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Tag: Faith (Page 4 of 15)

I Fear We’re Insane

August 8, 2024 / / 1 Comment

It’s time to wake up. We’ve all heard that insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results. Yet, how often do we fall into this trap? We cling to traditions, methods, and mindsets that have long outlived their effectiveness, hoping they’ll somehow bring revival. Newsflash: They won’t! It’s time to wake up, shake off the dust of complacency, and start thinking bigger, bolder, and differently if we truly want to fulfill the mission Christ has given us.

The Comfort of Tradition

Tradition feels safe, doesn’t it? It’s that well-worn path we’ve walked for decades, the familiar liturgy, the same order of service, the predictable sermons, the tried and true programs. But let’s be honest—how much of this is bearing fruit? We’re too often wrapped in the warm, comfortable blanket of “how we’ve always done it,” forgetting that comfort isn’t the goal—discipleship is. And discipleship is not the same as pew sitting membership!

Here’s the hard truth: If we keep doing church the way we’ve always done it, we’ll keep getting the same results we’ve always gotten. And let’s face it, those results aren’t cutting it. Look around. Are our churches filled with the lost, the broken, the desperate souls we’re called to reach? Or are they filled with empty seats and stagnant faith? If we want to see change, we need to change first.

Don’t be delusional!

But we’re making progress! is a line I hear from time to time. Sure, maybe your attendance numbers are steady, maybe your programs are running smoothly. But is that the kind of progress Christ called us to? Or are we just busy maintaining the status quo, confusing busyness with real kingdom impact?

I don’t want to burst your bubble here but true progress isn’t about keeping the church doors open. It’s about opening the doors of our hearts and minds to new ways of reaching the lost, discipling believers, and transforming our communities. It’s about stepping out in faith, even when it feels uncomfortable and even dangerous, and trusting that God will meet us in the unknown.

If we’re not constantly evaluating and adjusting our approach, if we’re not willing to disrupt our routines for the sake of the gospel, we’ll find ourselves far from the vibrant, living body of Christ we’re meant to be.

If your goal doesn’t need God, it’s not big enough.

Thinking bigger isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a divine mandate. We serve a God who is infinitely creative, who specializes in doing new things (Isaiah 43:19). If we’re not willing to think bigger, to dream beyond our current limitations, we’re limiting God’s work in and through us. And frankly we’re dreaming man size dreams in a God sized world.

Ask yourself—and your church—some tough questions. What have we been avoiding because it feels too risky? What traditions have we clung to, not because they’re effective, but because they’re comfortable? What new methods, new ideas, new visions have we dismissed because they didn’t fit our comfortable way of doing things?

God is calling us to break free from the mold, to challenge the status quo, and to step into a new level of faith. If we’re not willing to do that, we’re not just stagnating; we’re disobeying the call to go into all the world and make disciples (Matthew 28:19).

One small step for man…

The unknown is scary. It’s like standing on the edge of a cliff, wondering if you’ll survive the leap. But here’s the thing: The church isn’t called to play it safe. We’re called to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). And faith doesn’t thrive in the familiar; it grows in the unknown. When those men stepped off the shuttle for the first time, it was the largest small step anyone could ever take.

Every time we choose comfort over calling, tradition over transformation, we’re choosing to stay small. But when we take a step of faith, when we’re willing to leave the safety of the boat and walk on water, that’s when we see God move in miraculous ways.

If we keep doing church the way we’ve always done it, we’ll keep getting the same results we’ve always gotten. But if we’re willing to think bigger, take risks, and to embrace the unknown, we’ll see God do things we never imagined.

The church doesn’t need more people who are content with the status quo. We need committed disciples who are willing to challenge the norm, to dream bigger dreams, and to step out in bold faith. Stop settling for the same old results. Start living out the kind of radical, world-changing faith that Jesus modeled.

Because the only thing that’s truly insane is thinking the church can stay the same and somehow, magically, fulfill its mission in a changing world.

Renovating the Church

August 6, 2024 / / 0 Comments

So it’s time for some tough love. The church is facing a crisis not because the message of the Gospel has lost its power, but because we’ve gotten too comfortable with the way we’ve always done it. Imagine the Church as a house. The foundation and framing—the Word of God and the core principles Jesus laid down—are solid. But let’s be real, some of the internal walls are blocking the flow, making the place feel stuffy and uninviting. It’s time for a renovation. Let’s tear down some walls, open up the space, and let the fresh wind of the Spirit breathe new life into our congregations.

