A Family's Story of Faith

Have you ever spent time with one of your kids where all you did was just "hang out?" If you have grown kids, and you ask them what they remember most about their childhood, I would bet they recall a time where you spent an afternoon participating in some fun activity. As parents, it sometimes takes a while for us to discover that the thing our kids want most from us is our time. But oh, time always seems to be the thing we find in short supply. I remember when my son was about 4 years old. I would play board games with him in the afternoons. I remember he and I would always claim to be "Champion of the World" when one of us would win. Of course, beating a 4 year old isn't exactly something to brag about on my resume, but nonetheless, I always made sure the title passed back and forth... sometimes. My son and I both fondly recall those days as very special times when we built a relationship. And the truth is... I had a hard time saying no to my son after all th...

There's nothing worse than somebody trying to preach to you about something going on in your life when all you can think about is finding a way to make it right. At that moment, the last thing you want to see is somebody carrying a Bible, acting like they know exactly what you need and how you feel. And truth be told, when they ask you to read from their Bible, you're thinking you'd rather hit them over the head with it! This is the very scenario that makes the concept of sharing your faith so intimidating. Most people would like to help others, but knowing what to say and how to say it stops you in your tracks. So how do share your faith without making people run and hide from you? People can spot a phony from a mile away. The absolute worst thing you can do is say one thing and do another. If you aren't committed to applying Christian principles in your own life, you will not only be ineffective, but will be seen as insincere and phony. People aren't as interested...

While it's true some people seem to find their life purpose easier than others, it's also true that God really does have a plan for every single person, even if it takes a while to see what it is. Most people think finding your life purpose means doing something you truly love. It's an area that just seems natural to you and things just seem to fall into place. But what if things aren't so clear for you? What if you're not sure what your gifts are? What if you haven't discovered any particular talent that makes you think it could be your true calling in life? Or what if you're working somewhere and you're good at it, but you just don't feel fulfilled? Is this all there is for you? Don't panic. You're not alone. There are lots of people in the same boat. Take a look at the Disciples. Now, there's a diverse group. Before Jesus came on the scene, they were fishermen, tax collectors, farmers, etc. They must've been good at what they were ...

What is it about the word, "tithing" that makes people nervous? Why does it seem to go against the grain? Why is it so hard to live the lifestyle of a giver? Many people believe your Christian walk has absolutely nothing to do with giving.....much less your finances. There are those who complain outwardly about all the poverty, the homeless, and the sick in our world. Yet they pass needy people in their own neighborhoods every single day, and don't give them a second thought. It's so much easier to concentrate on your own life and your own circumstances. After all, it's not right to pry into other people's business... Christian giving is not the thing you begrudgingly do on some Sundays when you attend services. It's a lifestyle that involves every part of who you are as a Christian. Developing a giving lifestyle means you're actively seeking ways to be a blessing. Yes, you certainly pray for people. But you also actively participate in helping meet th...

I'm not just talking about "having the stuff you want to have." I mean the person that you're being each and every day...is that person the most fulfilled version of you imaginable? There's a phrase that goes "Get over yourself", and while it may have a negative connotation because it just sounds rude, it's actually very often the key to realizing the life you've always dreamed of. Let me explain what I mean by "getting over yourself"... You see, I would venture to say that most people are not living 100% authentically who they aspire to be. I can say quite honestly that there are areas in my life where I'd like to be authentic and more effective in the kingdom of God. So why am I not? What is ANYONE not? The short answer is "resistance". We have fear or doubt about playing full out. But where did that resistance come from? What can we do about it? What is the real impact that it's having in our experience of life? Thi...