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Start With Jesus Aug 08, 2022

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Jesus has earned the right to be first in every single thing. He should be first in our hearts every morning, the first Person we consider, and the King we seek to follow and honor and love in all that we do. To the extent that we do that, our lives are infused with purpose and peace and steeped in His amazing promises.
But if you are like me, not every day is like that. We can go long stretches with Jesus on the side. Maybe we aren't praying much, reading much, or saying his name in the world in which we live. But it is His world. And we are His. These truths should lead the way every single day and in everything we say and do.
So how does that work? How do we start with Jesus? Let's dig in on how looking to Christ can help you overcome discouragement, bring peace to a busy life, renovate the way you pray, and bring Scripture to life.
- Why should Jesus be the leader of every aspect of your life?
- What does that look like on a morning to morning basis?
- What if you life was patterned, first, after the cadence of Jesus' daily life?
- Have you read the Scriptures simply to find the Son of God?
- Do you know the confidence that is found in His strength instead of your own?

"This Isn't Gossip" Aug 01, 2022

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Okay, I'm not really sure what gossip is. I think that is true for most of us. We say things like "this isn't gossip" or "this might be gossip" right before we share information about people who are not in the room. Most of us think if we don't mean any harm then there is no harm done. Of course, that is not always true.
Today we will dig in on what we know about gossip. But more practically, I want to share a few things that have helped me guard my tongue much more effectively. A simple statement can change a lot about how we talk and who we talk about. And a simple question at the end can make gossip have to work a lot harder to get seeded by us.
- What in the world is the sin of gossip?
- If I don't intend to cause issues, does that mean it is okay?
- Why does speaking too much and too often often contribute to the problem?
- How can I ask a simple question about helpfulness and filter my speech?
- Why is going to the person harder to do and yet almost always much, much wiser?

Where You Are Jul 25, 2022

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Today I want to ask you about the life you are living right now. Are you happy with where you are right now? When you look at your life, do you see God, hope and purpose? And if you look back at the major events that got you where you are, what is your emotion about those things?
Accepting where we are is crucial to making the most out of today and tomorrow. Sure, we all want to grow. We want to get better. But not because we are not good now. God is good and so are we if we live in Him. What we need is a full glass of gratitude that gets excited about using today to build a better tomorrow.
Maybe looking back can help. How you accept and process what has happened shaped your attitude about your life today. And... Lord willing today and this week and month and year will soon be a part of your past, shaping who you become. Are you ready to make that amazing?
- What is your attitude about where you are in your life right now?
- With what emotion do you look back at the road that led you to your current life?
- Where was God in all of that? Was He present and active? Then and now?
- How does gratitude now make a difference in what happens next?
- I shared a personal story today. Do you have a story like that? What does it tell you about God?

Popping the Me-Bubble Jul 18, 2022

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Have you ever watched two me bubblers have a conversation? It is funny to watch. One talks about themself. Then the other one talks about themself. The cycle just goes back and forth until someone loses interest. I'm not sure why we are like that, but I've been there. What if one of us shows interest in the other person and asks a follow up question? What if we gave entire attention to one when they needed it? What if I didn't feel the need to make it about me to make it worth while?
These questions mean a lot in my life. I know selfishness well. I've been there. But God has better plans. He has bigger plans. But first we must self evaluate. Am I a me-bubbler? What does that look and sound like in my life? And do I understand how self focus can damage others in a system?
Today we dig in on how to make life more about others and live a more fulfilled existence. I want to give you 4 personal tips that have made a big difference for me. Also we will look at a wonderful passage in the book of Jude that can transform your daily living. And if we can make some differences daily, and be consistent, we can change our lives and the lives of others!
- How do you define a "Me-Bubbler"?
- Why is it important to pop that bubble when you live within a system bigger than yourself?
- What can you do each and every day to flip the script on self-focus and be a better friend?
- How can focus on the Godhead be a day changer in terms of where your thoughts dwell?
- Are there people in your life who are doubting, faltering, or caught in ignorance? What would God have you and me do about that?

