Apr 29 2013
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Spring and Summer Reading List

What to read? What to read?  Thought I hadn’t posted a blog in a while, so I figured I would give you some books that I have read or currently reading and books that are on my list to read for the year.

Books I’ve read so far this year:

Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples by Francis Chan and Mark Beuving

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

Deep & Wide by Andy Stanley

Altar Ego by Craig Groeschel 

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

 

Currently Reading

One Question by Ken Coleman

How to Deliver a TED Talk by Jeremey Donovan

The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller

 

Future Books

The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John Maxwell

Then Decide Who by Simon Sinek

The Icarus Deception by Seth Godin

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

 

What are you reading?  What books should I add?

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Feb 26 2013
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Christian Liberty

The idea of Christian liberty has become skewed in our post-modern culture.  Our ideas of liberty make us think of “rights” and “freedoms” we have within a governmental systems.  However, we cannot forfeit the true meaning of Christian liberty for the distorted, polluted view of today’s self-absorbed society. 

I have recently picked up a book that reminded me what Christian liberty is all about.  In 1520, Martin Luther published his pamphlet Christian Liberty (The Freedom of a Christian).  This is the time of the reformation; a time where the rights of individuals were limited to your money and title; even more so was the religious structure.  Luther reminds the people of the time, and still reminds us today what true Christian liberty encompasses. 

True Christian liberty and freedom comes through faith in Jesus Christ.  Works are nothing before there is faith.  How does faith alone work in a system that tells us works must accompany faith for salvation?  Often times the Bible is looked at as a book of rules and commandments.  Yes, there are commandments all throughout scripture, but “the commandments show us what we ought to do, but do(es) not give us the power to do it.”  However, when we find the promises of God, faith is ignited within the soul because it is not about our inevitable failures, but rather the faith in the promises of Christ to redeem us and make us new once more. 

This is true Christian freedom; that our souls are no longer held down by laws, rules, or works but rather are set free by our faith in the power of Christ’s words.  “If a touch of Christ healed, how much more will this tender spiritual touch, this absorbing of the Word, communicate to the soul all things that belong to the Word.” 

Freedom in our faith through Christ always precedes actions and faith.  Even as Abraham was about to sacrifice his son, it was not the act that was deemed righteous, but rather his faith in the One who spoke to him.  It was the trust and faith of Abraham that preceded any action. 

We can never be fully free without first acknowledging our freedom is found through soulful surrender.  Freedom stems from faith, and faith alone.  Here is the key difference; Works are birthed from our faith, love, and obedience to Christ, not the other way around.

When we think of Christian freedom, let us not limit our thoughts to that of an external world or government system.  True freedom rests in the one who created the soul.  The only way to set the soul free is to believe that Christian freedom is the inner workings of Christ in our lives.  Christian freedom reminds us that the “only thing necessary for Christian life…is the gospel of Christ.” 

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Dec 30 2012
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2012 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 2,300 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 4 years to get that many views.

Click here to see the complete report.

Nov 15 2012
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Better Together, Christianity, CrossFit, Growth, Lifechurch.tv, Workout

CrossFit and Growing Better Together

Since arriving in Tulsa, OK and LifeChurch.tv South Tulsa Campus, I have been struck by the culture that I have found myself fortunate enough to be a part of.  Early on in the office, I kept hearing the “crossfit” come up in conversations over and over again.  I have always been fairly athletic, but let’s be honest there is a lot of truth to the statement, the older you get to more intentional you have to be about staying in shape.  Feeling that I was (and still am not) where I needed to be, I was hesitant about joining some of my fellow staffers in the early mornings to end up way behind them all.

However, what I forgot was a simple, yet powerful principle:

When we choose to grow together, everyone will begin at different levels.

Because of this truth, no matter what areas we choose to grow, it is important that we grow with the “right” people.  People who will teach, develop, and encourage you along the way.  Being at a different level is never a bad thing; because we all should be striving to get to the next level.  We must consistently be placing ourselves in positions where we are the low person on the totem pole.  When we do we will learn, be stretched, and grow…together.

