I remember in high school, when I really did not enjoy learning, almost failing a book report. It was my senior year, last semester of school, graduation in full view. I was working 30-40 hours a week on the side, which wrecked my motivation and free time. Therefore, I did what any irresponsible person would do…I read the covers, the start of the chapters and the last page. Then I fashioned together the vaguest book report given in the history of the world. My teacher knew th

This is the longest section of teaching from Jesus that is recorded in the Bible. John concludes that the works of Jesus could fill all the world’s volumes and yet here we have just a small glimpse into the preaching/teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. Why would it be helpful to take a deep dive into Matthew 5–7? We could go on and on, but let me narrow it down to four reasons. The Teaching Is Astonishingly Authoritative At the conclusion of Jesus’ sermon in Matthew

We are just days away from the opportunity to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Some are spending more time away from work and around family. Others are busy preparing for the crash of family gatherings and an infinite supply of destroyed wrapping paper. It is my hope that some are found with a good book in hand, as the Lord continues to transform our minds. Here is another selection of readings that have really challenged my heart and revealed things I had pre

Hopefully you have been able to read the previous blog here: ( found here ). But if not, each December I enjoy doing something that causes me to slow down…reading. In an attempt to read 12 books throughout the Christmas season, I’ve really enjoyed some of the titles listed below. Maybe my short write up will cause you to pick up a copy or reach out for a copy. Third Corporate Worship by Matt Merker Corporate Worship is a wonderful book that explores the gathered church and

Our family has lots of Christmas Traditions. I’m sure yours does too. We go to the parades, have parties with friends, go to Christmas productions, do the advent calendars, eat lots of food, and watch all the Christmas movies. We enjoy so many Christmas movies that, on any free night, it inevitably led to a debate over which one to watch. Being a youth pastor at the time, I had a fun digital prize wheel that I added all our favorite Christmas movies to. So, whenever we were f

After grumbling in my spirit over our ridiculously full social schedule for this first week of December, I felt like a total hypocrite. I had just done a podcast with a friend the day before, encouraging families in our church to keep their celebrations Christ-focused and to streamline their calendars and plans when necessary in order to honor Christ in every detail of this busy season. To be honest, it’s a fight. No matter what season of life we are in, keeping our celebrati

What a gift for a pastor--12 books. Well, I’m certain some pastors would prefer gift cards or free babysitters, but I would always take the books. Now, like every book lover, I have more books than I have time to read. Additionally, that fact will not stop me from buying more books in the days ahead. Reading is a great way to see how others have worshiped God and put their ideas out to encourage people to worship with them. Every December I feel the reflection of “I wish I ha

As a worship pastor, it is a great desire for me to see our congregation grow and flourish as Christ leads His church. If we want to see passionate worship in the hearts and lives of our people, we must first be growing daily in our walk with the Lord. “Spiritual growth” is a phrase that can be used a lot and, to be honest, is very vague. I would guess that it is something we all would want but might not know how to do. I hope to give and explain three things needed for every

Drawing Near: The Priesthood and the Hospitality of God Edward Welch writes, “We are priests. God’s intent for humanity has been that we would live in his house and receive his divine hospitality.”¹ Affirmed in the Word of God 1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” The Purpose of Being a Priest What I bend

Following my recent post on speaking boldly, Pastor John asked if I could extend the conversation into a two-part series, this time...

Imagine walking the halls of elementary school again — where your biggest worry wasn’t bills or deadlines, but your teacher’s rules. For...

It was Wednesday before noon. As people filed into the sanctuary, I stole a few seconds to pause beside the casket of a good friend. This...

I sat in silence, unsure how to respond—unsure, even, if I should speak at all. Lately, I’ve been caught in the rhythm of routine: work,...

What do you know about Apollos? If you have some familiarity with God’s word you may recognize the name, but the Bible doesn’t go into his life in great detail like other leaders in the early church. In Acts 18:24 we read, “Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures.” We know that Apollos preached the word and led in the early church, but if we keep reading in Acts 18, we see what led him to leadership

For many years as an early believer, I thought John penned Revelation and then an abyss of time unfolded until DC Talk recorded Jesus...

Years ago my friend Heather gave me a “thankful journal.” It was a small blank notebook to record things I was thankful for. She wrote...

Summer is finally here! The pollen attack of 2025 has slowed, and the top is off the Jeep! What will you do during your summer? With many...

Scripture Romans 10:13–15, 17 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call on Him in whom they...

I’ve heard a lot of people over the years use the terms “discipleship” and “mentorship” interchangeably. I’ve experienced both, as well...

Praying doesn’t come easily to me. Maybe you can relate. Like Pastor John once admitted of himself, “my mind is constantly going.” Much...