Finding What Matters (It’s Different in Retirement)
If you have met me, chances are good that you also have met my ego. It’s hard to miss. It usually dominates conversations, going on and on about its accomplishments, […]
What Does “Set Apart” Look Like in a Regular 9 to 5?
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ: To those chosen, living as exilesdispersed abroad in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of […]
The Last Will Be First, and the First Will Be Last
The week of Jesus’ crucifixion, beginning with his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, his parables and teaching grew increasingly sharp in his condemnation of the religious leaders. He also continued to […]
Fighting Apathy
Apathy means, “I don’t care.” Ignorance means, “I don’t know.” Complacency means, “I am satisfied with my current status.” Laziness means, “I don’t feel like doing anything.” There may be […]
The Hazard of Comparing Ourselves to Others
One of the more charming elements of the modern workplace is the conducive environment it provides for comparing yourself to others. Sometimes it feels like we are all in one […]
Leadership Without Vision?
When we talk about leadership we talk about vision. But is vision what truly makes leaders successful? The answer might surprise us. I recently did a deep dive into three […]
Saying ‘No’ Can Sometimes Be the Right ‘Yes’
It’s amazing how often Jesus stopped to respond to the needs of others. He made time for a blind beggar calling out from the roadside, welcomed mothers who wanted Him […]
Finding Our Identity in Christ—Not Our Personalities
We are all created in God’s image, but we each have a unique role to fill in his kingdom. Our identity is equally secure and beloved in Christ, yet our […]
Spiritual Blessings: Seeing the Gifts We’ve Already Received
From AD 54-68, the Roman emperor was Nero. Here are some of the hallmarks of his reign: He married five people (three women and two men), having one of his […]
How the Ordinary Becomes Holy
We say Jesus began his ministry at thirty—but the Greek text never says that. Luke 3:23 reads, “Jesus, when he began, was about thirty years of age…” Most English translations […]
What Does a Maturing Disciple of Jesus Look Like?
“That I be so transformed in your beauty that we may be alike in beauty, and both behold ourselves in your beauty, possessing then your very beauty; this, in such […]
Out of Ur: Halfway Isn’t Home
We all long for home. Deep down, every one of us has a homesickness that nothing in this world quite satisfies. I’m not just talking about a familiar place or […]
Has Worry Replaced Wonder?
Sometimes fear crushes our imagination. Nearly 130 years ago, two young dreamers named Wilbur and Orville Wright ran a bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio. They came from an influential and […]
What Is Biblical Manhood? (Part 2)
Editor’s Note: We live in an era of confusion and hurt when it comes to the question of what it means to be a real man. Should we see manhood […]
Act Like Men?
Growing up, I thought the Marine Corps had the best recruiting commercials out of all the armed services. Maybe that’s why I spent so much time in the Marine recruiting office […]
What Is Biblical Manhood? (Part 1)
Editor’s Note: We live in an era of confusion and hurt when it comes to the question of what it means to be a real man. Should we see manhood […]
You Are Standing on Holy Ground
“Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your shoes, for you are standing on holy ground.” (Exodus 3:5, NLT) “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who […]
God Does Not Give Us a Spirit of Fear
A meaningful conversation is like lightning. You never know when it is going to strike. On the way back from Dairy Queen, I had a conversation that changed the course […]
Relearning the Forgotten Art of Possibility
The following is an excerpt from Josh Branham’s book What Are You Waiting For?: A Young Leader’s Guide to Changing the World, from his chapter on Possibility. I don’t know […]
What Kobe Bryant Taught Me About Following Jesus
As Christians living in the USA, we hear truths so often that they can lose their luster and impact. We hear that Jesus died for our sins and rose from […]
Our Summer Sun and Winter Fire
Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter are seasons that we walk through, both literally and figuratively. The most evident seasons are winter and summer. The summer season of life is easy […]
The Decisions That Transform Eternity
I never met the man, but I wish I could have. He was my great-grandfather on my mother’s and grandmother’s side of the family. I am told that he died […]
A Personal Culture That Leads to Discipling Relationships
Discipling Relationships: Shaping an Inviting Everyday Culture Ordinary routines become mission fields. Regularly visiting the same cafés, stores, and neighborhoods builds trust so natural friendships can grow into discipling relationships. […]
Warmth in Worship
Warmth in Worship: Creating Authentic Church Moments Relational warmth changes the atmosphere as churches prioritize welcome, hospitality, and genuine care over flashy programming, especially for youth and young adults. Thoughtful […]
3 Steps to Passing Along the Faith: Repeat (Part 3)
Shema and Forming the Next Generation in Faith Shema highlights a timeless pattern of hearing, obeying, and repeating, showing parents and leaders how continual remembrance shapes a child’s view of […]
Why Is Disciple Making the Core Mission of the Church?
