Author Archive
Elena is a songwriter
Friday, June 26th, 2009Apparently my 3 year old (nearly) daughter is a songwriter.
I was playing my guitar earlier today, and as usual Elena walked over and asked to start strumming the guitar. The difference is that this time, she started singing along. The tune was indiscernible, so I assume she was inventing it.
I think I captured [...]
Old Testament Faith
Monday, June 1st, 2009We know that even in the Old Testament, people were justified before God by their faith, not adherence to the Law. (Though, those in the OT days who had faith desired to keep God’s law!)
I get asked occasionally, “What did faith look like in the Old Testament? If they didn’t have Christ, what did [...]
Your Righteousness
Wednesday, May 27th, 2009Jesus says (Matthew 5:20)
“…For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
The Pharisees we’re perfect (outwardly) according to the law (which is what Jesus is talking about here, obedience to the law). How could anyone’s righteousness exceed perfection? This must [...]
Extended Time in Prayer
Sunday, May 24th, 2009The following are my notes from Dave Bovenmyer’s sermon at Stonebrook Church on extended time in prayer.
Love Your Enemy
Friday, May 22nd, 2009“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on [...]
Book Review: Lost and Found by Ed Stetzer
Saturday, February 28th, 2009I am a fairly voracious reader (recently). My favorite topics are theology and Missiology (how Christian theology affects your life: turning you into a missionary.)
I’ve recently read four excellent books on the topic of missiology specifically related to the culture we live in, how to understand it and how to speak to it: [...]
What I’ve Learned Since I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Josh Harris
Thursday, February 26th, 2009Most of you know Josh Harris as the “I Kissed Dating Goodbye” guy. I have gotten to know him as a great preacher of God’s word. He blogs regularly and is even my Facebook buddy (though I’m really just more of a fanboy…).
A recent post of his caught my eye: What I’ve Learned [...]
The Sabbath
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009Just read a great article on The Resurgence: Spiritual Disciplines: Sabbath & Work
I have attempted at different times keeping a very strict Sabbath, not allowing anything to encroach on my day. It’s not easy. Especially for a Worship leader. Right now I mark out Saturday as my Sabbath because it’s the only [...]
Finally Alive : John Piper on the New Birth
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009John Piper is releasing a(nother) new book that I really want to pick up. Finally Alive. The subject of the book is the new birth.
From the bookstore site:
“What does the Bible teach about the miracle of rebirth? In this new book, John Piper explores Jesus’ peculiar command, “You must be born again. [...]
Thinking Inside The Box
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009Box of Tricks: “Gary Chang, a Hong Kong architect, lives in a tiny apartment, but thanks to accordion-like wall units, he can create at least 24 different room configurations.”
This type of innovation is extremely refreshing to see.
(Via Unclutterer.)
No wonder the world hates us…
Monday, February 2nd, 2009It’s just that it’s supposed to hate us for loving Jesus, not for being Pharisees…
Ethics Daily.com: A group of six church-goers came in the other night after their evening services and sat down, not in her area but in another server’s. When the girl came to greet them and take their drink [...]
A Glimpse of the Future – Did You Know?
Monday, February 2nd, 2009Saw this on Lifechurch.tv’s Swerve blog:
Crazy stuff with awesome implications.
Jacob: Unfaithful Man, Faithful God
Sunday, February 1st, 2009The following are sermon notes I took this morning at Stonebrook Church. Brad Barrett is continuing our series on Genesis. You will eventually be able to download the sermon audio on the Stonebrook site.
I found this message EXTREMELY refreshing. A far cry from simplistic, methodistic, rule-based application of dos and do-nots, Brad masterfully called us [...]
Ending two term limits.
Thursday, January 22nd, 2009There is a lot of noise being made about H.J. Res 5, repealing the 22nd amendment to the constitution, effectively ending term limits. Causing a big scare, mostly among ultra conservative types.
Just wanted to mention that Ronald Reagan had the same idea.
Jus’ sayin’…
Obama – the man has class…
Thursday, January 22nd, 2009He may not be for protecting the lives of innocent babies (which is one of the reasons I did not vote for him). He may align himself with ultra-liberal philosophies which trouble me. But this little snip showed a bit of character and class that is refreshing. I might have snickered with [...]
9 Things That Remind Me I’m Not God (part 1)
Tuesday, December 16th, 2008I’m starting a series over on my other blog called “9 things that remind me I’m not God.”
Part 1 is up (numbers 1-3). Check it out.
Poem: Today (unfinished)
Monday, November 24th, 2008Today when i open my lips may i breathe life and healing may i not get caught up in the singer or the singing but may the object of the song leave my ears ringing my heart spinning my soul winning
God’s Choice For President
Tuesday, November 4th, 2008In a few hours, barring major controversy, lawsuit, and other scandal or error and confusion, we will get to see who God has appointed as president for us, and how he feels our House and Senate should be balanced.
All speculation over who Jesus would vote for will be over and we will know what his [...]
Faith, Trust, Repentance, and This Year’s Election
Tuesday, November 4th, 2008I wish I could have said it like this.
In God We Do Not Trust – Mark Driscoll.
…people are longing for a king who will keep them safe from terror in his kingdom. In the Old Testament the concept of a peaceable kingdom is marked by the word shalom. In shalom there is not only the [...]
What young non-christians think of christians
Tuesday, October 21st, 2008Gabe Lyons on Doing Internet Ministry:
“Non-Christians aged 16-29 years old were asked, ‘What is your current perception of Christianity?’ 91% said antihomosexual 87% said judgmental 85% said hypocritical 78% said old-fashioned 75% said too involved in politics 72% said out of touch with [...]
