Day of Serving video

We were able to get our Day of Serving video online. We couldn't use the great music we used when we showed it on Sunday because of copyright issues. I started to work hard at finding some great music that we could use (that isn't copyrighted) but then realized that I …

U2

I got to see the U2 concert last night. I've never been to a huge concert like that, and I'd been waiting for it for 5 or 6 months. They did not disappoint. Their stage set-up actually made OU's football field look small. The stage probably went from one 25 yard line to …

Innocence

Satan corrupts things that were created good. It's what he does. Churches & parents must fight to protect the innocence of children. I'd encourage you to read what Mark Batterson has to say about this.
Read article.

Why Serve (part 4)

I spent the morning serving people in need in our city. I was reminded that one of the best ways to connect with people is to serve alongside them. I knew everyone on my team, but I hadn't had the opportunity to do something like this with most of them. It was great to …

Why Serve (part 3)

I wonder if there were some lukewarm followers of Jesus who loved to hear his profound teachings, but took off as soon as he started doing the dirty work of ministry (caring for the sick, unclean and unloved). I wonder if some were disappointed that Jesus cut his …

Why Serve (part 2)

(This is specifically for those coming to Day of Serving.)
My sermon on Sunday will be 2 minutes long.

Why Serve (part 1)

We can’t understand the Gospel message of Jesus, if we don’t serve. When we serve, we are obeying Jesus. When we obey Jesus, we love Him, and He allows us to know Him more (see John 14:21).

It is crystal clear in the Scriptures that God commands us to care for …

It Worked!

A group of church friends took Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University last year, and it was very helpful for us. But we hadn't been able to try the smart way of making a bigger purchase (which is a good thing cause we haven't needed to make any). The basic …

Political Commercials: How about a little creativity, folks?

If ever there was an example of people lacking any sort of ability to think outside of the box - it's political commercials. Just about all political commercial insult my intelligence. They assume that I'll be swayed by oversimplifications, mood lighting or background …

Feeding Football Guys

I read a summary of a guy who shared a testimony at a conference this week. It was just too good to not pass on. Nothing inspires me more than seeing someone "being Jesus" to others (sometimes in creative ways.)

-Speaker: Chris Conlee, High Point Church, Memphis, …

Dad for a Day

I loved reading that Vince Young took 2 boys who recently lost their father, Steve McNair, to their schools "Breakfast with Dad's." Think about the emotions that are felt on days like this, for those who don't have an active dad in their life - heartache, anger, …

Levi & Betsy

On Sunday, I will get to interview two of my favorite people. Having lived in a very challenging environment last year, and preparing to go back, they will bring a unique and insightful perspective that I think will be very helpful to us. I got to hang out with them in …

Ephesians 1 & The Grand Storyline

Yesterday we walked through Ephesians 1. It's so cool that one can draft a storyline (a timeline) of the largest events of past, present & future from this chapter. It's helpful to know The Story, so we can better understand & live-out our stories.
To hear the sermon …

Thanks

Last night I had the opportunity to say "Thanks" to a group of my brothers & sisters who volunteer their hearts, souls, minds and hands in order to minister to others. It was so much fun to go the extra mile to appreciate them. Do you need to say "Thank you," to someone …

One Guy Who Gets It

I was always a big fan of David Robinson, who was elected into the Hall of Fame today. Before he won a title, some said he was too nice too win. Those predictions don't look so good now. Apparently, you can be nice and win. In fact, the way he treated others is why the …

The Dunk is King

I've had the joy of investing in guy's lives while playing basketball with area guys for the last eleven years here in Tulsa. At times I've been the worst player on the court. At other times I've been the best player. We've had some scrubs play. And we've had lots of …

Book Review: Surprised by Hope

Honestly, it's kind of embarrassing to write this review , because I started reading this book a really long time ago. I think I averaged 6 words a day.
But I'm actually glad that it took me a long time. I think that helps it soak in.
NT Wright's book tries to …

"Confession" vs "Ah Shucks"

A feeble attempt at confession sounds like this, "And I probably said a few things that I shouldn't have..." or "I might have messed-up a bit..." But are these types of statements what God had in mind when he told us to confess or are they simply said to soothe our …

2 People; 1 Story

Have you ever heard a preacher say, "If you were able to help one person follow Christ... and then that person helped one person follow Christ... and then that person helped one person follow Christ... just think about the impact you would have." Well, today there was a …

When We Are the Church

I've seen the church at it's best this week. In the wake of a horrible accident that has greatly impacted many of my brothers & sisters in Christ, the church has been in the middle of it. Here's are a few things that I've seen (most in an ICU waiting room): Meals …