Disciple Making the Core Mission of the Church: Inspiring Purpose Disciple Making the Core Mission of the Church brings people to Jesus and helps them become fully mature in Christ. […]
Disciple Making Author Q&A – Bobby Harrington & Scott Sager
Disciple Making Q&A Perspectives on the Church’s Mission Bobby and Scott explain that disciple making is the core mission of the church, grounded in Jesus’ model of intentional relational formation. […]
Preparing for Something Far Better than the New Normal
New Normal in Light of Christian Discipleship Jeff Robertson contrasts the culture’s New Normal with the biblical call to fix our minds on unseen, eternal realities rather than temporary comforts. […]
Stop Comparing Your Church: Why Contextualization, Missiology, and Authenticity Matters
Contextualization in Your God Given Church Setting Contextualization counters comparison. When pastors are tempted to measure their ministry against other churches’ highlight reels, remembering their own unique context protects them […]
The People of God Refuel in the Desert
People of God Strength in Desolate Places Desert encounters with God show that the People of God can become strongest against temptation when they withdraw like Jesus to lonely places […]
What the Exile Can Teach Us about Returning to Church
Returning to Church with Exilic Hope and Joy Drawing from Israel’s exile and Psalm 126, this article pictures returning to Church as a joyful homecoming where God turns seasons of […]
Can Masculinity Be Non-Toxic?
Masculinity in God’s Good Design for Men Scripture presents masculinity as part of God’s creation of male and female, giving men a unique calling to reflect His character in strength, […]
When God Disciplines You
God Disciplines You with Loving Purpose God Disciplines You to affirm your identity as his child, using hardship as loving evidence that you truly belong to him. Trials under God’s […]
There Are Two Crosses in the Life of a Christian
Life of a Christian – Walking the Path of Two Crosses Carrying the two crosses reveals true discipleship. Christ’s cross brings salvation, while our cross calls us to die to […]
What Are 5 Things People Want from God That Don’t Exist?
5 Things People Want from God – Exposing Impossible Desires 5 Things People Want from God uncovers five “non things.” Many people long for God to affirm every decision, fix […]
Crossing the Invisible Fence: An Opportunity for the Church to Lead
Invisible Fence — Leading with Hope As restrictions lift, churches can model confident, responsible in-person worship to show life beyond the fence is safe and meaningful. Testimonies from congregations that […]
What Makes Life Meaningful? Reflections on Disney’s “Soul”
Soul — Discovering Purpose in Everyday Life Through Joe and 22’s story, the film uncovers that meaning isn’t found in talent alone but in embracing the beauty of everyday living. […]
Why Humans?