Leave the Foundation

First, let’s be clear: we’re not touching the foundation. The Bible, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the love of God—these are non-negotiable. They are the bedrock upon which our faith stands. But just like a house built in the 1950s, our systems—the way we do church—need updating. We’re talking about moving some walls around to create a space that works for today’s world, which is vastly changing day after day.

We often do one of two things when we starting talking renovation. We mess with the foundation, which is NOT what we’re talking about. We are not talking about changing the structural elements of the faith. And we’re also not just looking at putting a new coat of paint on the walls or adding a few pictures and moving the furniture. The change needs to be significant enough to make a difference but not detrimental to the structure of who we are.

Outdated Systems, Outdated Mindsets

For too long, we’ve clung to traditions that no longer serve their purpose. Programs that once brought life are now lifeless. Ministries that once thrived are now just going through the motions. It’s like living in a house with a beautiful exterior but a cramped, dark interior. It’s time to knock down some walls!

When my family and I moved to our current home, we loved the outside. We loved the quality of the build. We loved the fact that it wasn’t a new build and had some great character. But we also knew that the way it was divided inside wasn’t going to work for us for long. The kitchen was pretty tiny and totally separate from all living spaces. You were pretty much in a dungeon when cooking. We like to entertain and this layout was not inviting at all. So we knocked out some walls. They no longer served their purpose. They were obstructions to a way of life that would allow us to welcome people to our home and have great conversations around food and fellowship.

I’m not going to tell you what walls need moved in your context. That’s not up to me. I don’t know your culture. I don’t know the values of your congregation. I don’t know the way the people in your community receive the best. What follows are a few ideas of some walls that might need to be taken down or relocated. Starting with a solid set of core values and extremely clear mission/vision make this process way easier! If this is something you need help navigating hit me up! I have access to some proven strategies that provide immense clarity and unity in a congregation when it comes to values discovery and a great way to look at vision.

Walls to Consider

  1. Worship Services: Do the times, styles, length of the services hinder people from connecting? Do you use language people understand? Is the message clear and concise when communicated? These are just a few questions to address when looking at the walls that our worship services put up for people new to the church.
  2. Community Engagement: The church isn’t a building; it’s a community or family to use a more biblical image. We need to move the walls that separate the people inside the church from the rest of the world. Host events that serve the needs of your community, be present in local schools, and partner with other organizations. Show the love of Christ in tangible ways. What parts of the way you approach ministry are hindering people from connecting to the life-giving message of the Gospel? Those walls probably need to come down.
  3. Discipleship: Sunday school is great, but it’s not enough. It’s time we create more intimate settings for discipleship. Small groups, mentorship programs, and discipleship triads can deepen faith in ways that a large group setting just can’t. Move the walls that keep people from forming real, authentic relationships. This is a hard one because for many congregations, Sunday School is the way it’s always been done. Asking a church to rethink their Sunday School approach is received like you just asked them to burn down the worship space. Sunday School worked when it worked, but is it still working? Maybe it is, and if so great! But if not you might need to take that wall down.
  4. Leadership: The old model of a single pastor doing everything is unsustainable. It’s time to move those walls and share the load. Empower lay leaders, encourage team ministry, and build a leadership structure that supports growth and innovation. Boards and committees often stifle the movement of the church locally. Tying decision making to meetings stops movement. Widen the lanes of authority so the people doing the work can make decisions. Which means we also have to let people do the work! Completely professionalizing the ministry has become a huge wall that is stopping the spread of the gospel in many communities. This wall is one that in many contexts really needs to be addressed.

Embrace the Change

I know mixing metaphors is a bad idea but I’m going to do it anyway. If someone in Texas needs a hole dug on their land, it’s not going to help them if I dig a deeper hole in Ohio. When we double down on the way we’ve always done it, it’s like digging a deeper hole to help someone far away. Instead of digging a deeper hole, we need to find a way to get to where they are or at least get them a better shovel so they don’t have to dig with their hands.

I know renovating a house is messy, inconvenient, and often frustrating. But the result is a space that feels like home—a place where people want to be. The same goes for the church. Change is hard. It will upset some people. But staying stuck in outdated systems is not an option. We must be bold, courageous, and willing to take risks for the sake of the Gospel.

Friends, it’s time for a renovation. The foundation is firm, but some of the walls need to move. Let’s create a space that reflects the dynamic, life-giving power of the Gospel. Let’s be a church that not only honors the past but also embraces the possibilities before us. The world is waiting. Let’s show them what a renovated, reimagined church looks like. It’s time to get to work.

Two Key Questions

July 30, 2024 / / 0 Comments

There are two key questions that we all need to consider. We love to answer one but often fail to even consider the other. Now I could string this along and really agitate you but that wouldn’t be nice, so here are the two questions. Then we’ll talk about them.

