My New Stage Name

My friend, Nick Poole, recently did a fun competition on his blog regarding my new CD. He challenged his readers to come up with a stage name for…yours truly. He and I selected the most creative name and will send a free CD to the winner when I receive them (later this week!). It’s up to you if I should use this name or not. Let me know your thoughts. I think it’s pretty awesome.

Check out the results here.

Is Your Faith Your Own?

It is incredibly important to live a life of communing with God. Not just reading books. Not just listening to sermons. Not just talking theology with friends. Not just subscribing to the hottest podcast, blog, or attending great conferences.

I’m talking personal dialogue with the Holy Spirit.

While all those things are valuable in their place, nothing can replace personal communion with God. You must have a personal walk with God as a your life foundation.

If you do not have a personal, daily time with God where you talk with Him, you may be living off someone else’s revelation and journey. You can deceive yourself into thinking you personally know God, when actually you may rarely speak with Him. How can you know someone if you don’t hang out together?

Is your faith your own, or are you living off someone else’s?

Stand in the Presence of God

I’ve been working my way through Bob Sorge’s new book, “Power of the Blood” and loved his somewhat fictional conversation with the archangel, Gabriel:

Gabriel the archangel, when he appeared to Zacharias, described his occupation in this manner: “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God” (Luke 1:19).

“So what do you do, Gabriel?”

“I stand in the presence of God.”

“Yes, I understand that, but I’m wondering what you do.”

“I stand in the presence of God.”

“Yes, I get that, but I mean, you’re an angel; so what exactly does an angel do?”

“I’m not sure you’re hearing me,” I can imagine an exasperated Gabriel retorting. “That’s what I do. I stand in the presence of God, gape with wonder at His glory, and burn with fiery desire before the throne. If He sends me somewhere, I go; if He doesn’t send me, I just stand there.”

“Stronger” – Hillsong

Can’t wait to introduce this song. I love it because I love Jesus Christ and all He has won for us. Allow this to stir your affections for Christ.

What is an effective small group?

My friend Andy Lehmann and I had a conversation the other day about small groups. What makes for a great small group? Why does it seem to work at times and other times it is dead and lifeless?

I think most of us come to church to receive something. We want to grow closer to God. We have intentions of being more consistent in our devotions and standing for Christ during the week.

We approach small groups this same way.

The problem is, if we all come to take, there will be nothing there. We will be frustrated because we are not getting anything.

In order to take money out of the bank, you must deposit something first. In order for small group members to receive ministry and blessing, the members must deposit something into the group - prayer for someone in need… a word of encouragement… bringing a friend.

When each member adopts this ministry mindset, great relationships are formed and needs are met.

What are you contributing?

Is My Dream Worth Pursuing?

We had another packed house last night at Young Adult Group Nite, here at APC. It’s awesome to go deeper with God and connect with great friends. I’m excited for the future and destiny of each person in this group. God is moving!

Last night, we talked about dreams. When it comes to dreaming, one could dream about life and actually never do anything. We cannot simply be dreamers, but we cannot truly live without dreaming. It’s an essential first step. Here’s the three questions I asked concerning ‘Pursuing a dream that matters.’

• How am I thinking? – Faith-filled dreams are fuel for the future.
• What do I love? – “Delight yourself in the Lord…” (Psalm 37).
• How will this serve others? – Great dreams worth pursuing are born out of a burden (McManus).

Album Release Date

I’ve received word. The CDs will be finished on October 1st. I expect to have them here either the 2nd or the 3rd. Can’t wait.

New Bebo Norman album

I’ve been listening to Bebo Norman’s new self titled album recently. I love Bebo’s music, not so much for a breakthrough sound, but for the spirit of it. He has a poetic way of identifying with our weakness as humans in the light of God’s tender care. Great songs. Great production. Check out some of his music here.

Wide Awake Trailer

Each Tuesday night, for the next nine weeks, the Young Adults of APC will be diving into a different chapter from the book, Wide Awake. On a few select nights, we will also watch some short films that go along with the study. I have enjoyed reading this book and teaching the material. It has caused me to evaluate my life and begin to take steps towards living a life that truly makes a difference.

Enjoy this short trailer from Erwin McManus.

Exciting Reads

Bob Sorge – Power of the Blood: Approaching God with Confidence

I love the writing of Bob Sorge. He is deeply biblical and has lived through intense suffering by the grace of God. He writes and teaches just as he lives. So far, this book is amazing. We need to be reminded of the greatest realities in the universe, the greatest being the blood of Christ. I’ll post some highlights after I finish the book.

John Piper – Spectacular Sins: And Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ

Any new Piper book is exciting to me. I’ll post some thoughts when I finish.

Sam Storms – To the One Who Conquers: 50 Daily Meditations on the Seven Letters of Revelation 2-3. Sam writes a lot about the joy of following Jesus. Check out his website here. Looking forward to understanding the book of Revelation in a deeper way.