Humans — Purpose, Image, and Kingdom Work From Genesis and the Ancient Near Eastern backdrop, the story reveals a good Creator forming people to share His goodness and steward creation. […]
When the Foundations Are Being Destroyed
Foundations That Endure Through Faith Discover how Foundations grounded in God’s Word give strength when society feels unstable and divided. Explore David’s Psalms to understand why trusting the Lord offers […]
Disciples of Jesus Choose Hope – Q&A with Michael Patterson
Disciples of Jesus Choose Hope — Practicing It When Life Feels Heavy Rooted in Scripture, biblical hope is a confident expectation in God’s promises, seen in Abraham’s trust (Romans 4:18) […]
A New Year…in the Eyes of the Lord
New Year — Reading Scripture, Seeing Right in God’s Eyes Through Old Testament history, the refrain “did right/evil in the eyes of the Lord” reshapes personal evaluation beyond comparison or […]
Try to Avoid a Star Wars Christmas
Star Wars — Choosing “With” Over Holiday Overload Drawing from the infamous Holiday Special, overstuffed plans turn Christmas into chaos instead of peace. Instead, the word with reframes the season […]
Church, You Can’t Lose on Tuesday
You Can’t Lose on Tuesday — Hope that Outlasts Politics Grounded in Joseph’s foresight, the church prepares in seasons of plenty and provides in famine, trusting God’s mercy in both. […]
Sermon on the Mount: the Pursuit of Happiness
Pursuit of Happiness — Kingdom Portrait Amid shallow buzzes and self-made idols, Jesus sketches a citizen of the Kingdom whose blessing comes first, not after rule-keeping. Drawing contrasts with Deuteronomy […]
Life-Changing Paragraphs: A Paragraph That Kept Me in Ministry
Paragraph That Kept Me in Ministry — Costly Grace That Reshaped a Calling Bonhoeffer’s costly-vs-cheap grace showed that true discipleship demands surrender yet gives the only true life. At a […]
Shane Wood – Enneagram Micro Course – Introduction
Shane Wood – Enneagram Insights Shane Wood explains the Enneagram through Genesis and theology, showing how it connects with creation, brokenness, and God’s pursuit. He highlights how self-awareness and loving […]
We Have Only One Life to Live
One Life to Live — Time with Eternal Impact Jesus modeled saying and doing only what the Father wills, leading us into Spirit-led words and work (John 8:28; 12:49). By […]
Some of your Best Ministry Is Just Being There
Best Ministry in Faithful Presence Through a preacher’s steady presence, life moments—baptism, ballgames, camp, and funerals—became genuine pastoral care. Remembering years later, people cherish leaders who show up, listen, and […]
Introducing the Lifestyle of “Theopraxy”
Theopraxy — Living in God’s Will Daily Rooted in Jesus, it means knowing Him, imitating Him, and seeking God’s Kingdom above competing duties. Practically, you learn to recognize God’s voice, […]
Preparing Students for College: Intimate Relationship with Jesus
Intimate Relationship with Jesus — College Prep Insights Students thrive when intimacy with Jesus—not rule-keeping—anchors identity, joy, and worship. Encourage curious faith by welcoming hard questions, grounding answers in Scripture […]
4 Spiritual Pitfalls at the University
4 Spiritual Pitfalls on the College Journey Autonomy tempts freshmen toward parties, hookups, and neglect of Scripture and fellowship unless wise boundaries are chosen. In classrooms and peer culture, challenges […]
Practical Guide to Monster Hunting
Monster Hunting and the Hope We Need Imagined monsters mirror hidden fears and longings—loneliness, control, security—especially during disruptive seasons. Naming the monster helps us see what we’re trusting most and […]
Home Alone: Surviving the Pandemic for Married Couples
Surviving the Pandemic and Strengthening Marriage Surviving the Pandemic in marriage means de-escalating conflicts with calm listening, empathy, and patience rooted in Scripture. Identifying deeper motives behind arguments helps uncover […]
How to Disciple through Emotional Trauma: Truth
Truth in Discipleship and Healing Hearts Truth from God releases people from emotional trauma, opening the way to love Him and others more fully. Emma’s story shows how internalizing the […]
4 Ways to Grow as a Disciple When You’re Isolated
4 Ways to Grow as a Disciple in Isolation with Faithful Practices Serving others is one of the 4 Ways to Grow as a Disciple, whether by donating food, running […]
Help! I’m Stuck at Home Teaching My Kids!