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Nov 05 2012
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Christianity, Decision 2012, Vote

The Reasons I Vote (and the reasons I don’t)

With the elections season ending tomorrow the Twitter, Facebook, and other social media outlets will be a-buzz with all sorts of chatter.  As a Christ-Follower, I find this season discouraging as far too often fellow Christians get on their 140 character soapbox and comment arguments that turn crazy.  So I thought I would give you some of the reasons I vote as a Christian and some of the reasons I don’t:

I vote because it is a civic responsibility and opportunity; not because it is a moral imperative.

I vote because it is a gift to be a part of the process; not because I find security in one particular candidate.

I vote for a particular candidate because I generally fall along similar ideas; not because the other candidate is the anti-Christ, or “will try to destroy America.”

I vote for a candidate because I have hope they will do well for the USA; however, I place my hope, faith, and future in the only one that can fulfill those ideals, Christ.

I vote for a person; not a savior.

As Christians, far too often our opinions in the governmental spectrum have outweighed our heart for people who fall on any side of the political aisle.  Politics are not the answer.  Governments are not the answer; lack of government is not the answer.  Jesus could have come to change the world through the governmental process; in fact the apostles and disciples first thought that the Messiah would change the government and political realm of the Roman world.  Jesus decided there was a better way, a way that would not alienate or choose between sides.  Jesus choose the way of the Father.  Jesus taught us to be a part of the process (i.e. pay your taxes Mark 12:17), but more important than the process was the people.

Don’t let imperfect politics override the love of Christ in your life.  Don’t let political finality stir paranoia, fear, hate, or anger.  My family rests in the arms of the One that formed this earth and it is in Him that I take my stand; in Him is where my vote of confidence lies.

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Sep 13 2012
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Christianity, Lifechurch.tv, Religion, Victory Family Church

Another Chapter

Today is my last day at Victory Family Church in Burleson, TX.  It has been a great experience getting to learn, grow, and create, what I am sure will be lasting friendships.  I want to say, “Thank You,” so much once again to the people, staff, and pastors of Victory Family.  Thank you for allowing my wife and I the opportunity to serve with you these last 2 years.

What is the next chapter?

On Saturday, Kristina and I will be moving up to Tulsa, OK to be a part of the South Tulsa Campus for Lifechurch.tv.  My job will be the LifeGroups/LifeMissions Project Leader.  We are so excited to be a part of this amazing team.  We are looking forward to learning and growing more, as well as, forming new friendships that God has in store for us.  We are so looking forward to beginning this chapter on Sunday!

 

Throughout this entire process, there has been a verse that has continued to stick with me.  It comes out of Ephesians 2:10 (NLT),

“For we are God’s masterpiece.  He created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

I don’t know all of the plans that God has before us; but what I do know is that His plans will always far outweigh, outgo, and out-bless anything beyond what I could dream up or even deserve.  I know this as well, He is the Master.  He created us.  I choose to walk where He creates.

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Sep 05 2012
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Bible, Christianity, Honor, Path, Psalm 23

Psalm 23

Psalm 23 is one of the most widely known Psalms in the Bible.  This just happened to be one of the passages today on my youversion reading plan.  I have read/heard this passage multiple times and yet what struck me today was how the New Living Translation verse 3:

“He renews my strength.  He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.”

In other versions the last line is, “for his name’s sake.”  I don’t know why, but the above version just brought to light a principle that I had missed previously in this verse.  More often than not, we like to think that the decisions, choices, directions, and paths that we take have consequences that reflect on us.  Yes, those consequences might be positive or negative, but for the most part we like to think that they are not going to affect too many people.  However, this verse brings out a principle that we often forget.

When we follow along God’s path, it brings honor to God, not us.

This verse is a reminder to us that “the steps of the righteous are ordered by God,” and the one who has placed the path, prepared the path in advanced for us, is the one to receive any and all honor.  It is clear that the master creator is above the creation.  The only way the creation may receive any attention is that the creation has the creators touch in it’s DNA.

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Aug 22 2012
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Christianity, Politics, Religion, Undeserved Privilege

Undeserved Privilege

There was a recent article on yahoo about the wealthiest congressmen/women that are currently in office.  These hundreds-of-millionaires were listed as the election process draws closer at hand.  There has also been the constant discussion of GOP candidate Mitt Romney and his über bank account.  In reality, in order to hold a public office you must have a lot of personal wealth.  In fact, of the 44 presidents only 9 were not millionaires.  Yet was is ironic is the ever-increasing chatter of people saying that those running for office are of privilege; privilege in the sense that it is somewhat undeserved.

