Just yesterday I began a 21-day season of fasting, prayer and devotion, along with the amazing congregation I lead in Lafayette, Indiana. The first few days of a fast are not entirely fun. I feel kind of groggy from a lack of caffeine. I have a headache. I’m not really physically up for much activity, and I want to sleep. … Read More
The Blessed Life–January 2012 Series
This month at Lafayette First Assembly of God we will be examining “The Blessed Life” inspired by the book and series of teachings by influential pastor Dr. Robert Morris. I may never do it again, but because I have the sense that we need to hear this anointed teaching from Pastor Morris himself, we’ll be watching videos of his masterful … Read More
January Happenings at our Church
January is more than a marking of our planet’s voyage around the sun or a change of the calendar! At Lafayette First Assembly, we like to take the opportunity to invigorate our spiritual lives and ask God to bring change to our circumstances and our hearts. So, here are some things happening at our church in the coming month that … 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
A Glorious Light
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. 4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their … Read More
Bonhoeffer on Advent
Advent, it becomes a time of self-examination. “Put the desires of your heart in order, O human beings!” as the old song sings…. God wants us to always be with us, wherever we may be — in our sin, in our suffering and death. We are no longer alone; God is with us. We are no longer homeless; a bit of … Read More
A Man and His Father
The following is the text of a talk I delivered at The Huddle, a lunchtime Life Group for men I founded with my friend Nate Barrett in September 2011. I gave this talk to 57 men who had gathered for lunch, encouragement and prayer on Wednesday, December 14, 2011.______________________________ The Bible uses the word “Father” 1103 times! That’s partly because … Read More
Magnificat in 100 Syllables
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.51 He has performed mighty deeds with … Read More