Teaching My Kids at Home with Faith and Routines Teaching My Kids begins with extending grace, shifting negative thoughts into gratitude and relying on God’s truth to guide words and […]
The Things You Can’t Control
The Things You Can’t Control and Faith in God Trusting God in the midst of the things you can’t control helps transform fear into confidence. Even when knowledge fails, the […]
Coronavirus: What Christians Need to Know
Coronavirus Guidance For Christians Amid the coronavirus outbreak, believers are urged to embrace God’s peace even when uncertainty fuels anxiety and fear. Wise responses during coronavirus include balancing medical guidance […]
The Power of Reading the Bible with Brothers
Power of Reading the Bible and Its Life Impact Power of Reading the Bible is shown through the author’s journey of finding faith, conviction, and transformation when guided by committed […]
The Stewardship of Suffering
Stewardship of Suffering and Its Redemptive Power Grief can feel isolating, yet the Stewardship of Suffering reveals God’s ability to redeem pain and bring beauty from ashes. Lessons from Scripture […]
Don’t Even Think About Discipleship Until You’re Doing This First
Think About Discipleship and Growing Through Scripture Daily engagement with God’s Word equips disciple makers, creating habits that strengthen faith and provide life-giving guidance for others. Scripture transforms both heart […]
Frustrated by Life? It Could Be God’s Gift.
Frustrated by Life: Finding God’s Purpose in Trials Overwhelming struggles can become opportunities for growth when seen as God’s training ground for perseverance. Unexpected hardships reveal God’s faithful presence, offering […]
When Holiness Is Attractive
Holiness Demonstrated Through Everyday Living Holiness becomes visible in compassion when believers comfort the lonely and hurting, revealing Christ’s love in practical ways. Acts of kindness and forgiveness illustrate holiness […]
What is Mianzi, and What Can Christians Learn from it?
What Can Christians Learn from Mianzi in Faith and Life What Can Christians Learn from Mianzi is shown through cultural insights that highlight humility, confession, and authentic living. By exploring […]
A Tale of Two Love Stories
A Tale of Two Love Stories in Christian Living A Tale of Two Love Stories highlights the journey of love, marriage, and the growth that comes through faith in God. […]
The Super Bowl Halftime Show & Empowerment
Super Bowl Halftime Show and Empowerment in Christian Living Super Bowl Halftime Show highlights cultural empowerment while Scripture points to true empowerment through God’s will. The article shows how the […]
The Seasonal Nature of Discipling
Seasonal Nature of Discipling in Christian Living Seasonal Nature of Discipling shows how discipling relationships are meant for specific seasons that foster maturity. The article explains that Seasonal Nature of […]
When Church Comes to a Crossroads
When Church Comes to a Crossroads in Christian Living When Church Comes to a Crossroads contrasts consumer-driven decision-making with the biblical call to exalt Christ. The article shows that When […]
Push-Ups: A Parable of Spiritual Growth
Parable of Spiritual Growth Lessons for Intentional Living Intentionality matters because starting strong isn’t enough—real growth requires consistent follow-through. Discipline is forged when effort continues daily, whether the task feels […]
Kobe, Shaq, & Learning from Loss
Learning from Loss – What Shaquille O’Neal’s Grief Teaches Us Shaq’s experience shows that legacy fades, but relationships endure. His sorrow over Kobe’s passing shifted focus from trophies to time […]
Q: What Are Men Really Hungry For? (Part 1)
What Are Men Really Hungry For Part 1: Exploring Deep Desires in Discipleship What Are Men Really Hungry For Part 1 uncovers how spiritual growth and real brotherhood meet men’s […]
God Meets You in Your Confusion
God Meets You in Your Confusion: A Story of Reassurance and Identity God meets Jacob in a moment of disorientation. After deceiving his brother and fleeing home, Jacob is filled […]
Why Wonder
Why Wonder Sparks Transformational Worship Wonder renews stale worship. Predictable formats can dull hearts, but reintroducing awe recenters our attention on Jesus’ majesty. Gratitude opens the eyes of faith. When […]
Why Not the Increase? (Hint: Consider First-Century Weddings)
First-Century Weddings Reveal Why Many Churches Miss the Increase Rooted in Jewish tradition, first-century weddings emphasized the groom—not the bride—helping clarify John the Baptist’s role and mindset. John’s example shows […]
Will God Move for You?
