When you teach on a familiar text, you're capitalizing on common knowledge. When you teach on an unfamiliar text, you're having to build a bridge of understanding, and we need to do that as well.

Your challenge is not your challenge. Your challenge is the way you think about your challenge. Your problem is not your problem; it is the way you look at it.

I think I could do better in my approach to application. I think I could do better in preaching practical sermons.

Blessed are those who know what on earth they are here on earth to do and set themselves about the business of doing it.

God answers the mess of life with one word: Grace.

I do believe that leaders have to be held to a higher standard, especially Christian leaders. I put myself in that camp.

Confession is the act of inviting God to walk the acreage of our hearts. “There is a rock of greed over here, Father. I can’t budge it. And that tree of guilt near the fence? Its roots are long and deep. And may I show you some dry soil, too crusty for seed?” God’s seed grows better if the soil of the heart is cleared.