“Our preferences for stability and security blind us to the opportunities for adventure when they present themselves.”

A thought by Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch (2011-04-15) in their book, The Faith of Leap (Shapevine) (p. 31). Baker Books. Kindle Edition.

Tony Campolo in his sermon, Revolutionary Love, tells of a study that was taken of people over 95 and they asked them the question, “If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?” The 3 most distinct answers were: reflect more, risk more, and do more things that would live on after their death. Save more for retirement didn’t make the top 3.

We spend most of our time worrying about things that really won’t matter when we come down to the end of our lives. But the problem is those worries keep us from seeing those things that really make a difference in our lives.

I am a retired church planter. What that means is I started churches that had no people. I have lived a life of no security but an awesome life of adventure and challenge.

I remember when we were moving as a family to Las Vegas, Nevada to plant a church that I had a friend say, “There is no way I would raise my daughter in that town.” But Brett and Stef grew up as teenagers there and they grew stronger in their faith and character because they lived there. Yes it was a risk as parents but GOD honored our faithfulness and protected our family in that very sinful town. Our living in Vegas as a family was some of the most rewarding days for our family.

Margaret and I even in my retirement took the risk of moving to one of the most expensive places to live, Long Island, just east of New York City. We have loved the adventure and the excitement of living 30 miles from the most exciting city in the world.

Now the amazing thing is GOD is taking care of us better than we could ever have imagined or expected. I also know HE has a new adventure in store for us. HE is not done!!!

What about you?

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“Hurry and love are incompatible.”

A thought by John Mark Comer from his book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry (p. 23). The Crown Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) Wow, pretty strong thought isn’t it? John says, “All my worst moments as a father, a husband, and a pastor, even as a human being, are when I’m in a hurry—late for an appointment, behind on my unrealistic to-do list, trying to cram too much into my day. I ooze anger, tension, a critical nagging—the antitheses of love. If you don’t believe me, next time you’re trying to get your type B wife and three young, easily distracted children out of the house and you’re running late (a subject on which I have a wealth of experience), just pay attention to how you relate to them. Does it look and feel like love? Or is it far more in the vein of agitation, anger, a biting comment, a rough glare? Hurry and love are oil and water: they simply do not mix.” He goes on, “Hence, in the apostle P...

"Lie 2: The more you worry about it, the better your odds of avoiding it."

A thought by Louie Giglio in his book, Winning the War on Worry (p. 5). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.) Here is another lie that the Enemy uses with us. And Louie says, "This is a tricky lie. Yes, we often have cause for concern and preparation. But the Enemy wants you to believe that if you worry or fret over a certain outcome long enough, you can keep something bad from happening." But this is so important to realize. He says, "The reality is worrying has never once prevented something negative from happening. Planning might. Prayer has. But worry never will." He continues, "The Enemy tells you that by worrying about a situation (or every situation) you can make your tomorrow better. Really, worry just robs you of today. Jesus implored us: 'I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body mor...

“The gospel is good news, not good advice.”

A thought by Timothy Keller (2016-10-25) from his book, Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ (p. 21). Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.) I’m glad you stopped to catch a glimpse of what this thought really means. Tim says, “Advice is counsel about what you must do. News is a report about what has already been done. Advice urges you to make something happen. News urges you to recognize something that has already happened and to respond to it. Advice says it is all up to you to act. News says someone else has acted.” He then gives an illustration, “Let’s say there is an invading army coming toward a town. What that town needs is military advisers; it needs advice. Someone should explain that the earthworks and trenches should go over there, the marksmen go up there, and the tanks must go down there.” That’s advice He goes on, “However, if a great king has intercepted and ...

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