Tag Archives: christianity

Finding Freedom in Submission: Lessons from 1 Peter 2

We live in a time when the word authority feels like a bad word. Whether it’s government, corporations, or even churches, trust has eroded. Many people wonder, “Should we really be listening to these institutions anymore?”

Our culture celebrates resistance. We love movies like The Hunger Games or V for Vendetta, and songs like This Is America. They resonate because we all feel the pull to push back. So when the Bible tells us to “submit to every human institution” (1 Peter 2:13), it can sound outdated or even offensive. But Peter’s words are far from irrelevant. They’re revolutionary!

Why Submission Still Matters

Peter wrote these words under the rule of Emperor Nero, one of history’s most oppressive leaders. He had seen Jesus crucified under an unjust government and had been imprisoned himself. Yet, he still calls believers to submit. Why?

Because biblical submission isn’t weakness. It’s order. The word literally means “to arrange under.” It’s about choosing, by faith, to live within the structure God has established for human life.

Think about it:

  • Musicians submit to musical theory to create harmony.
  • Athletes submit to rules so the game makes sense.
  • Drivers submit to traffic laws so we can all get home safely.

Submission doesn’t destroy freedom, it creates peace.

The Limits of Submission

Of course, the Bible never calls us to blind obedience. Scripture is clear: submission should never lead to sin or go against God’s Word. No authority is perfect except Jesus. Still, God uses authority to bring order to a chaotic world. Romans 13 reminds us that “all authority is established by God,” even when those in authority are flawed.

That truth is hard to swallow when leaders fail, bosses take advantage, or systems feel unjust. But Peter offers perspective: we don’t submit because they’re perfect. We submit because He is worthy.

That’s why God’s Word introduces the idea of a “bond-slave.”  A “bond-slave” was a man or woman who willingly committed themselves to the estate out of loyalty and commitment to the estate.  

This might not resonate with us as Americans because we don’t think of ourselves as slaves.  We’re American.  We’re free!  But not really!  We have to make money.  We have to pay taxes.  We have to wear clothes.  We have social expectations to shake hands, greet one another.  

And within each of those areas there’s 100 different opinions about where you make money, how you make money, what you do with that money, and where you live, what brands you buy, and what kind of car you drive.  It’s exhausting!

But, Jesus has come to set us free!  Through faith in Jesus we don’t have 1,000 masters.  We have One master!  And we don’t follow out of compulsion, but willingly, so that biblical submission doesn’t seek to remove freedom but bring freedom.

When we experience conflict in friendship, we only have One Master to answer. When our family is experiencing challenging conversations around politics, we only have One Master to be concerned. When we find ourselves involved in difficult topics like immigration we see God’s Word providing direction on how to navigate those conversations.

The Freedom of Surrender

Peter closes with this reminder: “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross… by His wounds you were healed” (2:24). True freedom doesn’t come from rejecting authority, it comes from submitting to the right One. Jesus frees us from the tyranny of 1,000 masters (money, success, approval) so we can serve one Great Shepherd.

Living as People of Peace

The easiest thing today is to be cynical. It’s easy to point out what’s wrong and walk away. But what if the Holy Spirit is showing you what’s broken as an invitation to help fix it? What if instead of complaining, we planted seeds of trust, faith, and service?

Like a farmer who keeps planting through storms, we keep doing good, trusting that in due time, God will bring a harvest. Because submission, in the end, isn’t about losing control. It’s about gaining peace.

“Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.”
— 1 Peter 2:17

Where “The Phantom Tollbooth” Trips Over Its Own Story

Norton Juster’s The Phantom Tollbooth is a classic. It’s whimsical, sharp, and dripping with creative brilliance. But if you’re the kind of person who likes to dig deeper, theologically or philosophically, you start to notice that there are a few places where the story doesn’t quite hold together. Here are three big incongruences that stand out, and what they reveal.

Wonder Without a Foundation

At the beginning of the story, Milo is bored and disinterested. By the end, everything is magical and full of purpose. On the surface, it’s a beautiful arc, but here’s the problem: nothing external actually changes. Milo’s “new world” is just a shift in perspective, and while that’s inspiring, it’s also hollow. If wonder is only based on a feeling, what happens the next time Milo wakes up bored?

Feelings are great, but feelings also change, therefore, the reader has to ask the question, “Without an anchor for meaning, something outside of herself or himself, where does a person find something more stable than feelings?” I love “wonder” but “wonder” alone is temporary at best.

The Rhyme and Reason Dilemma

The whole plot revolves around restoring Rhyme and Reason to the kingdom, which I appreciated. Once they’re back from their journey, everything is balanced again. But pause for a second: why were they exiled in the first place? And why does their mere return magically fix a broken kingdom?

The story never digs into those questions. It wants the satisfaction of resolution without the complexity of wrestling with why wisdom was lost, or what sustains it in the long run. It’s like patching a leaky roof with duct tape: it works for now, but it won’t hold when the next storm of life rolls in on someone.

In short, you could make the argument that this book could do spiritual harm to someone, which is what the authors are trying to avoid. It’s great to ask questions but simply fanning the flame of deconstruction could lead a person to a place of confusion. How’s that helpful?

Growth Without Real Community

Milo matures throughout his journey, no doubt about it. He goes from apathetic to engaged, passive to proactive, which is great! But he mostly does this alone as an individual. Sure, there’s Tock and the Humbug tagging along, but the story doesn’t show deep, transformative community shaping Milo.

In real life, and certainly in a biblical framework, real transformation usually happens with people, in relationship, through accountability and shared experience. Milo grows in isolation, which makes for a clean narrative but a shallow reality.