Are we going to believe Jesus? And are we going to obey Jesus?

The first one seems to be the easy one. We don’t really have a problem with this question. We’ll read our bible and go to church. We’ll say we love him and value how much he loves us. We’ll teach the stories in the Bible to our children and read them to our grandchildren.

Believing in Jesus isn’t really a hard thing, especially for those who call themselves Christians. After all it’s kind of what being a Christian is about right?

I’m going to push back on that a little as we look at the second question. I don’t think believing Jesus is the crux of being a Christian. I think there are people who believe Jesus and yet don’t really get it. Believing is part of the equation but it’s not the point.

One of my favorite bible verses is from Matthew 28. It’s been called the Great Commission by church goers for centuries. It’s the passage where Jesus commissions the disciples and the church to make disciples. We split hairs over which words in the great commission are command style words, imperatives for all you grammar people. Is it supposed to be go and make disciples or while you are going make disciples? That’s a really good question but I don’t think that’s the point either.

One command in that verse is to make disciples. The rest of the verse is really about where and how we go about doing it. This is where we move to our second question – are we going to obey Jesus?

Believing Jesus is one thing, but obeying is a totally different ball game! Remember that great commission thing? Going into the world, make disciples of all nations…yeah read on just a few more words. Jesus goes on to say how we do this.

Not only is there this whole baptism thing, which we won’t spend time on here, but then there’s the next phrase. Teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. It’s right there – obey. It’s not teaching them to know all that I have commanded. He didn’t tell us to memorize large chunks of the Bible, although that isn’t a bad thing at all. It’s just not the point. The point is to teach them how to obey what the Bible says.

Obedience to the message of Jesus is what the life of the Christian should be all about. And our lack of obedience to the message of Jesus is often what gets the church in some hot water in the world. Another way to say this is that people rarely have a problem with Jesus. It’s Jesus’ people who are the problem.

I have plenty of friends on Facebook who are pretty open about their stance against Christians. What I think is so sad is the things they’re upset about are things Jesus would likely be upset about too. So often the way we live out our belief is a turn off for those who don’t really know the heart of Jesus.

The question about belief is important. For sure you need to believe the things of Jesus! But if you’re going to say you believe it, then you had better start acting like it has made a difference in your life.

You can’t half way the Christian life. It doesn’t work that way. Jesus says in the book of Revelation that either be hot for him or cold against but lukewarm (aka halfway) is vomit worthy. Yup Jesus is NOT ok with the lukewarm Christian because they aren’t really his followers!

One place where I see this belief but lack of obedience on full display is when we judge the world around us while we have our own baggage that needs addressing. Jesus talks about that too.

He says that we should take care of the boulder in our own eye before trying to nit pick at the speck in our brothers eye. Look there are problems in the world all around us. There’s no questions about that at all! But if we spend time working on the way we obey the message of the gospel and the teachings of Jesus, then we won’t need to worry as much about what words we have to say when talking about our faith. They’ll just see it right there in full frontal form.

So the two questions we all need to address – Do we believe in Jesus? And equally important are we going to obey the teachings of Jesus? This is a really great place for the follower of Jesus to start.

The Call to Radical Generosity

July 10, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Generosity. It’s a word that gets tossed around like confetti, but how many of us actually live it out in a way that shakes the foundations of our comfortable lives? You probably want to hold onto something because we’re about to take a hard look at why generosity isn’t just a nice idea —it’s a radical, non-negotiable command straight from the mouth of Jesus.

Love in Action

First off, let’s get something straight: generosity isn’t about dropping a few coins in the offering plate and patting ourselves on the back. True generosity is rooted in love—the kind of love that Jesus demonstrated when He gave up everything for us. We’ve heard of John 3:16. The whole gospel in a nutshell passage. In it we read, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” Did you see it? God gave. Generosity is love in action, and for Christians, love is the core of our faith. If we’re not living generously, are we truly living out our faith?

The Gospel is Giving

The Gospel is all about giving. Jesus didn’t come to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). He didn’t cling to His divine privileges but emptied Himself for our sake (Philippians 2:6-7). As Christians, we’re called to mirror this selfless generosity. It’s not optional either. It’s the very heartbeat of the Gospel.

When we live generously, we reflect Christ’s character to a world that desperately needs to see it. We become walking, talking billboards for the transformative power of the Gospel. It’s about time we started living up to that calling, don’t you think?

Counter Cultural Living

We live in a culture that screams, “More! More! More!” It’s all about accumulating wealth, power, and stuff. Consumerism anyone?

