I think it would be a fair assumption that most people hope to get into heaven. Heaven being that place where we live with God forever. Yet, so many religions and creeds and dogmas exist, all with different entrance exam requirements. Some preach self-denial as a response to their “wicked” flesh. Others have extensive lists…
Recently, I attended a weekend seminar focused on living our identity in Christ. There’s more to that, of course, but for now this is how the weekend started. We took a dreaded redeye flight from Salt Lake City to Tampa. It was scheduled to leave at 11:30 pm. but ended up one hour late. Now…
We have all been taught through the years that in order to receive something from God we have to have faith, or said another way, believing. And it is certainly true that believing pleases God. What you believe is what you receive with no limitations at all. But, where this formula gets messy is when…
Many people wrongfully conclude that in order for God to bless them in their lives, there are certain works they must do in order to fulfill their part of the condition. Some view their requirements as a need to keep the Ten Commandments at a minimum. Others have concluded that if their good outweighs their…
As someone who prides himself in informing, there is something I need to tell you tonight. This seemingly insignificant piece of information could change your whole perspective of sharing life with God. Or, you might dig deep into your well honed stance that has decided “how it works” already and thus sentence yourself to an…
How would you live if you were the only person on the Earth? Would your life look the same? Would you make all of the same choices? Imagine if there was no society to judge you; to conform you; to tell you what is okay and what is not okay. Would it make a difference…
What I’m going to share with you tonight will lead you to a lifetime of freedom, if you want it. Just grace. As simple as that. For a word we use so often in our lives, you would think we would understand it more. We say grace before a meal. We offer grace in our…
There’s an old adage that states the more closely you study the things that man has done, the more imperfection you will find. Conversely, the more closely you study the things that God has done, the more perfection you will find. Every sculpture, every masterpiece has its flaws, but have you ever inspected a snowflake,…
Many years ago when some folks approached me about having a relationship with God, I bristled at the thought of living a religious life where my every action was studied and judged. I still feel that way today. It seemed like the advertised life with God was mostly centered on requirements and things I had…
Many years ago, as I sat alone outside my tent in the final days of the leadership training program waiting for the Lord to show me a sign that would make clear my ministry to help people the most effectually, nothing happened except a pervasive urge to read a section of scripture over and over…