Why These Gaps Matter

None of these incongruences ruin the book, far from it. In fact, they make it a great conversation starter. They reveal that while The Phantom Tollbooth offers brilliant observations about curiosity, courage, and wonder, it struggles to ground those truths in something unchanging. That’s where a biblical worldview shines: it takes the good questions the story raises and points to a better answer — one rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

What do you think? Where have you noticed moments in The Phantom Tollbooth that feel a little thin? Or are these the very things that make the book such a timeless read?

Breaking the Myth of Perfect Parenting

My wife and I have worked in pastoral ministry for over 20-years.  My wife has worked in personal counseling as a Licensed Professional Counselor for 10 of those years.  A common theme in parenting we have noticed is that the pressure of parenting is at an all time high. That’s why I am so excited to read the book, “The Myth of Good Christian Parenting” by Burt and McGinnis coming out in October 2025.

If you’ve been a Christian parent for more than a week, you’ve probably felt the subtle (or not-so-subtle) pressure that if you “do it right,” your kids will turn out to be your definition of perfect little saints.

The Myth of Good Christian Parenting confronts that pressure head-on. The central premise is simple but liberating: There is no magic formula for raising “perfect” Christian kids. You can pray with them, take them to church, memorize Scripture together, and still, they may choose their own path, sometimes far from God.

That’s not a sign you failed. It’s a reminder that parenting is about faithfulness, not control. God calls us to be stewards, not puppet-masters.

Why This Matters:

As a pastor in Austin for 15 years, I’ve sat across from countless parents in my office who were quietly drowning in shame. Their adult child wasn’t walking with Jesus, and they thought it was entirely their fault. This book helps dismantle that lie.

It offers a theological reset:

  • God is the perfect Father—and even His kids rebelled.
  • Your calling is obedience, not outcome.
  • The Holy Spirit does the transforming work, not your parenting techniques.

Caution:

It’s possible someone could read this book and it could evoke bitterness or anger at people or resources who painted a picture of “follow these steps” with “guaranteed results.” But I would caution the reader to tread lightly in this area.

  1. Every parent I have ever met tends to have rose-tinted glasses toward their children. Parents tend to hear what parents want to hear about any resource. The allure of finding the “secret” to parenting is a strong temptation to anyone because we love our children so much and we find great comfort in thinking our approach toward parenting is going to “work.”
  2. Parents also tend to be reactionary. I have found, in my life and others, the majority of parental motivation is “giving our children what we didn’t receive.” It’s an admirable goal. The only problem, the hearts and mind of our children might have completely different needs than us!
  3. Parenting styles aren’t cookie-cutter. What worked for one family might not work for another family. What worked for one child, might be the worst thing for another child. It doesn’t mean parenting is doomed to fail, but it does mean we should layer our attitude toward parenting with more generosity.
  4. Wallow in forgiveness. Instead of wallowing in bitterness, extend forgiveness. Instead of pointing the finger, remember there’s no perfect solution other than Christ! Instead of storing up wrath, remember the Lord gave us the exact parent, child and resources at the time for our good and His glory!
  5. Be careful not to get too excited or too discouraged about parenting. That child or parent might be doing “great” right now or “struggling” right now but in 10-years or 20-years, it might look completely different. I have seen people’s lives change for the glory of Jesus in moments, and I have seen people walk away from Jesus after decades of getting everything they wanted. Our hope is that when we are in Christ, one day we will be raised in glory. Everything else is just ups and downs for a “little while.”
  6. Be on guard against giving up as a parent. The attitude of a parent saying “I don’t want to influence my children” might feel warm and cozy, but it is a cop out. Everything and everyone in the world is trying to engage our children, why not the people who love them the most. This doesn’t mean a parent should try to control their children, but they should definitely step into their role as a parent and try to intentionally speak into their life.
  7. The majority of children are going to get punched in the face with their failures and flaws as they enter into adulthood. The easiest thing for them to do is point the finger at parents, because it feels like, “If they would have done this, I wouldn’t struggle with that.” It can be my parents were too involved, I felt smothered. But it can also be my parents weren’t involved, I felt like they didn’t care. Life is hard. The only perfect place to point our heart and the hearts of our children is Jesus.
  8. Take heart! If you are parenting little ones today, there is likely a challenge coming for our children that we aren’t even aware of as parents. We have no idea what it is like to be those children. We have no idea what it is like to interpret the information they are receiving. How could any parent perfectly speak into the hearts and minds of children 10-years into the future? Therefore, our only hope is that Jesus will speak into our heart and the hearts of our children! Let’s turn our hearts and minds to rest in Him!

If you found any of this helpful, I wrote a quick encouragement in a previous post “Essential Truths for Struggling Parents.” Read through it as you have time! Other than that, remember that children and parents are just people.

Embrace Ownership at North Village Church: A Guide

Owning the vision of North Village Church makes all the difference!  Owning the vision means every person sees the church’s purpose as their personal responsibility, not just a support system for someone else’s vision.

What does it look like to develop an “owners’ mindset?”

What’s the Difference?

Helper MindsetOwner Mindset
“Let me know what you need.”                  “Here’s something I can do to move us forward.”
“That’s pastor’s / staff’s job.”                  “This is our mission—and I’ve got a role in it.”
“I help when it works for me.”                  “I show up with consistency and commitment.”
“I’m here to receive.”                  “I’m here to invest—my time, energy, and heart.”
“I notice problems.”                  “I bring solutions with grace and initiative.”
“This is a church.”                “This is my church.”

How to Live as an Owner

1.    Show Up Like It’s Your Living Room

Welcome others like you’re hosting them in your own space. Look for the new. Smile. Initiate.

2.    Speak Life and Vision

Talk about the church like it’s yours. Encourage others. Protect the unity. Avoid gossip.

