“Invigorating!” “I learned so much today!” “I was proud of my church today for bringing such a great thing to Lafayette.” “I feel like I grew today!” “Thanks for hosting this; I’m getting so much out of it!” These were just some of the comments I heard today after Day One at The Global Leadership Summit–the satellite conference we’re hosting … Read More
Prophet, Priest, or King?
This month, I’ll be adding a number of posts on leadership, in keeping with the theme “Under the Influence” that I’m speaking on at Lafayette First Assembly this month. I don’t know who started talking this way first, but one helpful way to think about leading in the church is by looking through the lens of the tri-fold office of … Read More
The Real Thing–Sunday Series April 2012
Over the next two Sundays, we’ll be reflecting on the success of Coca-Cola to spread it’s product around the world to put its name in front of every pair of eyes, every day, everywhere and the command Jesus Christ has given the church to spread the Gospel to the whole world. How can it be that this delicious, brown, carbonated … Read More
Seven Cities: Lent Message Series
Lent is a word for Spring, but it’s come to refer to a roughly six-week season in the Christian calendar where many Christians take a fast or go on a special plan of reading and praying to prepare for Easter. It starts with Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter roughly 40 days later. We’re not observing Lent at First Assembly, … Read More
Madonna, The Super Bowl, and Christian Spirituality
I was watching with over 100 million other people. Friends of mine were tuning in all over the world. The biggest media event of the year–The Super Bowl 2012.At the heart of it was the Material Girl who came on to the stage at half-time with the most glittering, light-filled, amazing spectacle that money can buy. As she was carried … Read More
My First Glimpses of Kolkata
I just returned from a six day trip to India to the city of Calcutta, now called Kolkata. What follows here are some initial impressions. While there, I spent time with Calcutta Mercy Ministries. You can learn more about them by looking at this link. I look forward to blogging a bit more in the coming days about the things … Read More
6 Days into the Wilderness
At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him. –Mark 1:13-14 I’ve been fasting and praying now for six days. I’ve kind of moved past all the physical pain and temptation that accompanied the beginning of the fast–hunger pains, … Read More
Awakening Fast
Do you want to see your spiritual life explode with a new intensity and vibrancy? I know I do. This coming January 15-February 5, 2012, we will be calling Lafayette First Assembly of God to a 21-day fast. This three season will be be a great way to start the New Year right and experience a powerful journey for resetting your … Read More
Immanuel
Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, 11 “Ask the LORD your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the LORD to the test.” 13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you … Read More
100 Syllables on Gabriel’s Visit to Mary
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at … Read More