But Jesus flips the script. In Matthew 6:19-21, He tells us not to store up treasures on earth, but to store up treasures in heaven. Why? Because where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. Generosity is a powerful weapon against the relentless grip of materialism. It breaks the chains of greed and selfishness that bind us and then frees us to live with open hands and hearts.

Here’s where it gets really interesting. Radical generosity doesn’t just change the lives of those on the receiving end; it transforms the giver, too. Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” When we give freely and joyfully, we experience a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose. We’re tapping into the very essence of what it means to be human—you know the whole created in the image of a generous God idea.

Let’s Get Practical

Enough with the theory. Let’s get down to brass tacks. Here are four practical steps to start living generously today:

  1. Evaluate Your Priorities: Where are you spending your time, energy, relational capacity and even material goods? If your priorities don’t reflect a generous spirit, it’s time for a change.
  2. Give Regularly and Spontaneously: Set aside a portion of your income to give regularly to your church or favorite charity. But don’t stop there—look for spontaneous opportunities to bless others. Buy a meal for a stranger, donate to a special project at your local church, or simply offer your time to someone in need.
  3. Live Simply: The less you’re attached to material possessions, the more freely you can give. Simplify your life and use the extra resources to make a difference.
  4. Engage Your Community: Get involved in your local community. Volunteer at shelters, join service projects, and be present where there is need. Your presence can be just as valuable as your material assets.

Step Up and Stand Out

Generosity isn’t a feel-good add-on to the Christian life; it’s part of the core of what it means to follow Jesus. It’s time to step up and stand out. Let’s stop blending in with a culture obsessed with getting and start living out the radical generosity that Jesus modeled for us. The world is watching. Let’s give them something worth seeing.

The Ant’s Way

June 25, 2024 / / 1 Comment

Do you want to be more productive? Let me guess—you’ve read every article, bought every planner, and tried every app, but you’re still not getting things done. What if I told you that the secret to productivity isn’t some shiny new tool, but a simple lesson from an ant? Yes, an ant. Stick with me here and it’ll all make sense.

The Power of One Grain

Imagine an ant. It’s tiny, almost insignificant on its own. But this little creature can build massive anthills, one grain of sand at a time. Each grain might seem as if it’s nothing, but when you consider the relentless effort, the continued collection, that something massive and intricate is created. This is the lesson: productivity is about consistent, even small actions compounded over time. Forget the big picture for a moment. Focus on the grains.

Why You’re Failing

Here’s the harsh truth: you’re not failing because you lack talent or resources. You’re failing because you’re not acting like an ant. You’re overwhelmed by the mountain of tasks in front of you, so you freeze. You think about the entire anthill instead of the next grain of sand. The result? Paralysis by analysis. If you can’t get it all done at once, you don’t do anything.

Embrace the Grind

It’s time to wake up! Productivity isn’t glamorous. It’s not Instagram-worthy planners or color-coded to-do lists. It’s about grinding, day in and day out, doing the small, monotonous tasks that inch you closer to your goals. An ant doesn’t question the process. It doesn’t complain. It simply works.

Want to write a book? Don’t focus on the 80,000 words needed before publishing. Focus on writing 500 words today. Want to get fit? Don’t think about the six-pack abs or the 30 lbs you have to lose. Think about doing your workout today. Want to start a business? Don’t obsess over the million-dollar idea. Focus on the one task you can complete right now.

The Compound Effect

Here’s the magic: those small, consistent actions add up. Just like the ant’s grains of sand eventually create an anthill, your daily actions can create massive results over time. But it won’t work if you don’t take the first step. This is the compound effect in action. Small actions, repeated consistently, lead to exponential growth.

Let’s break it down:

  1. Daily Writing: Write 500 words a day. In a year, that’s 182,500 words. That’s not just one book; that could be two or three.
  2. Daily Exercise: Spend 30 minutes working out each day. In a year, that’s 182.5 hours of exercise. That’s a lot of calories burned, muscles built, and health gained.
  3. Daily Learning: Read 10 pages of a book each day. In a year, that’s 3,650 pages. That’s like reading 12-15 books a year. Think about the knowledge you’ll gain.

Stop Waiting for Motivation

I’ve heard it before, I want to do the work but I’m just waiting for the right motivation. Here’s a reality check: motivation is overrated. It’s fleeting, unreliable, and a lousy foundation for productivity. Ants don’t wait for motivation. They don’t need a pep talk to get moving. They just do what needs to be done.

Stop coddling yourself with the excuse of needing to “feel like it.” Productivity is a habit, not a feeling. Create a routine and stick to it. Show up every day, no matter what. The ant doesn’t take a day off because it’s tired or uninspired. Neither should you.