3.    Take Ownership of Your Spiritual Growth

Don’t wait to be spoon-fed. Dig into Scripture. Ask questions. Be discipled, and disciple others.

4.    Pitch In Without Needing a Title

See a problem? Fix a problem. Owners take initiative, whether it’s picking up trash or praying for someone.

5.    Pray Boldly for the Vision

Learn the vision.  Own the vision.  Pray as someone who’s locked in, not locked out. Ask God to move through us, not just some people.

Reflection Questions

  • What would change if I saw this church as my responsibility?
  • Where am I waiting for permission instead of walking in purpose?
  • Who am I intentionally building up here?
  • What do I bring to the mission God has given us?

Engaging in Immigration Conversations with Compassion

What do you do in those moments when you are at work or a family gathering, and someone makes a reference toward a cultural / political event? Fight or flight or freeze? One of those cultural conversations right now is around immigration, and now more than ever we need to be learning how to lean into those conversations instead of avoid.

As a follower of Jesus, immigration isn’t just a political issue, it’s a people issue. It’s also deeply theological. And as someone who believes the gospel shapes every corner of life, including how we talk about borders and belonging—I’ve been asking, How do I speak about immigration in a way that’s faithful to Scripture and neighborly in spirit?

Especially in a place like Austin, a city that prides itself on being inclusive, justice-oriented, and wonderfully weird, the way we engage matters just as much as what we say, therefore, I wanted to provide some encouragement when we find ourselves in those conversations.

Let me offer some reflections on how we can enter this conversation winsomely: with truth, compassion, and humility.

Start with Stories, Not Soundbites

Most people have an immigration story, whether it’s their great-grandparents who came through Ellis Island or a neighbor who crossed a desert last year. Stories have a way of softening walls that data and debate only harden.

I recently met a man whose journey to the U.S. took over a year, and the process for him to get citizenship in the United States took over 10 years! But the real story wasn’t how far he traveled, it was why.

He had been manipulated by people in his country that told him they had created a way for him to get into the country legally, and it was expensive! Him and his family gave them so much money, only to find out the process was to sneak him into the country.

When we begin with real people, we remind everyone that immigration isn’t just a policy issue. It’s a person issue.

Root the Conversation in Shared Values

As a follower of Jesus, I start with this: every person is made in the image of God. That’s non-negotiable. And because of that, I’m called to care to care about others and extend compassion toward those who are hurting or struggling.

At the same time, I also believe in the importance of order, justice, and systems that work. That doesn’t make me cold-hearted. It means I care about both compassion and structure, and I don’t believe we have to choose one or the other.

That’s the tension many of us feel: How do we love our neighbor and respect our nation’s laws? That’s a holy tension, not a political problem.

Understanding Austin’s Heartbeat

Austin, where I’ve planted roots, is a city of contrasts. It’s progressive, but still deeply Texan. It values independence, but also community. It welcomes everyone, while being a fairly divided city ethnically and economically.

Here’s where I find common ground:

  • Austin values about justice — and, as a follower of Jesus, so do I.
  • Austin values diversity — and, as a follower of Jesus, so does the kingdom of God.
  • Austin believes in local action over national gridlock — and the Church has always been a grassroots movement.

But there are also tensions:

  • Austin often resists institutional voices, and as a pastor, I get lumped into that category.
  • The city prefers nuance over certainty, and my biblical convictions can sound too rigid if I’m not careful with tone.
  • Some reject the idea of borders altogether, while I believe in the value of lawfully ordered immigration.

Knowing these dynamics helps me approach conversations with humility, not just truth.

How to Talk About Immigration Without Starting a Fire

Here are a few ways I’ve learned to engage the conversation, especially with neighbors, coworkers, or congregants:

  • Ask better questions:
    “What’s your family’s immigration story?” “What challenges does Austin experience because of immigration?” “How do you think a city like Austin benefits from immigration?” “What would a just system look like to you?”
  • Name the tension:
    “I feel caught between the heartbreak of broken systems and the need for secure borders. But I want to be someone who listens more than lectures.”
  • Focus on people, not politics:
    We can disagree on policy and still agree that every person deserves dignity.

The Church’s Role in a Time of Division

The early church was full of immigrants, refugees, outcasts, and people who didn’t “belong.” Paul says in Ephesians 2:19, “You are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of His household.” That’s the kind of community we’re called to build.

The gospel doesn’t erase borders, but it does erase hostility.

What would happen if we, regardless of political leanings, followers of Jesus became known for welcoming the outsider, respecting rules and laws, advocating for justice, and treating every person as someone Jesus died for? Sure, it’s a lofty goal but that’s the opportunity for the local church in this conversation today.

A Path Forward

Let’s not settle for the shouting match. Let’s become porch people, not just protesting people. Let’s build conversations and learn from one another. Let’s lean into conversations instead of avoiding topics. And let’s trust that the God who watches over nations also sees every individual soul.

If you’d like to explore ways to serve immigrants in Austin, we have a group of people from the Ukraine who meet regularly in our building and a church from Nepal who gather in worship on Sunday afternoon’s. These are great people and great ways to get a front row view into their experience.

Navigating Anxious Thoughts After the Hill Country Floods – What Families Need to Know

Our family has lived in the hill country for over 20-years.  We’ve seen summers without any rain.  Specifically, in 2011 the days were so hot and dry the city council of Austin issued a mandate for the city to pray for rain!  

You can imagine our surprise in 2025 when it rained so much that rivers flooded, dams broke, and we experienced some of the greatest pain in the Hill Country that we have experienced in decades.  

In those early morning hours, the Hill Country community was hit with devastating floods that disrupted homes, schools, and everyday life. In moments like these, families face not just the physical aftermath, but also the emotional ripple effects that follow, especially for our children. 

