The Founder's Blog
Only Our Best
We have been forgiven much. The expectation of the Lord is for us to be overflowing with a grateful spirit. We are bought with a price. Therefore, our time and our skills are His, but He wants us to serve willingly.
A Generous Response
It is recorded in all four gospels that Simon, healed by Jesus of leprosy, hosted a dinner in Jesus’ honor – a one-time act of service. But it is the thankful woman that invests the best she has to offer—she anoints the head and feet of Jesus.
On Track or Side-Tracked?
We have a direct assignment from the Lord to disciple the nations.
The Cost of No Decision
We know in business and in other areas of life, the greater the risk, the greater the reward. It is a big risk to avoid risk. We are to lay up our time, talent and treasure for our eternity with Him.
Starship Earth
The consequences of choice have already been determined by the sovereign God, and from this there is no appeal.
God of Comfort and Convenience
We honor God by having the courage to come boldly to the throne of grace.
Want an Ordinary Life? Pay No Attention to Jesus
Faith matures when we are walking and working with the Lord.
It Isn’t Fair
The vineyard parable dispels the idea of works-based salvation. Yet our reward is Him.
Jesus’ Expectation: Watch and Pray
We must pay attention to what we have heard, or else we may drift.
Life’s Events are Not in our Control
We hang on to our career because we cannot imagine the Lord directing our paths to move into full-time service for Him. But even Jesus did not organize the unfolding of some very key events.
The Lord is There
Effectiveness in ministry or marketplace is related to connectedness to the Lord and 1) Bible, 2) Bible, and 3) Bible.
Come. Walk. Leave. Go Singing.
The suggestion is to leave whatever we are doing and come. (Psalm 95:1)
A Theology of Assignment
Jesus gave an assignment to the His disciples, to the audience, and to us “look around you …”
Wisdom: God’s World, God’s Way
Skillful living: Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
How Good are You at Following Directions?
But could it be that Mark ended his book without a finish because he wanted your story to complete the gospel?
The Kingdom of God is …
Will you be a part of the growth of the kingdom by serving His global cause? Explore your options!
Called from Success to the Desert
Philip was a leader among leaders having had an accomplished career when his assignment was interrupted.
Parables Intended to Engage and Explain Big Potential
A small beginning can have a monumental impact.
Who is the Lord that We Should Obey Him?
Today, our lives are a response to Pharaoh’s timeless question, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey Him?”
Lord Give us Purpose, Power, Passion
Adopting the Lord’s agenda for our live is not easy nor is it intuitive, but it is thrilling.
The Best Defense is a Good Offense
Press toward a God-sized goal for your life by rejoicing in the Lord. It is a safeguard for you.
Step Out of Your Shoes!
It is not “God has a wonderful plan for your life.” It is “God has a wonderful plan,” and you are part of it. God can use you when you allow Him to step into your shoes.
The Bible as a Puzzle
The challenge is to take the whole counsel of God and fit it together as a giant puzzle.
User-Friendly Prayer App
We can use our lives to push the boundaries of the kingdom with quick or focused prayers to make a difference in the corridors of eternity.
But I am With You
Moses objected when challenged by God, “Who am I that I should go …” The Lord’s response? “Certainly I will be with you.” That was to be enough for Moses, and intended to be enough for you and me.
Draw Near to God and He Will Draw Near to You
Moses: Here I am.
Joshua: What do you have for me?
Mary: I’m your servant.
The Thrill of Being Sent
We celebrate that Jesus knew what His assignment was and carried it out.
A Wing and a Prayer
To disciple a nation, it may require a flight to another nation and much prayer.
Magnificence Awaits
Let us be proactive in spreading the word as His witnesses to share His magnificence.
The God of the Few
It is often the few and the bold entrepreneurs in ministry that make a difference among the nations
Lord of Loose Ends
Prayerfully engage with God to do something big. See if He is good for His promise to multiply your efforts 30, 60, 100X, or even 5000.
You Will Find Me on the Journey
Sometimes God answers prayer directly, but you are more likely to encounter God on the journey
Our Hope is in Him
The more we long for Jesus — to know him intimately and love him fully—the more we are deeply satisfied. And the more we want others to find that same joy.
