Over the past few months I’ve pondered 1 John 4:18 over and over. Here are two translations-  

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (ESV).

“Love never brings...

Waiting, though hard, creates sacred space where great things happen. Waiting can be a time when God does something to you so He can then do something through you. 

Yes it’s a period when- many times- we wonder if God even sees us. Many times, even, we want to blame Him for...

Over the past few months it hit me: rest is part of the rhythm of life. In the same way that good music depends on the times when the instruments are NOT being played (think about it- if there are no “rests” the you simply have noise), so also does life depend on the times when...

The Bible tells us, “God is _________.”

Yeah, you can complete that sentence. Everyone can. 

“God is love” (1 John 4:8).

We’re so familiar with the phrase that we forget love is both a commitment of unconditional covenant and it is an emotion. God, committed to...

Earlier this year, we ventured to Cancun. One morning, I put on my running shoes, bounded out the door of the resort, and plugged myself into an audiobook. During that Cancun trip I enjoyed a long, easy 10-mile run around the neighborhood where our resort was located. I

I listened to Peter...

The Bible communicates something astounding about Jesus: the One in whom was “life” was deeply acquainted with sorrow and grief (Isaiah 53:3). I’ve had my share of pain; you have, too. Somehow, when we connect with others who’ve been where we are, something resonates and...

In this episode I want to introduce you to a family friend, Shelley Black. We met Shelley two years ago when Cristy attended Bethel Church’s Worship U one summer. Bethel created geographically-based small groups during the two week event, placing people who lived in the same regions of the...

Twice a year, I head to a different city with my friends Les & Verick to co-host, co-lead, co-teach Advance, a workshop designed to help men move forward in life. The event began almost on accident a few years ago, and has grown ten-fold in just a few years. 

In this episode of the...

In the previous episode of the podcast we talked about the finality of what Jesus has accomplished- that He has resolved every sin issue we have. 

“It's done,” Jesus said from the Cross.

Or- if you remember the nuance He added to the famous sacrificial word, Tetelestai.

...

If you consider Jesus your high priest, you disqualify the Law. If, on the other hand, you qualify the Law, then you disqualify Jesus. 

Sounds strange, I know. So let me back it up, and let’s see if we can find freedom from the rules + chains that often shackle us to religion rather...