You can also imagine the anxious thoughts everyone is experiencing right now.  How does someone move forward after experiencing so much tragedy?  How does a family decide to send their child to a summer camp again after something so tragic?  How does a person not get these rushed feelings of panic every time it rains?  How do we not just stay busy to stay distracted?

I had the opportunity to sit down with my wife, a Licensed Professional Counselor, who serves students and their families in the Hill Country area, and she has had a front row experience with these questions and here are a few things she recommended:

Acknowledge the Impact

First and foremost, let people know they are seen. This has been a traumatic, overwhelming time for many. If your family is hurting, displaced, or unsure of what comes next, please know you are not alone, and your feeling is valid.

Emotional Reactions Are Normal

Children may not have the words to describe what they’re feeling, but they’re processing the loss and fear in their own way.  Unfortunately, most children in the Hill Country have been affected by these floods or know someone who was affected.  

Some children may act out, others may withdraw. Some may suddenly cling to you, have nightmares, or feel anxious about the weather. These responses are not signs of something “wrong.” They’re signs of something real.

As parents and caregivers, your calm presence and listening ear matter more than perfect answers. Simply acknowledging your child’s feelings, “That was really scary, wasn’t it?,”can help them feel safe and understood.

Rebuild Routine Where You Can

One of the best things you can do for your child in this season is to restore rhythm where possible. Whether it’s consistent mealtimes, bedtime routines, or walking them to school, familiar patterns offer emotional stability when the world feels uncertain.

When I was speaking to a family about one of their children possibly going to summer camp this year I validated those feelings.  Summer camp is a wonderful opportunity for children.  Then, I encouraged the parents to simply ask their children, “Do they want to go to summer camp?”  Different children are going to respond to this tragedy in different ways.  

Talk Honestly—but Gently

Kids don’t need every detail, but they do need honest reassurance. Let them know the adults around them are working hard to keep them safe. Use age-appropriate language to answer their questions and remind them that it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or scared.

Watch for Ongoing Signs of Stress

In the weeks ahead, watch for ongoing signs of trauma: trouble sleeping, appetite changes, withdrawal from friends, or constant worrying. These may be signs your child needs more support—and that’s okay. There is help, and healing is possible.

Remember, life is loud, and when life is really loud, sometimes we can forget some of the true promises that we have held onto for so long.  Stress makes us forget and question, we aren’t thinking clearly in times of stress.  We can forget God’s truth.  We can forget God’s character.  We can forget God’s promises.  We can start to lose sight of who we are also!  

And sometimes, when we go through all that forgetting we can latch on to stories and ideas that aren’t true.  Things like:

  • “You need to figure this out!”
  • “God doesn’t care.”
  • “Everyone else has it easy.”
  • “People are going to think we are weak or stupid.”

It’s in our moments of stress and anxiety that we need to identify practical ways to help us remember the truth!  Things like:

  • Memorizing Scripture.
  • Writing out our prayers and asking, “Are our prayers consistent with God’s Word?”
  • Sharing our thoughts with others, and inviting them to tell us when our words aren’t consistent with God’s Word.
  • Listening to worship music filled with the truth of God’s Word.

You’re Not Alone—Resources Are Available

If your family needs help with housing, food, school supplies, or emotional care, please don’t hesitate to seek our support from your school or local church.  

And if you, as a parent, are feeling overwhelmed, please know your mental health matters too. You don’t have to be strong alone.  It’s in these moments that our thoughts and emotions can be fueled by lies.  Lies about ourselves.  Lies about God.  Lies about our future.  Sometimes we will even recognize those lies, and still our mind can become hijacked by those thoughts that just aren’t true.    

If your group, school, church, or organization would benefit from a conversation about helping kids process trauma, rebuild resilience, or simply navigate hard times as a family, Holly would be honored to speak to them. Whether it’s a small group of parents or a community-wide event, she’s available to share tools, stories, and hope.  Reach out to me and I will get you in touch with her!  

Praying for the Presidential Election

The presidential election is a pivotal event that shapes the future of a nation. As earthly citizens, we have a responsibility to participate in the election. For those who are followers of Jesus, prayer is an essential part of the election process, offering a way to seek guidance, express concerns, and pray for the well-being of the country. But how do we pray thoughtfully and effectively during a presidential election? Here are key ways to approach prayer during this significant time.

1 Timothy 2:1-3, “First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.”

1. Pray for Wisdom

The first step in praying for an election is to seek wisdom—not just for yourself, but for all voters and leaders. It’s easy to get swept up in the emotions, partisanship, and media blitz of campaigns, but prayer can help center your mind and heart. Ask God for clarity in understanding the issues, candidates, and their platforms.

2. Pray for the Candidates

Whether you support a specific candidate or not, praying for all presidential candidates is a way to show humility and compassion toward others. Remember, candidates face intense scrutiny, pressure, and temptation. They need strength, moral stability, and guidance in their decision-making.  Especially pray for the candidates to know Jesus and follow Him!

3. Pray for Unity

Elections, especially presidential ones, can be divisive. Families, friends, and churches sometimes find themselves at odds over political issues. As a follower of Jesus, we want to pray for unity. More than the next president, our country needs godly men and women who know Jesus and are following Him!  Jesus is the only One who can bring true and lasting unity.

4. Pray for the Leaders Already in Office

While much attention is on the new candidates, it’s important not to forget the leaders who are currently serving and those who will continue to lead regardless of the election outcome. 

5. Pray for Fairness in the Electoral Process

The integrity of the electoral process is critical for democracy. Unfortunately, there are concerns about fairness, fraud, or disenfranchisement. Prayer for justice, transparency, and fairness is vital in ensuring a smooth and just election.