Turn the Page
After the darkness, despair is turned to delight after we turn the page to the resurrection of Matthew 28. There is a dazzling display of power ending never.
Pandemic Perspective—The Mind of Christ
How can we have the mind of Christ in these turbulent times?
Desperate for Jesus
Seeking the Lord in great earnest is the best way to get a clear assignment from Him and see Him work in us and through us.
It Pays to Pay Attention
The hints for effective living are already within us. God’s will for us, his direction for us, generally has more to do with what gives us new life in Him, what energizes us and what gives us delight. It pays to pay attention!
Be Still. Now is Our Chance
If your situation is like many of ours, your routine has been interrupted. Your busy schedule has been cleared. Now what?
Costly Speech
See what it is like to work with righteous, godly people in the world of missions.
God’s Thunderclap
Calling all people to repent and realign their lives with the infinite worth of the glory of God.
Who is Your Neighbor?
Jesus identifies the neighbor we are to love as ourselves as someone who is the most ethnically, culturally, linguistically distant from us.
Be Interrupted
Still today Jesus urges us to go. His instructions: Go. Be interrupted. Make disciples of the nations.
Public Service Announcement
PSA normally stands for Public Service Announcement. It is an acronym to remember as we walk the earth each day: Pray, Scan, Ask.
Apples and Oranges and Fruitfulness
Just as there are a million types of fruit, there are a million and more ways to be fruitful. See how many ways are compelling you!
The End of the Earth Has An Address
Missions is not about “What can I spare?” The question must be “What is it going to take?”
Getting an Assignment
The decision to accept an assignment to disciple the nations is a transaction between you as a Christ-follower and the Holy Spirit.
Open Gates of Opportunity
Those “gates of hell” that once confined Peter did not prevail against the mission for which Peter was called.
Indistractable?
The question for the new year is not, “Where am I in life?” but “Where am I in Christ?”
A Living Sacrifice for the Greatest Joy
There will be great joy at the end of your days, when you see what treasures you have laid up in Heaven. May your joy be like the people under Nehemiah.
Near Death as a Dear Life Experience
Only when we are prepared to die, are we really prepared to live.
Between Eden and Eternity
When you find yourself doubting that you can impact eternity remind yourself that God is competent to fulfill the dream he has planted in you.
Let It Be According to Your Word
When the Lord calls us to serve in His global enterprise, are we willing to say as Mary did, “Let it be to me according to your word?”
Obadiah – A Major Message
For Esau it was the lure of short-term gain of the flesh, the here-and-now, and immediate comfort over the long-term joy God has promised as was the perspective of Jacob.
Humble Beginnings; Humble Life
It is no coincidence that Jesus calls us to an attitude of humility. Jesus is our Example in Chief. He told us to give of our resources and ourselves cheerfully and generously.
Your Faith & The Impact of Intimacy
Like most of scripture, the David and Goliath story is about God; it’s about His name, His glory, His honor, His power.
A Missional Lesson From Leviticus?
The first three verses of Leviticus are worthy of our riveting attention; they give insight as to how relationship with the Lord works.
Blessed Are Those Who Bring Good News
Those that go to battle and those that serve behind the front lines share in the same reward.
Prescription For Joy
Many have pursued their mission and vision and have seen the Lord multiply their efforts 30, 60 and 100-fold. It leads to great joy!
Lord, Increase My Faith
The more God responds to our requests to be used by Him, the more likely it is that our faith will be increased so our next request will be even bigger.
No Time to Waste
We have been created for a global purpose—called to participate on the front lines of this mission.
On the Other Side of Yes
We grow the most when we say “Yes” to the Lord for an assignment that stretches us.
Grace Journey
The final scene in Philippians is like the end of a movie. At the end of chapter 4 the screen goes dark and names roll up. Normally it is time to tune out. But wait! This is important!
You are a Special Treasure
“Treasure these words of mine in your heart and in your soul.” (Duet 11:18) What are these words the Lord wants you to treasure in your innermost being?
The Future of Missions
What does the future hold? “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Hab 2:14
Who is the Lord that We Should Obey Him?
As Pharaoh experienced more with the Lord, more was required of him. Today, our lives are a response to Pharaoh’s question, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey Him?”
