Posted on Monday, January 26, 2015

Never Use This Excuse

Most of us want to do things that leave our corner of the world better. We hope that because we lived others can point to things that are better because of our time on earth. No one says, “I just want to be lame my whole life.”

We plan to do good, we plan to change the world…we just forget on the way to work or the way to soccer practice. That altruism gets lost in the busyness and routines of life. All that running around makes us tired and starved for time and cash. So when we actually have an opportunity to make a difference we don’t have the capacity emotionally, physically, or financially to help.

Posted on Thursday, January 22, 2015

Evangelizing the IRS

It is that time of year when churches send out annual giving statements for you to use in your tax filings.

This is also a great time for self-evaluation in a very important area of spiritual growth (Matt. 6:24). It’s not often that we get such a tangible way to measure our priorities.

Posted on Monday, January 19, 2015

Withholding Likes – New Rules of Facebook #5

Facebook by its design is more of a highlight reel than a documentary. Most people only post the best and it’s easy to think that someone else’s life is perfect.

Worse, it’s even easier to feel like a loser and like you’ll never catch up. Facebook makes it seem like everyone else is living a Disney story except you. The reality is everyone has a cross to bear. If you aren’t careful these feelings can quickly turn to envy. Here is a great test to see if you suffer with envy on Facebook: Have you ever withheld a “like” from a post?

Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2015

Trolling for Compliments – New Rules of Facebook #4

Today’s post comes from Pastor Ernie Schenk who is the Care Pastor at Northstar Church. He will be sharing the next rule in our 5 part series called, “The New Rules of Facebook.”

When do we go overboard with posting pictures or comments about ourselves and become braggarts? How much sharing about myself, my family, and my interests is too much? When do people looking at my timeline start saying, “Wow, this guy really loves himself.” Or, “This guy is his own #1 fan!” I’m not sure there is a hard line to cross, but we all know when someone has crossed it.

Maybe you’re saying, “What’s the big deal about bragging?” I mean, it’s not bragging if it’s true, right? If I really am that good, then I’m just telling the truth. Maybe so but you’re alienating friends in the process. You also can appear insecure like you are trolling for compliments.

Posted on Monday, January 12, 2015

Suffer With Dignity – New Rules of Facebook #3

One thing I’ve noticed on FB is how often people complain. (And I would like to take a minute and complain about that.) People who complain on FB complain in life too. Your FB status can be a reflection of the status of your heart.

It’s easy to slip into a mode of complaining. It’s not hard to just concentrate on the negative like: How you do all the work and get none of the credit, how it is so stinking cold, gas prices, or poor customer service. I’ve even been wanting to complain about something on FB that has been driving me crazy…pot holes…I’ve even thought of a clever status update like: Colorado has gone to pot and New York has gone to pot holes. (You know that’s good!)

Posted on Thursday, January 8, 2015

Stop Taking a Stand on Facebook – New Rules of Facebook #2

Somewhere along the way a belief has emerged that social media is an effective means of persuasion, especially with hot button issues. At the very least if the platform doesn’t change a mind the user has “taken a stand” in the public square.

More often than not we need to keep the point to ourself to truly make a difference. I recognize that it is so much easier to make a point, shoot–it can even be more fun to use one liners and to share memes. But telling someone they’re wrong is not the same as leading them or inspiring them to do what’s right. (To quote Andy Stanley)

Posted on Monday, December 29, 2014

My Top Book Reads of 2014

Being a pastor, I have to do a significant amount of reading every year. A pastor needs to stay on top of current events, trends, and popular culture. Then there is the scholarly research needed to understand and teach on the historical, literary, theological, and contextual analysis of particular Biblical passages. It is essential for pastors who are responsible for vision, leading, and teaching to also read things that will help them bring the most glory to God within those tasks.

After reading hundreds of books it is clear that there truly isn’t much new under the sun…but that’s okay. It’s important to be reminded of certain truths regularly.

Posted on Thursday, December 25, 2014

Merry Christmas!!!

My family and I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas!!! We love you dearly!

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

-Luke 2:11 (NIV)

Posted on Monday, December 22, 2014

Text Experiment

One simple text can gauge how well you are doing using your words to encourage others. Go ahead grab your phone and I want you to think of 3 people that are your close friends. Got the names in your mind? Okay I want you to send them a txt. Not just any text but a specific one…word for word I want you to copy this and send it to them. Don’t delete any of it…especially the last sentence.