6. Pray for Personal Peace and Trust in God

Amidst the tension, it’s easy to feel anxious or overwhelmed about the future of the country. Prayer can help you find personal peace, trusting that God is sovereign and in control, no matter what happens in the election.

7. Pray with an Open Heart

One of the most important aspects of prayer is humility. When praying for the election, be open to the possibility that God’s will may differ from your own preferences or expectations. Ask God to reveal His wisdom, and be ready to follow where He leads.

Conclusion: A Call for Prayerful Action!

As the presidential election approaches, prayer can play a central role in calming fears, promoting unity, and seeking God’s guidance. It reminds us that, while we have the privilege and duty to participate in democracy, the ultimate authority rests with God.

By praying for wisdom, justice, unity, and the well-being of all involved, we take a step toward creating a more peaceful, fair, and compassionate society—one where love and justice guide the way, regardless of political differences. As you pray, remember that your voice is not just heard in the voting booth, but also in the quiet moments of reflection with God.

Living Out Our Faith in Jesus with Others

Sometimes we hear people say phrases like, “It’s just me and Jesus.”  Or we might hear people say, “I don’t like going to church, I just do my own thing.”  It makes sense.  People are messy.  Sometimes I refer to people as “porcupines.”  If you get close enough to people we are going to eventually “stick” one another.

But by avoiding people and avoiding the risk of getting “stuck” we are also missing out on some great moments; depth of life, depth with the Lord.  One of the ways we can nurture our relationship with others is to get others involved in our relationship with Jesus.  

When we read Scripture we don’t see many examples of “Jesus and me” as people grow in the Lord.  We see a lot of life-on-life with a variety of different people as people grow in the Lord.  In the first century, that pace of life might have been more natural but what does that look like today?

Here are six examples:

  1. Prayer walks:  Gather a few friends to go on a walk in prayer.  This can be done as a group.  This can be done on individual walks.  This can be through praying out loud or this could be done in silence.  At the end of the walk, the group can share what they heard from the Lord during the walk.  
  2. Scheduled moments of silence:  Similar as above.  Gather a few friends.  Pick a place and time.  Share with one another afterwards.  
  3. Reading Scripture:  Similar as above.  Gather a few friends.  Read a passage.  Discuss afterwards as a group.  
  4. Serving others:  Starting to see a pattern?  Pick a spot. Gather a few friends. Serve other people.  Discuss afterwards as a group. 
  5. Fasting:  Yep, you got it!  Gather a few friends.  Pick a time and type of fast.  Pick a place to eat afterwards to break the fast and discuss.  
  6. Evangelism:  When’s the last time you shared the gospel?  What if you got a few friends to meet at the park or a pub and prayerfully asked the Lord to help you meet someone new so that you could simply let them know you are followers of Jesus?  Who knows where the conversation might go!  Oh yeah, you’re definitely going to want to discuss afterwards.  

We do these types of things when we play on a team or meet as a group to read a book. Why not apply those same patterns with our faith in Jesus?  If you find it difficult to grow in your faith in Jesus by yourself, then invite others to grow with you.  

If you aren’t sure where to start, you can always make a post on Realm as a starter to see if anyone is interested.  

What Does It Mean To Be A Godly Man?

A question I am often asked by other men is, “What does it mean to be a godly man?”  Is it just about reading and knowing the Bible?  Is it just about character?  Is it just about being able to provide godly counsel?  Here is a quick outline:

  1. Fully convinced God exists.  You are convinced the God of Scripture created humanity in His own image (Genesis 1.) A part of being made in His image is that we reflect His glory, therefore, a person couldn’t possibly become a godly man without being fully convinced in God.
  2. Sin is destructive.  In Genesis 3 we see sin enter into the story of humanity so that everything and everyone we see today is fractured in sin.  Do you believe this?  Are you convinced of this truth at the global and personal level?  You must!
  3. Complete hope in life, death and resurrection of Jesus.  Jesus is God in the flesh.  Jesus has come to take our sin at the cross.  Jesus has come to conquer death through the resurrection.  Are you captivated by this truth?  Are you in awe of this truth? (1 Corinthians 15)
  4. Love for God’s Word.  Do you love the Bible?  Do you love reading the Bible?  Do you love talking about the Bible?  How could we become godly men if we don’t love God’s Word?  (2 Timothy 2)
  5. Obeying God’s Word through faith in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.  This is key!  God’s Word isn’t about following rules.  Godliness isn’t trying really hard to look like God.  Godliness is walking by faith in Christ every day until we are face to face with Jesus. (Romans 1)
  6. Convinced of stewardship.  None of this world is ours.  It all belongs to God, therefore, in Christ, we are all managers or stewards of resources, talents, and gifts from the Lord.  The sooner a man sees himself as a steward instead of an owner, the sooner he will grow in godliness. (1 Peter 4)
  7. Taking responsibility.  We are going to fail as men.  Failure is going to happen spiritually, physically, emotionally and mentally; therefore, when those moments come into our life we would do well to stop making excuses and embrace responsibility.  (Proverbs 28:13)
  8. Repentance.  Repentance means to acknowledge our sin and turn from our sin as we trust in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.  God’s Word teaches us it is the kindness of the Lord that leads to repentance.  Repenting of sin daily is a mark of a godly man.  (1 John 1:9)
  9. Teachability.  Are you able to learn from others?  Are you so convinced of your wisdom that it is hard to consider others might have something better?  Are you curious about life?  Are you curious about others?  Is there humility about you so that you are convinced that God’s glory shapes how you see yourself in Him? (1 Peter 5:5)
  10. Servant-Leadership.  Do you enjoy putting others before yourself?  Do you enjoy dying to your flesh?  Do you enjoy perseverance?  These are all marks of godliness.  Waiting to be asked.  Waiting for the applause of men.  Waiting for someone else to take responsibility.  These are marks of spiritual immaturity.  (Matthew 20:26)
  11. Live Courageously.  Take risks by faith in Jesus.  Put yourself in a place that is spiritually uncomfortable.  If the Lord brings an opportunity, take it!  Open the Bible.  Pray out loud.  Volunteer to help.  Give money away.  Initiate that conversation with that person that you have been thinking about.  Godly men walk by faith in the Lord instead of themselves.  (Joshua 1:9)
  12. Biblical view towards money.  Money isn’t evil.  Money is a gift to be used for His glory, therefore, learn to steward money.  Learn to give money away.  Learn to bless others.  Learn to make as much money as you can but know that a large salary is going to take their pound of flesh.  Rarely will a man get a large salary and freedom.  
  13. Friends with other men.  Lone rangers are going to have a hard time building godly lives and godly character.  There’s no way any one man could see all his blind-spots.  He needs other men to help him grow.  He needs friends that will have honest conversations with him.  (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
  14. Perseverance.  Life is hard.  Following Jesus is hard.  Living faithfully is hard.  You’re going to want to quit.  You’re going to want to give up.  Godly men stay faithful.  Godly men keep trusting the Lord.  (James 1:12)