Will God Move for You: Discern God’s Presence Today Uncertainty often clouds our belief that God moves personally, even if we accept that He acts elsewhere or in the past. […]
Dreaming as a Sign of Spiritual Health
Dreaming as a Pathway to Spiritual Growth Dreaming helps believers understand God’s divine will by nurturing bold, faith-filled vision. Aligning with God’s purpose through dreaming empowers obedience and intentional action. […]
An Inviting Alternative to Defensiveness
Defensiveness: Responding with Grace Over Reaction Rather than snapping back, Christians can follow Jesus’ model of disarming skepticism with gentle invitations to explore faith. By shifting the focus from rebuttals […]
How Fear Cripples Faith
Fear and the Imagination That Limits Obedience Fear thrives in unfamiliar territory, convincing us that we’re unprepared to face what we’ve never experienced. Rather than protecting us, fear distorts strength, […]
College Chaos: Beyond the Bad News (Part 2)
Beyond the Bad News Part 2: Hope-Filled Revival Among College Students Amid cultural and spiritual chaos, many college students are increasingly open to faith, purpose, and discipleship—revealing a readiness for […]
Your Invitation to Holy Places
Holy Places: How Sacred Encounters Strengthen Our Faith Personal and biblical locations, like a hospital room or Jerusalem’s temple steps, become holy places when marked by life-changing encounters with God. […]
The Herod in Me
Herod and the Fight Against the True King Herod’s story in Matthew 2 reveals not only a king’s fear of losing power, but our own reluctance to surrender to Jesus. […]
Peter Pan and the Fading of Youth
Peter Pan and the Crisis of Growing Up: A Hopeful Reflection J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan confronts adult struggles—from gender roles to existential disillusionment—and exposes the inevitable loss of youthful […]
Deep Roots in Jesus
Deep Roots in Jesus: Why Surface-Level Faith Isn’t Enough Deep Roots in Jesus start with surrender. Dave Clayton shares how self-reliance, even in ministry, can lead to spiritual emptiness without […]
Refueling When You’ve Been Rejected
Rejected: How God Refuels the Wounded Facing dismissal isn’t unfamiliar to Jesus. From His hometown to His closest circles, He knew the sting of being turned away—and still pressed on […]
How God Used My Miscalculation, an Awkward Prophecy, and a Crowded Capital
How God Used My Miscalculation — Lessons in Providence A school transfer that looked like a mistake positioned Stephen to meet Joy and begin a story only God could script. […]
The 3 Spheres of Addiction
3 Spheres of Addiction: Exploring the Whole-Person Impact Addiction isn’t just chemical. The article explains how biology—such as genetics and prescribed painkillers—can set the stage for substance dependence. Pain drives […]
If I Had One Sermon to Preach to the American Church
American Church: Returning to the Lordship of Jesus Salvation without surrender isn’t biblical. Many profess belief in Jesus without submitting to His Lordship, distorting the gospel message. Discipleship must follow […]
Not My Call When It Comes to My Calling
Not My Call: Letting God Define Our Calling Not My Call explores how ministry isn’t about personal preferences, but surrendering to God’s direction—even when it’s hard. God often calls us […]
Overcoming Staleness in Bible Reading
Overcoming Staleness in Bible Reading: Reignite Your Passion Overcoming staleness begins by recognizing seasons of inconsistency and spiritual dryness, while choosing to reengage God’s Word with intention. Consistency and obedience […]
Something the Old Testament Does Better
Old Testament Joy: Reviving Celebration in Church Old Testament joy is contagious. God’s people were commanded to celebrate through sacred festivals and rejoicing in His blessings. God’s celebrations were meant […]
You’ve Got Chores in the Household of God
