On the cross, Jesus said, “Tetelestai!” It means “It is finished.” Jesus completed His assignment and fulfilled over 300 prophecies. I have met “Believers” who think since Jesus finished His work, then our work is…
Too many hearers, but too few doers. This was a concern of James. It is not enough to attend church, do a Bible app devotion, and try to be a better person. There is so much more to being an authentic disciple of Jesus. It begins with believing, tr…
It is easy to be distracted and preoccupied and miss Jesus altogether. Mary was overwhelmed with trauma, shock, and grief. She did not expect to see him alive when she went to the tomb. He called her name and there he was, hidden in plain sight. He…
The gravity of this moment cannot be trivialized. The collision of heaven coming to earth and the culmination of "It is finished!" resulted in a literal seismic tectonic shift. The earth moved. The temple curtain separating God and man was destroyed…
Jesus had completely humbled himself, and Peter could not take it. I understand Peter’s reaction. Years ago, I hosted Dr. Jack Taylor at the church I was pastoring. One evening, “Papa Jack” and Friede washed mine and Annette’…
We had a storm come through in the middle of the night. Have you ever noticed how clear the air is after a storm? The storms, tests, and deserts that come your way have the potential to strengthen, develop, and clear the air in your life too. On th…
When we speak of the “Mind Wars” that we engage in as disciples of Jesus, the tendency is to speak in terms of what we personally face. While fulfilling his mission from the Father, Jesus, as the Son of Man, also faced his own mind wars.…
Lately, God has been calling me to boldly pray B.H.A.P. — “Big, Hairy, Audacious Prayers.” In the Bible, seas parted, droughts were broken, nations were reformed, city walls fell, revivals were ignited, and evil kings were ejected.…
As a disciple, I tend to speak in terms of knowing God’s heart. However, I don’t speak as often about inviting God to know my heart. Truthfully, there were times when I did not want anyone, especially God, to know what was in my heart or…
It doesn’t take more than 5 minutes perusing your news media feed to see that our world is spun up, spun out, and in chaos. Our moral compass is not only broken, it has been stolen altogether, while we were slumbering. Laced with marxist ideo…
Annette and I had the privilege of gathering with 50 Saints last night to pray for an amazing, godly couple who are going through the battle of their lives. There is a real enemy, Satan, who seeks to destroy you. Never underestimate the lengths to w…
Notice that Paul does not speak in terms of 'if' the day of evil comes; he speaks in terms of “when” it comes. Life happens. There is a real Enemy out there. We live in a fallen, broken world. However, you do not have to live paranoid, …
A “Messenger” appeared to Daniel while he was seeking God in a season of prayer and fasting. The Messenger came to encourage Daniel and to let him know, “Since the first day you set your mind to gain understanding... your words wer…
It is my observation that most people do not spend significant time in prayer because they don’t believe it actually works. You may not admit it out loud. If you believed it worked, you would never stop praying I, too, have fallen prey to thi…
Moses understood the gravity of the situation. He did not want to take another step on the journey without God’s presence. We too should resolve to never move forward without the assurance and confidence that His presence is with us. - Pastor …
It's easy to think, “I know I’m justified by faith, but it's really more about my obedience to His commands, right?” The problem is, that is not what the Bible teaches. The peace of God that surpasses all understanding comes by fai…
Jesus wasn't seeking fans, likes, or comments; he sought disciples. John Mark Comer coined the term “Apprentices” to describe those who believed and lived by his word. Unconcerned with being noticed, Jesus fully lived out his mission. E…
There is nothing more life-giving and joyful than experiencing the tangible presence of God. Yes, we walk by faith, however there are moments when our faith becomes sight, and we catch a glimpse of what eternity will be like: fullness and abundance …
It’s easy in an election year and in times like this to feel hopeless about our culture and the world around us. However, we must remember, it is God who created the world, not man. Our faith for sweeping reformation and revival must lie in th…
I meet with our pastoral staff team weekly. Recently, we were seeking wisdom, strategies, and answers for a particular project we believe God is leading us to engage in. In prayer, the Holy Spirit reminded us, “You have the mind of Christ.&rdq…
I was sharing with our newest staff pastor that the growth and increase we are experiencing at our church have little to do with us; it's about Jesus. Trust me, it’s not false humility, it’s the realization that God can speak through a d…
This is an important day here in America. On this day, we, who are apprentices of Jesus, let our voices be heard at the ballot box. Do not neglect your right and your duty. Your vote matters. Embrace the metaphor of a Watchman and exercise your righ…
As you engage a new week, heed Paul’s admonition to “Stand firm and let nothing move you.” One of the clearest words God ever spoke to me in prayer was, “Stay the course.” Simple. Pointed. Powerful. Could it be that Go…
Paul does not mince words; we are living in perilous times, because the “days are evil.” No need to whitewash or dumb it down. Paul’s counsel is pointed, “Be careful then how you live, not as unwise, but as wise.” To l…