The fact you have taken the time to read this article is a sign of the Holy Spirit at work in your life.  Praise God!  You want to grow and mature in Christ.  Praise God!  God’s Word calls us to be rooted and established in our faith in Jesus.  Start today!  

A godly man can change the direction of friendship, change the direction of his family, change the direction of generations to come, therefore, don’t wait but seek the Lord.  Start growing in Him today!

How Do You Build a Successful Life?

How many times have you been driving down a bumpy road and thought your car was about to fall apart?  Sometimes the car hits one of those bumps and you feel the frame of the car slam into the wheels and you are convinced your car is about to fall apart!  In those moments you need good shocks that can absorb the bumps of the road.

In the same way, life can be like those bumpy roads.  It can be a call from a doctor, an argument with your spouse, a meeting with your supervisor, a late night of waiting for that teenager to send in an update about where they are; life can get really bumpy.

How are we supposed to enjoy life if there are so many bumps in the road?  Are we supposed to move out into the middle of nowhere?  Wait!  There’s tons of bumps in the road in the middle of nowhere 🙂

Sometimes a person can become so fatigued by the challenges of life they try to reduce the amount of possibilities. We cut off friends.  We break off relationships.  We build a fortress of solitude around ourselves and still challenges in life will break in and create some bumps.  What do we do?

The universities don’t teach how to absorb those challenges.  Our careers might give us some coping skills but even our careers won’t help us when it feels like the world is being pulled out from under our feet.  Copy and paste these somewhere to help you remember:

1. Do you believe God Is Sovereign?  The word “Sovereign” means “Control.”  Do you believe God is in control of all things? Do you believe God is with you always?  What was Joseph believing when he was being betrayed by His brothers?  What did Jacob believe when he was working for a wicked uncle?  What was David believing when he was hiding in a cave after being anointed to be king?  What did Paul cling to when he was in prison, shipwrecked, beaten, bitten by snakes and left to die?  What did Jesus hold on to when the Father’s will was for Him to be spit upon, beaten and put on a cross?  It is the follower of Jesus who goes through the ups and downs of life but you keep trusting your Heavenly Father because He is in control. (Romans 8)

2. Is your ultimate hope growing in God’s glory? The Apostle Paul wrote, “The sufferings of this world are not worthy to be compared to the glory that is to be revealed.”  James teaches us to consider the sufferings of our day to be joy in light of God’s glory.  Do you glory in His glory?  Do you believe if the Lord only brought you hardship and pain in this life, He is still worthy to be praised?  Do you believe the words of Habakkuk, “Thou there be not fruit on the vine, nor food in the stall, I will exalt you!”  Do you believe what this world has to offer is not the best this life has to offer?  When you turn your trust to His glory it will carry through any pain this world has to offer.

3. Are you celebrating God’s goodness in your life today?  Right now!  You woke up this morning.  You just took a breath.  You have people in your life.  You have talents and gifts.  You have challenges to persevere!  And most of all, through faith in Jesus, He calls you His for eternity!  You might not make it to tomorrow.  You might not make it home today!  Therefore, rejoice in the Lord today!  Write down His blessings in your life.  Recount them every day.  Tell Him of all His goodness.  Hug the people around you.  Write a note of encouragement.  Send that text.  Laugh with those people.  Enjoy the work of your hands.  Why worry about tomorrow?  Instead, enjoy more today!

4. Are you putting yourself in a place to be captivated by His presence?  The glory of the Lord is around you at all times.  He hears our prayers.  He intercedes on our behalf.  He speaks encouragement into our soul.  He is our helper.  He is our comforter.  In every storm of life, He is there, He is working and He is good.

Wind and waves come in life but there is only one who rebukes the wind and the waves. He was there with Moses.  He was there with Joseph.  He was with David.  He was next to Esther in those moments when she uttered those timeless words, “For such a time as this.”  But you need shocks to make it in this life.

What About Masturbation?

I am not necessarily looking to talk about a subject that is uncomfortable for everyone but an older man once said to me, “In the absence of saying nothing, people fill in their own answers.”

There was a season of life where I thought, “We don’t need to talk about this subject in mass communication do we?”  Sure, we can talk about it at a Men’s Group here and there but not to the congregation at large, right?  But in the absence of saying nothing, people fill in their own answers and that truth is more applicable today than ever.  

First, let’s make sure we are all on the same page.  Masturbation is the experience of sexual orgasm produced by self-stimulation. Virtually every man and woman has tried it in some capacity.  