Serve Him with All Our Being
God doesn’t need our help. He can do anything. But since He created us and planned for us to serve, let’s serve Him generously with all our being
Through the Eye of a Needle
For a camel to go through a small opening in the Jerusalem wall – the eye of the needle, the camel has to be stripped of anything weighing him down and get on his knees. This is a great picture of what we must do…
The Jesus Cup
It does not matter what the circumstances are, we must be satisfied with Jesus. Allow your cup to run over.
Overcoming Ourselves – Attention to Accountability
Likewise, God is waiting for us to respond, not with grumbling, but by faith, believing that He can make the most of our lives for His name’s sake.
The Other Three Billion
We now have the means to reach people we have never been able to reach previously. Now is the time to be intentional about offering your time, talent and treasure to Him.
Responding to Perfect Leadership
Following the Lord’s leadership is not a little better – it is much better! Following our own direction can have dire consequences.
Passionate About What You Are Doing?
Experience the thrill of realizing that it is possible to make a significant impact for God, regardless of your past.
Elijah and Our Story
According to James, Elijah was a man with a nature like ours. He prayed earnestly and God responded.
Why is There Suffering in the World?
When difficult things come into our lives, it is not because they have snuck by God. He was not distracted or sleeping and thus, missed something.
Get Out of Hell Free?
Is it possible that the Lord provides a second chance after death to gain Heaven? Not so. It is our assignment from on high to be engaged in making disciples of the nations. We must each consider what our grade will be for that assignment.
What Does the Lord Require?
Will God be sufficiently pleased with religious activity, such as going to church, serving others when it is convenient, or giving now and again, or even tithing?
Step Out of Your Shoes!
It is not “God has a wonderful plan for your life.” It is “God has a wonderful plan,” and you are part of it. God can use you when you allow Him to step into your shoes.
Going Fishing
Each of us is unique as each leaf on a tree is unique. You are made special for this time and this place. The Lord trusted you enough to put you on the earth at this time.
The God of Small Beginnings
“But,” you may say, “the problems of the world, at home and abroad, are too great. What can one person do?” Every effective Bible character started with small steps. Start small but think big.
Assisted to Assist
The account of Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law is recorded in Matthew, Mark and Luke. Why is it so important that this single solitary healing early in His ministry receive so much press?
What’s the Big Deal?
If we humble ourselves and give ourselves over to the Lord to do whatever He asks, the Lord can do amazing things. We have a big God.
Life’s Events are Not in our Control
We hang on to our career because we cannot imagine the Lord directing our paths to move into full-time service for Him. But even Jesus did not organize the unfolding of some very key events.
The Miracle of New Life and a Surrendered Life
Spiritual life is a miracle of God as He births new life into those that receive Him. It is not too much of a stretch for us to see the miracle of our awareness that we are not our own, but the Lord’s.
Fruitfulness His Highest Value
The Lord’s highest value for us is righteousness and fruitfulness. We have to ask ourselves where we are on the spectrum of Kingdom fruitfulness. What are others saying about you? More importantly, what will Jesus say about you?
But I am With You
Moses was challenged by God to take on a new assignment by a big God. Moses objected, “Who am I that I should go …” The Lord’s response was simple, “Certainly I will be with you.” That was supposed to be enough for Moses, and it is intended to be enough for you and me.
Sticky Stories
The rich young leader was challenged to abandon that which was dear—his control, his riches. Jesus judged his status as incomplete …
Surprised by Jesus
However, the paradox is that you and I do not work for God to be accepted by Him. That is religion. Rather, we are accepted by God, therefore …
A Difficult Spot
Jeremiah 47:10 has never made it into a memory verse packet. It reads, “Accursed is the man that is slack in doing the Lord’s work.” Another translation is “Cursed is the man that is lax in doing the Lord’s work.” We don’t want to be there …
Opening Doors – The Secret of Matt 7:7-8
Many people seem to freeze at the notion of serving in ministry because there is no sense the Lord is calling them—because doors do not seem open.
Whose Plans?
Notice in Jeremiah 29:11, it is not our plans, but His plans for us that He promises to prosper. Jesus helps us out and tells us what those plans are …
