen days. How barbaric! We're so used … Continue reading Wait In Faith (1 Samuel 1:9-18)
Break free from the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15)
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. Hebrews 2:14-15 Death is a paralyzing … Continue reading Break free from the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15)
Choose Who You Will Worship (Joshua 24:15)
"And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."Joshua 24:15 … Continue reading Choose Who You Will Worship (Joshua 24:15)
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