Second, this is a blog that we try to keep concise.  Please don’t look at this article as the beginning and end of the conversation.  Please search the Scriptures, wrestle with this subject and seek godly counsel in the process.  

Third, the Bible doesn’t mention masturbation or self-gratification specifically.  There are passages that some will reference like Genesis 38 and “spilling of the seed.”  However, the sin of Onan is because he refuses to provide an heir for his deceased brother, not masturbation.  

Another passage is Matthew 5 when Jesus speaks of cutting off your right hand if it causes you to sin.  While there is a connection between lustful thoughts and masturbation, it isn’t likely Jesus had masturbation in mind specifically, therefore, there isn’t necessarily a specific verse for us to reference.  

Fourth, we do know God created sex to be good.  In Genesis 1-2 we see Adam and Eve were naked, unashamed and called by God to be fruitful and multiply to His glory.  Our sexual desires were created to be good and glorifying to God.

However, in Genesis 3 our sin completely distorts what God created to be good but Jesus has come to reconcile us to God through faith and restore a biblical view of sex, which is designed by God to take place within the commitment of marriage between a man and a woman.  

Therefore, how do we live in that restoration today?  How do we experience healing in this area of our life?  What does that healing look like practically?  Here are some thoughts to consider:

  1. What do we do with all those sexual desires?  Sometimes we just think God created our arms, legs, head, torso and our genitals appeared there by accident.  But God created our body parts to do what they do and feel what they feel, therefore, we must be asking, “How do we steward these sexual desires for His glory?”  
  2. What about pornography?  The biggest challenge with masturbation is it is often associated with pornography.  Any time we are dabbling in any type of sexual immorality we are wondering outside of God’s design of sex.  10-years ago people outside of Christ would have gloried in pornography but today, even people outside of Christ recognize the dangers of pornography.  
  3. Will the desire for masturbation go away when we are married?  Although marriage is a gift, the gift of marriage won’t remove the temptation of masturbation because our sexual desires are ultimately desires for intimacy at the deepest part of our soul.  Therefore, when our thoughts are wandering toward masturbation it might be because we are lonely, stressed, overwhelmed and masturbation might seem like a quick way to gratify those needs but ultimately, in those moments, our soul is longing for intimacy with our Creator and it would be better to see these desires as reminders that our soul is longing for something more.   
  4. If I am married, should I talk to my spouse about these desires?  1 Corinthians 7 teaches us that a wife doesn’t have the right over her body but her husband and her husband doesn’t have the right over his body but his wife, therefore, in marriage, masturbation is a conversation that would be great to take place between husband and wife and not something we want to keep in secret.
  5. Isn’t this just a personal decision?  Sometimes we might tell ourselves, “Well, I will just meet this sexual desire quickly, so I don’t get entangled in other desires.”  Giving ourselves over to one fleshly desire  isn’t the way to overcome other fleshly desires.  Perhaps it would be better to confess those desires to Jesus and ask for His help?  Perhaps Jesus can meet us in those desires in ways we could never imagine?
  6. What if pornography and lust isn’t involved?  It’s possible.  But I am not sure God’s Word gives us a wide open door here.  In that process we are still training our flesh.  We are training our bodies to experience immediate gratification.  There are chemicals being released in those moments and those chemicals create attachment, therefore, we want to be mindful that we aren’t simply giving ourselves over to our desires.  
  7. Is masturbation disgusting?  It’s possible you have heard this subject discussed in a tone of the “worst thing possible.”  Any desire to overcome the desires of the flesh should be seen equally.  Our hope is that Jesus has come to cleanse us of our sin, we are indwelled by the Holy Spirit and empowered by the Spirit to live godly lives in Him.  
  8. What if masturbation is a pattern in my life that is out of control?  The first step is to invite Jesus into this conversation through confession, repentance and forgiveness.  In addition, it would be good to invite a friend or two into this conversation as well.  1 John teaches us to bring our offenses into the light so that we might find healing.  Start there!  
  9. What about past memories that keep popping into our minds?  Jesus has come to make us new.  We aren’t made clean in Christ because we are physically or sexually pure.  We are made clean through faith in Jesus.  We are given new eyes, new minds, new thoughts.  Ask Jesus to renew your mind in this area of life and remove those memories.  
  10. Are there any resources to consider?  There are some great resources to consider.  It’s possible you might feel overwhelmed and need immediate support.  Please reach out to someone for help or contact one of these organizations.  (1.) https://puredesire.org/ (2.) https://samsonsociety.com/ (3.) https://www.bebroken.org/

If you feel out of control in this area, you’re not alone.  We live in a sexualized culture that can seek out any thought with a touch of a button.  Our hope isn’t to physically overcome these desires on our own.  Our hope is to find the greatest intimacy we could ever imagine in Christ.  

Therefore, rejoice, the Spirit is already at work as you consider these things.  Next, invite Jesus into this conversation.  And then consider reaching out to a friend for encouragement as you explore, “What’s shaping your thoughts?  What’s feeding your desires? How might you respond to these challenges in life in a different way?”

Are you becoming a dangerous leader or a biblically dangerous leader?

There are some leaders who want all the attention, overlook the needs of others, not really interested in the glory of God but love the idea of titles, making decisions and everyone respecting them.  It’s the difference between a dangerous leader and a biblically dangerous leader for God’s glory!

Malachi 1:6, “‘A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is My respect?’ says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests who despise My name. But you say, ‘How have we despised Your name?’”

In the book of Malachi the people of Malachi’s day are living through a difficult season.  Their morale is low, their souls are depleted, they have lost optimism in the Lord, and their worship in the Lord is waning so much that He brings rebuke in chapter 1 to their spiritual leaders.