Be Relentless

Life will throw obstacles your way. You’ll face setbacks, distractions, and failures. But if you adopt the ant’s relentless mindset, you’ll keep moving forward. When an ant’s path is blocked, it doesn’t give up. It finds another way. It’s time for you to do the same.

Lost your job? Use the time to learn new skills and network. Project failed? Analyze what went wrong and try again. Too busy? Reevaluate your priorities and make time for what matters. There’s always a way, but you have to be relentless.

Final Thoughts

So, are you ready to be productive? Are you ready to embrace the ant’s way? It’s not going to be easy. It’s not going to be glamorous. But it’s going to be worth it. Start today. Pick up your grain of sand. Do the small actions consistently. You can build your anthill, one grain at a time.

Remember, it’s not about the big moves. It’s about the tiny, relentless actions. Be the ant. Get to work. And watch as you transform your productivity and your life, one grain at a time.

Trust is Built in the Shadow of Fear

June 24, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Fear is a natural response to uncertainty, danger, and the unknown. Yet, it is often in the shadow of fear that trust is most profoundly built. This truth is vividly illustrated in two biblical accounts: Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4 and Jesus walking on water in Matthew 14.

In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus and His disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee when a furious storm arises. The disciples, many of whom were experienced fishermen, are terrified. Waves crash into the boat, and it begins to fill with water. In their panic, they wake Jesus, who is asleep on a cushion. “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” they cry. Jesus rises, rebukes the wind, and commands the waves, “Peace! Be still!” Immediately, the wind dies down, and there is complete calm. Then Jesus asks, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Similarly, in Matthew 14:22-33, the disciples are again on the Sea of Galilee, but this time without Jesus, who has stayed behind to pray. As night falls, a strong wind begins to beat against the boat. Early in the morning, Jesus comes strolling past them, walking on the water. The disciples are terrified, thinking they he is a ghost. But Jesus immediately reassures them, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Peter, boldly yet I’d assume somewhat fearfully, replies, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus invites, and Peter steps out of the boat. As he walks on water, he becomes aware of the wind and waves, and fear overtakes him. Beginning to sink, he cries out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reaches out His hand and catches him. “You of little faith,” He says, “why did you doubt?”

These stories reveal some deep lessons about fear and trust. In both, the disciples face circumstances that are beyond their control, which brings fear and panic. Yet, it is in these moments of fear that their trust in Jesus is formed and even deepened.

The disciples’ fear in the storm and Peter’s fear as he walks on water are met with Jesus’ calm authority and reassurance. Jesus does not abandon them in their fear; instead, He demonstrates His power over the very elements that threaten them. His questions, “Why are you so afraid?” and “Why did you doubt?” challenge them to recognize that fear and faith are interconnected. It is through experiencing fear that they have the opportunity to grow in their trust of Jesus.

Trust is not built in the absence of fear but in the very pressure it presents. When we face our fears, we are given the opportunity to rely on God more fully. Just as the disciples learned to trust Jesus through the storms, we too can learn to trust Him in the trials of our daily lives. Fear can drive us to doubt and despair, or it can be the catalyst for a deeper, more robust faith.

In moments of fear, remember the disciples’ experiences. Jesus is with us in our storms, calling us to trust Him. He may calm the storm or calm us so that we can walk through it, but His presence is our peace. As we look to Jesus in the midst of our fears, we build trust in the One who commands the wind and waves, the One who reaches out His hand to save us. Trust is indeed built in the shadow of fear, for it is in the our fears that we most vividly realize our need for God’s unwavering presence and power.

Integrity: Absolutely Non-Negotiable

June 21, 2024 / / 0 Comments

In today’s world, integrity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. We’re constantly bombarded with stories of corruption, deceit, and dishonesty in all corners of society—from business tycoons manipulating the market to politicians breaking promises. It’s time we cut the crap and face the hard truth: without integrity, everything falls apart. Period.

Just to be clear, integrity is not optional. It’s a necessary ingredient for trust to exist, and trust is the cornerstone of any successful relationship, be it personal or professional. When integrity goes out the window, so does trust, and when trust is gone, things spiral out of control rapidly.

Look around. We see the fallout from lack of integrity everywhere: businesses crumbling, governments destabilizing, and relationships disintegrating. Why? Because somewhere along the line, someone thought they could get away with cutting corners, telling lies, or cheating the system. Spoiler alert: you can’t!

Let’s unpack this a bit. Integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. It means being honest and having strong moral principles. It’s about consistency between your actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations, and outcomes. If you think you can succeed without integrity, the only person you’re fooling is you.

