“How are you?” In most places, we’re conditioned to give a short, non-answer to this question. “How are you?” Fine. Great. We love that in most churches these answers don’t get it done. “Tell me more” is implied. “How are you? Fine. Great. “And?” And it took us thirty-seven minutes to get in the car…
All Things New: The Hope of Renewal
Picture a treasure chest. Not a small box that might hold jewelry on a girl’s nightstand — a large treasure chest, larger than any suitcase you own, larger than any suitcase you’ve ever seen. Picture a massive oak treasure chest, like pirates might have used, with large iron hinges and a huge clasp. The size…
Verse Mapping Luke: She Believed
Welcome to the first session of Verse Mapping: Luke by Kristy Cambron. If you want to unpack the context of the Scriptures you’re reading but do it in a super-simple way— looking at the Hebrew/Greek translations, finding connections in the Word, & learning as much as you can from your time with the Holy Spirit— then…
A Prayer of Trust
As you move forward embracing all the unexpected adventures God has for you, I invite you to pray the following prayer. Pray it in faith, boldly, courageously, and with a passionate love for Jesus. Pray it with a thankful heart for all He has placed inside of you and all He wants to do through…
An Inexhaustible Well of Hope
I met Cindy when she was the producer’s assistant on one of my early records (yes, records… it was a while ago!). The minute I met her, I knew we’d be friends for life. She made me laugh like few others ever have. I loved her goofy sense of humor. As our friendship deepened over…
Dance Stand Run: Let’s Go Back
It’s okay if we’ve had some misconceptions about grace, holiness, and mission. But it’s time for us to go back to the beginning of our faith and sort them out. ✦ Suggested Reading in Dance, Stand, Run: Intro, Chapter 1 (To be read by facilitator) Intro Ladies, friends, sisters: are you ready? This week,…
Strengthened to Believe, Wait, and Love
Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you. — Hebrews 13:5 Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted. — Hebrews 2:18 God says: See Jesus, still incarnate as a human but no longer on earth, still the crucified One with nail-scarred hands and feet…
You’re Invited to the In the Middle of the Mess OBS
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! — Psalm 27:13-14 ESV I discovered in my darkest moments that sometimes the most powerful prayer of all is just a…
Everybody, Always: Love People Where You Are
We don’t need to cross the ocean to love people extravagantly, we just need to cross the street. — BoB Goff Getting Started Have you ever heard of the musical Wicked? It was a big deal when it premiered in 2003, winning all the awards there were to win and making its stars household names.…
Fear of the Future: What If Things Fall Apart?
Stuck in the Wilderness The Israelites had been slaves in Egypt, but finally, freed from bondage, led by Moses, they were headed to the Promised Land! The journey across the desert was a long one, but over that time, God proved His faithfulness to His people again and again. When they feared that the Egyptians…