Up to this point the people of Israel have grown up hearing great things about the Lord through leaders like Abraham, Moses, David, Sampson, but lately the stories haven’t been that great.  

Lately they have heard about the Assyrians, a wicked people who take the 10 tribes to the north into captivity.  Then, Babylon, another wicked people who take the 2 tribes to the south into captivity.  Then, Persians, another ungodly people who take out the Babylonians and issue a decree allowing Israel to return home, which is great, but Israel is having to start all over.

They are having to rebuild their homes, restart their economy, re-establish their community, and they are still living under the oppression of the Persian government, so that their awe and worship of God is waning and it is trickling down into their relationships with one another.  But, there is HOPE.  

In Malachi 3 the Lord reminds them of His unending love, therefore, we are called to give our lives completely to Him, and when we give our lives to the Lord we will become a  biblically dangerous leader for His glory.  Here are 11 practical characteristics:

  1. Make a pact with God to meet with Him daily.  The Lord is worthy of our lives, therefore, we give ourselves to Him every day through the reading of His Word and prayer.
    • When you read the bible ask these questions, “What does the passage teach me about the character of God?  What does the passage teach me about the brokenness of humanity?  How does the passage expose our need for Jesus?”
    • When you pray add these elements into prayer:
      • Adoration:  Awe of God.
      • Submission:  Submit to His will.
      • Trust:  Ask for His help to trust Him.
      • Confession:  Confess areas of sin.
      • Protection:  Ask for help to be on guard against the evil one.  
  2. Develop an excitement for His kingdom, rather than your kingdom.  Our kingdoms are small, short-sighted, and filled with anxiety.  His Kingdom is eternal, diverse, and filled with power and joy.  Seek His kingdom!
  3. Persistent growth in personal character rather than building your reputation.  Confess sin daily.  Uproot idols with the gospel daily.  Build godly relationships with other men and women who are wanting to grow in godliness.  Read God’s Word.  Stop making excuses.  Take responsibility.  Grow in character!
  4. Expect life to bring challenges.  Life is difficult.  Build your life in preparation for that difficulty.  Roll with the punches.  Tons of people can get excited for a season, but length of time is what makes you dangerous.  
  5. Raise up others to be a biblically dangerous leader.  Pour into people.  Resist the temptation of just being satisfied with people hearing what you have to say about life.  Pour into people who will pour into people.  
  6. Love repentance.  Love confessing sin.  Love being in awe of the cross.  This is what makes you the most dangerous, because you can’t believe that God would love someone who is layered in as much death and destruction as you are in life.
  7. Rejoice in God’s grace in the life of others.  Don’t give into a competitive attitude with others.  Run your own race.  You aren’t trying to beat out the guy next to you.  You are learning about your gifts and talents that the Lord has uniquely given to you and you are doubling down on those gifts and talents.  It is easy to become critical of others but instead it would be better to be known for being an encourager of others.  
  8. Celebrate little things.  Life is hard.  There are going to be tons of misses.  If we are going to aim for becoming a biblically dangerous leader then we are going to run hard and the best medicine for running hard is celebrating little things.  
  9. Love rest.  The Sabbath is ultimately in the cross, but a biblically dangerous leader loves the idea of everything not resting on your shoulders.  You know how to turn it off.  You know how to nap.  You know how to walk with peace.  You know how to be still and know that the Lord is the Lord.  
  10. Don’t get swept up in the latest fads.  The cross is the coolest thing ever.  A new pastor, a new book, a new -ism, a new-est is just going to come and go, but you are always going to be in awe of the cross.  

Value people.  Do you care about people?  All people are made in God’s image, therefore, a biblically dangerous leader cares about people.  You care about how you build relationships with people.  You are curious about their story.  You don’t people walking away from their time with you thinking about YOUR GLORY but instead you want people to walk away and think, “I want to go read the Bible, I want to share the gospel, I want to be a better spouse.  I want to know GOD’S GLORY!”

Who Am I to Speak into Someone’s Life?

How many times do we think to ourselves, “I should probably give direction based on God’s Word about what this person should do with their life?”  There are probably some of us who can’t help ourselves, some of us who think those things internally but never say anything, and there are also some of us who think, “Why would someone listen to what we have to say?”

Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom.”

But God’s Word actually invites us to speak into the lives of other people and below are just a few responses we might give to that invitation:

  • Nobody would care what we have to say.
  • I am not qualified to speak into someone’s life.
  • I need to get my life in order before I talk to someone else.
  • I’ve made too many mistakes.

As a result, we tend to see people in our life put themselves in a harmful place and we never say anything.  Even worse, we wait till that horrible thing happens in their life and then we say under our breath, “I saw that coming a mile away!”  But let’s look at Exodus 3:

10 Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, so that you may bring My people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt.” 

11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?” 

12 And He said, “Certainly I will be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain.”

13 Then Moses said to God, “Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?” 

Moses has all the typical excuses that we give today.  Who am I?  What will I say?  Why should they listen?  If we looked at the next chapter we would see, “What if they don’t listen? I am not good at this? You should send someone else.”

What is God’s response to all those objections?  Look at Exodus 3:

14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” 

15 God, furthermore, said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations. 

16 Go and gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, “I am indeed concerned about you and what has been done to you in Egypt. 

We tend to give excuses by focusing on ourselves, our resources, our abilities, our wisdom, our gifts but God’s response is to look at His calling, His power, His resources, His wisdom and invites us to trust in Him.  

This doesn’t mean we need to walk up to strangers and tell them what to do but God has called us to speak into the lives of others who are in Christ.  We are called by God to prayerfully consider, “Who needs to be encouraged, who needs to be challenged, who needs to be acknowledged, who needs to be served, who needs to be prayed for” and we get this opportunity every time we come together on Sunday morning for worship.