Chores in the Household of God: What It Means to Belong Chores in the Household of God reminds us that responsibilities in God’s family aren’t about earning our place—they’re a […]
How Not to Ruin a Legacy
How Not to Ruin a Legacy: Lessons from Saul’s Downfall Unchecked jealousy destroys legacy. Saul’s envy of David grew from a single lyric, ultimately unraveling his leadership and honor. Powerful […]
A Princess Bride Remake and Why Church Can Be Boring
A Princess Bride Remake: Rediscovering the Sacred in Worship A Princess Bride remake stirs cultural outrage. Fans and actors unite against the idea, viewing it as a threat to something […]
Fasting: A Surprising Journey into Joy
Fasting: A Surprising Journey into Joy Desperation led to a new spiritual rhythm. In a season of overwhelming burden, the author turned to fasting and found unexpected peace and clarity […]
3 Reasons Why I (Still) Serve in Student Ministry
3 Reasons Why I Still Serve in Student Ministry: How Serving Teens Transforms, Challenges, and Rewards Student ministry is spiritually refining. Serving teens exposes personal growth areas and forces a […]
3 Life Lessons I’ve Learned from Lawn Care
3 Life Lessons I’ve Learned from Lawn Care That Matter 3 Life Lessons I’ve Learned from Lawn Care teach spiritual truths. Jesus often used nature to explain faith, and lawn […]
Courage in the Storm (Part 2)
Courage in the Storm Part 2: Lessons in Divine Detours Courage in the Storm Part 2 shares how Paul’s unplanned stops became sacred moments, proving God uses even wrecks to […]
Being Picked First for Basketball and What It Taught Me about God
Being Picked First for Basketball and What It Taught Me about God: Takeaways That Redefine Worth Chosen despite inadequacy. Joel Singleton shares how being picked first wasn’t because of skill, […]
Your Shepherd’s Plan
Your Shepherd’s Plan: 3 Faith-Filled Takeaways from Psalm 23 God Provides and Guides – The Shepherd leads us to green pastures, still waters, and righteousness. His provision is rooted in […]
Tired of Living as Predictably as a Facebook Advertisement?
Tired of Living as Predictably as a Facebook Advertisement? Here’s What You Can Learn Jesus offers lasting freedom from predictable patterns. The Samaritan woman’s encounter at the well reveals that […]
Getting Found in the Shuffle
Getting Found in the Shuffle and Joining God’s Mission Getting Found in the Shuffle isn’t accidental—it’s intentional. God is moving people across the globe so they can seek and find […]
What a Lousy Dad Still Got Right (And We Can Too!)
What a Lousy Dad Still Got Right Even flawed fathers can finish strong. David’s story shows that despite major failures, dads can leave a legacy that matters. It’s never too […]
Is Our Manhood in Crisis? – An Interview with Robert Lewis (Part 1 of 2)
Interview with Robert Lewis Part 1: Addressing Today’s Manhood Crisis Why is manhood in crisis today? This interview dives into rising male struggles like addiction, isolation, and loss of identity. […]
Discover It: Cultivating a Disciple-Making Culture (Part 2)
Disciple Making Culture That Transforms Lives What is a Disciple Making Culture? The article explores how Jesus and Paul modeled a relational, life-sharing approach that built true followers—not just converts. […]
Your Worth as a Disciple Maker
Disciple Maker Insights – Why Your Role Matters More Than You Know Being a Disciple Maker is about more than mentoring others—it’s about reflecting the heart of Jesus in everyday […]
Harding Commencement Address (Part 1)
Commencement Address Part 1 – Why Disciple-Making Is Central to the Kingdom Jesus’ final command defines our mission. David Young’s Commencement Address Part 1 emphasizes disciple-making as the foundational response […]
Training for More
Embrace God’s Purpose and Wholeness Through Training for More Training for More invites us to move beyond temporary fitness goals and embrace lasting transformation—physically, spiritually, and emotionally. When we shift […]