Hurt and Healer Jul 14, 2022

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Here are a few cool things coming up this month:
www.balancingthechristianlife.com
Check out this link to dig in on a tremendous lectureship that starts on July 28th. There are nearly 50 speakers on 5 different tracks, all devoted to helping you grow and carry out the Lord's work. I had the honor of doing the keynote address at the beginning of the series and I highly recommend you dig in on this and share with your friends and family.
I've also mentioned three places I'll be worshipping and preaching this month.
July 19-21 - North Kentucky Church, Florence, KY
July 22-24 - Walnut Street Church - Cary, NC
July 29-31 - Milwaukee Avenue Church - Lubbock, TX
Other than that, I just want you to read the lyrics of one of my favorite songs of all time.
So many times we hurt, we are confused, we are in need... run to Jesus. The Healer has Power!
Why?
The question that is never far away
The healing doesn't come from the explained
Jesus please don't let this go in vain
You're all I have
All that remains

So here I am
What's left of me
Where glory meets my suffering

I'm alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I'll fall into Your arms open wide
When the hurt and the healer collide

Breathe
Sometimes I feel it's all that I can do
Pain so deep that I can hardly move
Just keep my eyes completely fixed on You
Lord take hold and pull me through

So here I am
What's left of me
Where glory meets my suffering

I'm alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I'll fall into Your arms open wide
When the hurt and the healer collide

It's the moment when humanity
Is overcome by majesty
When grace is ushered in for good
And all our scars are understood
When mercy takes its rightful place
And all these questions fade away
When out of the weakness we must bow
And hear You say it's over now

I'm alive
Even though a part of me has died
You take my heart and breathe it back to life
I'll fall into Your arms open wide
When the hurt and the healer collide

Jesus come and break my fear
Awake my heart and take my tears
Find Your glory even here
When the hurt and the healer collide

Jesus come and break my fear
Awake my heart and take my tears
Find Your glory even here

Redeeming the Time Jul 11, 2022

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What is your attitude about time? Do you understand growth is not about you doing complex, incredible things? True transformation is the result of simple, easy to do things, consistently done, and benefitted by the power of time. Time is a gift, an asset. It does things you cannot do. Your absolute best effort today cannot do what time can do with smaller, more consistent behavior.
As I enjoy a deeper read into "The Slight Edge" by Jeff Olson, he doubles down on the power of time to bring about what you didn't think possible. The truth is, a lot of us have wasted our greatest gift. If you looked back 3 years and made some small changes back then, what would things look like today? If you can see that, then you are ready to start visualizing 3 years from now! Redeeming the time is an action of faith that can trigger the mercies of God to bless us with days and even years.
- When you think about future time, what emotion do you feel?
- If God gives you the rest of this year, what will that mean for your life and relationships?
- Can you do small, good things day after day if you knew it would bring about a great result?
- Are you ready to get emotional about a future version of yourself? Can you see it?
- When you pray, do you ask God for more life? For more time? Why? What will it mean?

The Two Houses Jul 04, 2022

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In 1859 Charles Dickens wrote "A Tale of Two Cities" about the French Revolution of the late 1700's. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. If you lived anywhere near London or Paris, you knew what that meant. The world was filled with turmoil, different classes, and unpredictability. Dickens notes that it is always like that in every culture, and often within most people. Most people fight the power of both darkness and light, hope and despair, on an ongoing basis.
Did you know it should not be that way with Christians? God did something that changed everything. One day disciples are in a house crying and hopeless. Shortly after they are in a house standing up in confidence and joy. What made the difference? And how can that difference live in your life? The resurrection of Jesus won't due as a part of the Christian's life. It must become the centerpiece of your life. Jesus defeat of death changed everything forever. It should change you.
You can live in a world of duality and uncertainly, but do so with confidence and joy. This can bring immeasurable peace to your life but also may draw other people to Jesus Christ!
- Has a generation ever existed that was stable, predictable, just and fair?
- So why are we often so surprised when we see that ours is no different?
- More importantly, what does it say about us if that same duality exists in us?
- What has God done to change things forever and add eternal peace to your life?
- How does the resurrection infuse your present life with purpose and direction?

