This Color Bible Study Method Will Revolutionize Your Life
Men color too. What? My friend, Matt, shared that his men’s study has come alive with a pack of colored markers. Before the meetings, Matt prints out the day’s Bible reading and invites participants to circle verbs, underline names, draw arrows between repeating...
Lent 2016: The 40-Day Bible Reading Challenge
Over the last few years, I’ve come to believe that the 40 days leading up to Easter can be some of the most life-giving, perspective-changing, hope-filled days of the entire year—not just for me, but for you. This is the moment in the church calendar when we get to...
How to Choose the Right Bible Study for Your Small Group
Every small group has a different DNA made up of interests, needs, desires, passions, and perspectives. Selecting a curriculum is not as easy as slipping on a one-size-fits-all t-shirt. In fact, choosing a Bible study can be the most difficult part when launching any...
Say Goodbye to That Bothersome Word, Phrase, or Expression
Each January I suggest that, we need to learn to retire a few words from our vocabulary. Why? New words are being introduced into our language all the time. Five years ago we didn’t have man caves, gastropubs, or mash-ups. Well, we did—we just didn’t know what to call...
The Hardest Thing God Will Ever Have to Pry Your Fingers From in 2016
Of the 7 Deadly Sins, which temptation is most likely to strangle the life from you in the upcoming year? Wait. Let’s back this up. What if the biggest battle you’re going to face in 2016 isn’t even on the list? Wait. Let’s back this up even further. Can you name The...
How to Have a Christmas to Remember
Maybe this week hasn’t gone as planned. Long lines at the store. Grumpy customers. Only a few gifts under the tree. A misunderstanding with your in-laws. The overcooked meal. Overdraft fees. Late dinner guests. An empty home. The weeks leading up to Christmas are...
The Hardest Thing You’ll Ever Have To Do
God handpicked one young woman to give birth to His Son. We fight against the toughest tests, thinking they’re a mistake to maneuver rather than a grant of grace. How often we rail against the hard and unexpected and cry, “This can’t be!” we fight to settle our lives...
The Most Stunning Portrait of Submission in the Bible
For Advent, we’re zeroing in on Luke 1:26-38 and the story of an angel delivering unprecedented news to a teenage girl. Mary’s story reminds us that many of life’s greatest lessons are discovered in the unsuspecting, those on the margins, whose hearts burst with truth...
How to Rediscover the Joy of Christmas Today
One of the great temptations of Christmas is retelling the story as if twinkle lights adorn the room where the Angel appears to Mary. As if the air breathes crisp. As if the stars radiate over the place where Mary gives birth. As if snowflakes dance while Joseph dozes...
Two Types of Fear: One Will Get the Best of You, One Will Bring the Best Out of You
All too often we hear that fear is bad. But this isn’t true. Consider the Christmas story. The response of Joseph to the news of Mary’s pregnancy reminds us that fear is a natural response. Joseph’s fear stemmed from uncertainty of what would be considered righteous....