The Business Case for Integrity

First, let’s talk business. In the corporate world, integrity is paramount. Sure, you might see shady companies making a quick buck through unethical practices. But how long do they last? Not long.

Sooner or later, their deceitful ways catches up with them. Enron, Volkswagen, and Theranos anyone? They fell from grace because they traded integrity for short-term gains. The result? Financial ruin, legal repercussions, and irreparable damage to their reputations. If your business strategy includes compromising your principles, you’re on borrowed time.

Companies that prioritize integrity build strong, lasting relationships with their customers, employees, and stakeholders. When you’re honest and transparent, people want to do business with you. Trust is the ultimate currency, and once it’s lost, it’s almost impossible to regain. An ethical approach isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do. It leads to loyal customers, motivated employees, and a positive reputation—all essential ingredients for long-term success.

Personal Integrity: Your Most Valuable Asset

Now, let’s get personal. Your integrity defines who you are. It’s your most valuable asset. If you’re willing to compromise your integrity for personal gain, you’re selling yourself short. Maybe you think a little white lie here and there, or a minor cheat, won’t matter. Newsflash: it does. Every time you compromise your integrity, you chip away at your self-respect and credibility. It’s a slippery slope that leads to a bottomless pit of self-doubt and distrust from others.

Living with integrity means being true to yourself and others. It means making choices that align with your values, even when they’re tough. It’s about having the courage to stand up for what’s right, even if you stand alone. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

The Ripple Effect

Integrity, or the lack thereof, has a ripple effect. Your actions influence those around you. If you’re a leader, your team looks to you for guidance. If you demonstrate integrity, you set a standard for others to follow. You create an environment of trust and respect, where ethical behavior is the norm. On the flip side, if you cut corners and act dishonestly, don’t be surprised when your team follows suit. Leadership isn’t about being the boss; it’s about setting an example.

In your personal life, integrity affects your relationships. People are drawn to those they can trust. When you act with integrity, you attract like-minded individuals who value honesty and respect. These are the relationships that stand the test of time. Conversely, if you’re known for being unreliable or deceitful, you’ll find yourself surrounded by people who share those same negative traits. It’s a vicious cycle that only ends in disappointment and loneliness.

Integrity: The Non-Negotiable Ingredient

Integrity isn’t just nice-to-have; it’s a must-have. It’s the non-negotiable ingredient for any kind of success, whether in business, relationships, or life in general. Without it, everything you build is on shaky ground, ready to collapse at the slightest tremor.

So, what’s the takeaway? Stop making excuses. Stop thinking that shortcuts and dishonesty will get you ahead. They won’t. True success comes from a foundation of integrity. Make it your guiding principle. Live it, breathe it, and demand it from those around you. It’s time we all took a hard look in the mirror and committed to doing the right thing, even when it’s tough. Because in the end, integrity is the only thing that truly matters.

Trust is Built in the Shadow of Fear

June 18, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Trust. A seemingly fragile word, often invoked but rarely understood. We live in a world where fear dominates our every move. Fear of failure, fear of betrayal, fear of the unknown. It looms over us like a terrifying darkness, casting a long and ominous shadow across our lives. But do you want to know the kicker? It’s within this very veil of darkness that trust can be forged. It’s in the midst of our fears that the most profound and unshakeable trust is able to emerge.

The Paradox of Fear

Fear is a primal instinct, hardwired into our brains since the fall of humanity. It’s a survival mechanism, designed to keep us safe from the prowling lions of our ancestors’ nightmares. Yet, in the modern world, these predators have morphed into subtler, more insidious threats: the fear of losing our jobs, the fear of being judged, the fear of emotional vulnerability, the fear of making a mistake. Oh the horror!

But fear is not the enemy. It’s a crucible, a test of our true character. It’s easy to trust someone when life is smooth sailing. But when the seas get rough, that’s when real trust is built. In the darkest moments, when fear is at its peak, trust has the ability to shine its brightest.

The Anatomy of Trust

Trust isn’t given though; it’s earned. And it’s earned through actions, not words. In the shadow of fear, promises mean nothing without the backbone of reliability and the spine of consistency. When someone stands by you in your darkest hour, that’s when trust takes root. When someone has your back when the stakes are high, that’s when trust blooms and grows.

It’s about showing up when it matters most. When you’re drowning in self-doubt and the world feels like it’s caving in, those who reach out their hands to pull you from the abyss are the ones you learn to trust implicitly. Their actions speak louder than any platitudes ever could. But you need to be willing to reach for their outstretched hand. Trust requires you to move too. Even if it’s just one small step, trust demands action.