The idea that privilege as a negative is somewhat of a paradox, isn’t it?  Don’t we all strive to be a person of privilege?  If we were truly honest about it, we are all of privilege…underserved privilege.

When we think of privilege, we usually think about money.  However, true undeserved privilege does not stop or even begin with money.  For me, as a Christ-follower, I am a person of underserved privilege.  Romans 5:2 (NLT) reminds us,

“Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.”

Undeserved privilege begins with Christ.  More often than not we lose sight of this fact and jump directly to money and “things” as the primary distinguishing line.  However, what is lost is this fact,

Undeserved privilege is a humbling experience.  

To be “undeserved” means that someone else is acting on our behalf.  We don’t deserve it; whatever it might be, but it was given to us anyways.  This ups the ante for us that have received.  The adage, “To whom much is given, much is required,” rings true.  When we experience the undeserved privilege of Christ’s mercy and grace, irrational generosity, sacrificial responsibility, and spiritual and tangible contribution becomes the norm.

To be a person of “undeserved privilege” starts with being open to receive, and then turns into being freely to give.

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Aug 15 2012
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Courage, David, I Chronicles 11

Held in Honor

The idea of being “held in honor” is one that is intriguing to me.  I came across this phrase today as I read 1 Chronicles 11.  In the chapter, King David’s mighty men are described and some of their exploits are written.  After their exploits are given, this phrase is used to describe them.  What struck me are a few different items.

You can’t be “held in honor” and remain still.  Courage comes before recognition.

I love the fact that in the writer of Chronicles makes sure to tell the reader what these men did, and then only afterwards they were held in honor by the people.  There is something about action that pulls people towards you.  The primary reason is that people want to the led by people of courage.  When courage is displayed, honor will follow.

Being “held in honor” can only occur when you are not searching for honor.

The men described in chapter 11 are never described as searching for honor, but rather men of service.  They used combined their skills of war with courage to further the Kingdom of Israel.  They fought with an abandonment of faith that understood the anointing of God was on King David and those who served under him.  Their exploits were never about them, the individuals, but rather about the country of Israel.

Being “held in honor” can only occur when those you serve hold you up.

We have all heard the saying, “Respect is earned.”  David’s mighty men earned the respect of the people through their courage, exploits, and service.  When you serve the people, they will hold you up.  In order to be “held,” someone must be holding you.  And the only way to be “held” is to serve.

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Aug 14 2012
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Language, Story, Storytelling

Story Time

The gift of language is not something that we think too much about most of the times.  With the London Olympics just finishing, we were reminded of how certain activities cross the language barrier and allow people to come together as one.  To me, language, words spoken and written can be magical.  Have you ever heard someone stand on a stage and with a rhythm all of their own, simple statements begin to soar above us and it is almost like the audience is flying as well; just attempting to reach the hight of the oratory.  The same is true the exceptional authors.  Somehow there are some authors that have with stood the test of time and still today, when you read their stories, something inside us ignites with imagination, and once again we are taken to another time, place, or even world.

Stories are powerful.  Stories illuminate what was always there, yet remained hidden to those around it.  Stories are powerful because they are innately personal, overflowing from the mind, will, and emotion, and take us on a journey that we somehow want to join.

What is your story?  You might be saying, “My story is nothing compared to the classic works of the past.  I don’t have great oratory, and have trouble enough telling a joke let alone a story.”  I beg to differ.

Your story is a classic.

Your story is read by your family, friends, and co-workers on a daily basis.  What distinguishes one’s story from another’s is how many characters are you willing to involve.  Your story is a classic.  It might be a story that only involves a few people, or hundreds.

Your story matters.

Every story leaves a legacy.  Every story has the opportunity to touch, impact, and change the story of others.  In fact, your story will either further someone else’s story or hinder it.  Your story is a classic.  Your story has tremendous purpose and tremendous potential.

When we open our mouths and allow the intrinsic, authentic truth that is us; there is tremendous potential.  Potential to move forward.  Potential to engage other.  Potential to bring life to those that need a breath of hope.  Tell your story.  As you do, you will find your voice, find how blessed you are, and just perhaps, you will become a part of someone else’s story.

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