57 Matthew 10:34-39 Not peace, a sword

57 Matthew 10:34-39 Not peace, a sword

Ultimately Jesus’ role is to bring peace and restoration to the earth, but not yet.  Now he came to bring a sword because his message requires a choice and that choice divides even families. To follow Jesus, you must be willing to live with that rejection and hostility, even if it means losing your closest family members or your very life.

Growing Older and Breaking the Huddle Syndrome

Growing Older and Breaking the Huddle Syndrome

With my birthday approaching, I’m again wondering “how someone so young can be this old?” That thought inspired this 2015 post on how in modern American culture growing older means becoming invisible. Unfortunately this trend is also infecting the church.

Celebrate! by Reggie Coates

Celebrate! by Reggie Coates

This is Reggie Coates playing and singing his song Celebrate! Jesus makes life worth living and celebrating! Psalm 33:3 says, “Sing to the Lord a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy!”

56 Matthew 10:24-33 Fear only God

56 Matthew 10:24-33 Fear only God

All of us face the question: What am I going to believe so much that it changes the way I think, respond and make choices?  I make those decisions based on what or who I fear most. Jesus says the wisest choice is to fear God. 

How to slow down a podcast

How to slow down a podcast

My international listeners tell me they sometimes have trouble keeping up, because English is not their first language. If you find you aren’t catching everything, you can slow down the podcast. Most podcast apps have a speed adjustment.

September 2022 Reflections

September 2022 Reflections

No sandals? No tunic? No staff? No payment? Jesus instructs to the 12 on their first missionary journey not to take extra provisions nor seek payment for their efforts. Why?

45+ Sample Icebreakers

45+ Sample Icebreakers

Tired of the same old icebreakers? Are you using the same 3 interesting facts about yourself at every group and gathering? Here are 45 sample icebreakers to kick start your thinking.

54 Matthew 10:8-23 Provisions & Persecution

54 Matthew 10:8-23 Provisions & Persecution

On this journey, Jesus deliberately makes his apostles dependent on the hospitality of the children of Israel by instructing them not to take provisions. The apostles might expect they are launching a victory tour, but they will learn first-hand how the children of Israel will reject the Messiah.