Betrayal: The Ultimate Teacher

Nothing teaches the value of trust quite like betrayal. It cuts deep, leaving scars that never fully heal. Betrayal forces us to confront the reality of human fallibility. It’s a brutal wake-up call that not everyone is worthy of our trust.

But betrayal also teaches us discernment. It sharpens our instincts, making us more attuned to the subtle signals of who deserves our trust. In the shadow of betrayal, we learn to value the rare, precious gems of loyalty and integrity. The pain of betrayal becomes the forge in which our understanding of trust is refined and tempered as long as we don’t let that betrayal bury us in an ever deepening pit of fear and despair.

Fear as a Catalyst for Trust

Fear and trust are inextricably linked. The greater the fear, the more powerful the trust that can emerge from its shadow. It’s a high-stakes game, one that demands courage and vulnerability. But those who dare to play it reap the richest rewards.

When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we open the door to genuine connection. It’s a risk, but it’s one worth taking. It’s one too costly not to take. By confronting our fears head-on, we create the conditions for trust to thrive. It’s about acknowledging our fears, not denying them. It’s about saying, “I am afraid, but I choose to trust anyway.”

The Role of Integrity

If fear is the dark shadow that slows us and trust is the way out, then integrity is the cornerstone of trust. It’s about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. In a world rife with deception and half-truths, integrity stands out like a beacon. It’s the unwavering commitment to honesty, transparency, and accountability.

People with integrity inspire trust because they live by their principles. They don’t bend to the whims of convenience or expediency. Their word is their bond, and their actions consistently align with their values. In the shadow of fear, integrity is the anvil upon which trust is forged.

Building Trust in a Fearful World

So how do we build trust in a world dominated by fear? It starts with small acts of courage. It starts with showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable. It starts with being honest, even when the truth is painful. It starts with taking small steps in the direction you know you have to move, even when the final destination isn’t completely clear.

It’s about creating a culture of trust, one where people feel safe to be vulnerable. It’s about leading by example, demonstrating through our actions that trust is possible, even in the most fear-filled scenarios.

In the end, trust is not the absence of fear, but the triumph that comes through it. It’s the audacious belief that despite our fears, despite the risks, despite the past hurts and let downs, there is something stronger that binds us. It’s the understanding that true trust is built not in the absence of fear, but in its very shadow.

In this harsh, unforgiving world, trust is our most valuable currency. It’s rare, precious, and hard-won. But for those who dare to face their fears, who dare to be vulnerable, the rewards are unparalleled. Trust can then become the light that emerges from the darkest shadows, a beacon of hope in a world filled with uncertainty.

Believing In God Isn’t Enough

June 10, 2024 / / 1 Comment

In a world where spirituality is often watered down to a vague and palatable concept of “God,” there’s a bold truth many shy away from: it’s not enough to believe in some ethereal, generic higher power. If you want the real deal, the unfiltered, undiluted truth, you need to believe in Jesus. Not just any god, but Jesus. Because without Him, your faith is like a ship without a rudder—lost, adrift, and destined for nowhere meaningful.

Let’s cut through the noise. Society today loves to embrace the safe, non-controversial notion of a “higher power.” It’s comfortable, it’s inclusive, and it asks nothing of you. But this is spiritual lukewarmness at best. It’s a way to feel good about yourself without the commitment or the challenge. The problem? It’s utterly meaningless. Without Jesus, you’re subscribing to a spiritual placebo that soothes the mind but leaves the soul starving. Not to mention, do you know what Jesus says about lukewarm faith? Check Revelation 3:16 if you dare.

Jesus isn’t just a figurehead or symbol of goodness. He is the cornerstone, the linchpin of a genuine faith. He is the living, breathing, historically verified embodiment of God’s love and justice. The difference between believing in Jesus and just any god is like the difference between a hi-def OLED screen and an old projector that needs to have the bulb replaced. Jesus didn’t just preach love; He lived it, died for it, and rose again to prove it. That’s not something you can find in a generic god. That’s a radical, life-changing truth.

The tendency to favor a nebulous “god” over Jesus is often rooted in a desire to avoid the tough stuff—the conviction, the accountability, and the need for transformation. With a generic god, there are no real demands, no call to repentance, no expectation of a changed life. You get to stay comfortable in your imperfections and untouched by the divine. But with Jesus, there’s no hiding. He sees through the facade and calls you to be better, to live righteously, to embrace a purpose beyond yourself.