Breaking the Cycle Jun 27, 2022

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I'm really enjoying a new book, The Slight Edge, by Jeff Olson. I recommend it to you. It is purely secular but gives tremendous tips that believers can use in every part of life.
His early material drives our study today. He speaks of a life cycle, a wavelength of living that falls to desperation, then goes up to stable, then back down again. Over and over again, up and down, but limited by sufficiency and never really attaining success. How do we break that cycle?
There are two crucial keys to continuing the upward trend and keeping from falling back into fear and desperation once again. If we can keep a real, forward looking, deep passion in our hearts - and - use that to keep doing the things that we already know will work.. the sky is the limit!
- Do you know the cycle that ranges between rock bottom and head above water?
- Why do some people do better, but only until they are back on their feet?
- What emotion is behind getting active in daily disciplines?
- What must replace that emotion of true transformation is to take place?
- If you can do well daily, motivated by love, for the rest of this year, what is possible?

How You Finish Jun 20, 2022

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Everybody has heard this phrase: "It is not how you start, it's how you finish." Do you believe this? And how does it make you feel about the rest of the life God will gift to you? So many of us define ourselves by what has happened, or even who we are now. But Christ has not yet returned. Our time with our family and friends is not yet over. What does that mean to you? Is it an optimistic, grateful feeling in your heart? We ought to look at time as a brilliant gift to make things better. It should never be seen as a curse. God is looking to see who you become when He is ready for your time to be up. Aren't you glad he has afforded you more days to grow?
Well, I guess that depends on what you are planning. Do you plan to use that time to change? Are you letting the past go, either good or bad, and defining yourself by your aims, not your past? Today we talk about how the beginning matters, but not nearly as much as the end. Of course, you and I don't know when that end is coming, so there is no time to waste!
- What does "It's not how you start but how you finish" mean to you?
- If you have failed in the past, or even today, what does it mean for God to give you more time?
- If you have had great success to this point in your life do you feel good about using more years?
- How important is the finish line to God, and how is that reflected in your life today?
- What happens when we start using our view of the future as the driving force for the present?

So Will I Jun 16, 2022

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Happy Thursday to you! Two quick things to share.
I will be at the Campbell Road church of Christ in Garland, TX June 17th-19th. Friday night at 7pm. Saturday beginning at 10:30am. And Sunday beginning at 9am. Come join us as we sing and pray and study renovating our spirits to go on beautiful missions of mercy in Jesus' mighty name.
Today I want to share with you one of the most beautifully encouraging songs I've ever heard. Everything God has made around us, and everything God did in sending His Son, declares His glory beyond comprehension. Today we hope to be grateful. And to look at the planets proclaiming His majesty and say "So Will I." Look at the extend Jesus went to honor the will of God and love those around Him and humbly proclaim "So. Will. I."
God of creation
There at the start
Before the beginning of time

With no point of reference
You spoke to the dark
And fleshed out the wonder of light

And as You speak
A hundred billion galaxies are born
In the vapour of Your breath the planets form
If the stars were made to worship, so will I
I can see Your heart in everything You've made
Every burning star
A signal fire of grace
If creation sings Your praises, so will I

God of Your promise
You don't speak in vain
No syllable empty or void

For once You have spoken
All nature and science
Follow the sound of Your voice

And as You speak
A hundred billion creatures catch Your breath
Evolving in pursuit of what You said
If it all reveals Your nature so will I
I can see Your heart in everything You say
Every painted sky
A canvas of Your grace
If creation still obeys You, so will I

So will I
So will I

If the stars were made to worship, so will I
If the mountains bow in reverence, so will I
If the oceans roar Your greatness, so will I
For if everything exists to lift You high, so will I
If the wind goes where You send it, so will I
If the rocks cry out in silence, so will I
If the sum of all our praises still falls shy
Then we'll sing again a hundred billion times

God of salvation
You chased down my heart
Through all of my failure and pride

On a hill You created
The Light of the world
Abandoned in darkness to die

And as You speak
A hundred billion failures disappear
Where You lost Your life so I could find it here
If You left the grave behind You, so will I
I can see Your heart in everything You've done
Every part designed in a work of art called love
If You gladly chose surrender, so will I
I can see Your heart, a billion different ways
Every precious one, a child You died to save
And if You gave Your life to love them so will I

Like You would again a hundred billion times
But what measure could amount to Your desire?
You're the One who never leaves the one behind

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