Look at it this way: Believing in a generic god is like bowling with the bumpers up. Sure, it’s fun, it’s easy, but it’s ultimately pointless. There’s no direction, no goal, no ultimate victory. Believing in Jesus, however, is like entering a grand adventure, full of challenges, growth, and a prize beyond imagination. It’s a path with a purpose, and it’s one that requires you to step up and be more than just a passive participant.

Don’t get me wrong here. This isn’t about pushing some rigid form of doctrine. It’s about recognizing the profound difference between a life led by vague spirituality and one transformed by the tangible presence of Jesus. The former is a safe bet, the latter is a leap of faith. Jesus doesn’t just offer a feel-good moment; He offers a radical transformation, a new identity, and an eternal promise.

And let’s not forget the historical and factual grounding of Jesus’ existence. He’s not some abstract concept conjured up by human imagination. He walked this earth, performed miracles, challenged the status quo, and left an indelible mark throughout history. His life, death, and resurrection are well-documented events that even the harshest critics find hard to dismiss entirely. This is not blind faith; this faith is rooted in reality.

So, where do you stand? Clinging to the comfort of a nondescript deity, or embracing the wild, exhilarating truth of Jesus as your Savior?

Following Jesus means choosing a path filled with meaning, challenge, and profound joy. It’s a decision that strips away the pretenses and dives straight into the heart of what it means to truly believe. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to seek the truth, it’s the only path worth walking.

In a world awash with half-measures and convenient spirituality, dare to go beyond. Embrace the full, unadulterated truth of Jesus. Not just any god, but the God who gave everything for you. That’s where real faith begins, and where your true journey can finally start.

Stump The Pastor

May 15, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Being in ministry can be a fun experience. Some days are easier than others. One thing that often occurs in the church I serve as pastor is that the people play a game of stump the pastor.

Now, I don’t think it’s an intentional game all them time, but I do think there is a little fun had when I don’t have an answer right off hand. This past Sunday seemed to be one of those stump the pastor moments.

We were looking at a reading from Acts 1 where the author quoted a random verse from the Old Testament, seemingly yanking it totally out of context. This is a well known pet peeve of mine, so of course this was the topic of conversation.

Why would Acts pull this single verse out of the Psalms and throw it here? It doesn’t seem to fit…

My standard protocol when I have a question I can’t answer is to see if someone smarter than me is able to answer it. Then I do my own digging when I have time. Today is mining day. Mining through the Bible to see if I can find an answer or at least something that makes some sense.

When I go about this digging process, I look for other places where a similar approach is taken. I read commentaries (books by people far smarter than I)! And then I do some translation work to see if something didn’t get missed in translation from the original language to the English that sits before us.

Well, this one didn’t take very long before I found a bit of a pattern. There are several places where the New Testament authors use this similar approach in their writing. Often these are quotes from the psalms, which are typically poems or songs, that are seemingly out of context and perhaps misapplied?

That’s when a new question starts to rattle around in the noggin. If multiple authors use the same technique, then what do they know that we don’t know? Which means more reading and more studying ensues.

Finally! After digging around in the Bible, commentaries, online studies, bible software, and some Jewish writing style literature I do believe we have an answer. It’s a technique in Jewish writing called REMEZ. This technique basically is to quote a line from a well known song or poem, trusting that you will know its context. Kind of like you or I starting the lyrics to a well known pop song, trusting you will finish singing it in your head.

Then the reader, in this case you and I, are to then take the scenario to which it is originally applied and lay that over the context of the new passage. And ultimately using the new context, we can see some similarities to the original but also some deeper truths unveiled.

Here’s an example that’s a bit easier to see than the one we discussed on Sunday.

In Romans 8:36, Paul is cranking out some pretty convincing things about God and his salvation for us when he throws in this odd verse from Psalm 44 For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. If you read the rest of chapter 8, it really isn’t where Paul is headed. But when you double back and read the context of Psalm 44 where Israel is pursued by enemies who are out to destroy them and overtake them and they are seemingly without hope, then lay that over the context of Romans 8 it starts to make sense.

Paul is making the point that if God is for us, no one against us really matters. Just like Israel in Psalm 44, who was surrounded by many enemies and ultimately God was able to overcome all of them.

The same is true in the Acts 1 and Psalm 69 passages. Something was happening in the lives of Israel and the prayer of the psalmist was that God would handle it. Then in Acts 1 the disciples are saying that they have a pretty significant problem of betrayal from inside and they need God to handle it as well.

When we have a hard time determining what a specific bible verse means or why it’s structured the way it is structured, a great approach is to look around and see how this same approach is taken elsewhere. In this case, we didn’t have time to do that. And I know this wasn’t really designed to be one of those stump the pastor moments, but it ended up being a bit of a Sunday stumper! But now you know.

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