what in the world are you eating ?

I’ve heard those words before … usually after I’ve been caught with a half full bag of M&M’s or with an empty hot fudge sundae container in the back floor of my Jeep.
I’ve yet to learn the consistent habit of eating healthy and when my discipline and self control both go out the window … I feel lousy.
As parents we need spiritual disciplines … and we must teach our children these same disciplines as well.
This week I met with a young man who claimed Jesus as his Savior … yet admitted he was off God’s path. In his own …

don't ask me to change

I have sat through and listened to a zillion sermons and Bible studies.
(not really, but it makes me sound extra spiritual)
Not always … but at times … I am amazed how a very familiar theme can suddenly take on a more significant meaning.
And not always … but at times … this “more significant meaning” can actually have an effect on the way I live.
Imagine that – life application of Biblical principles. What a concept.
In reality, hearing a message from scripture is actually hearing words from God.
But the problem with me … and I am convinced most others … is …

The Killer Band Leader

Anyone else curious what “the commander of the army of the LORD” looks like? Joshua met this commander who told Joshua to take down the city of Jericho by playing a trumpet. Not exactly what I would have in mind for battle plans. Really, t…he band leader? Lord your ways are not mine… but make your ways mine.

Christianity 2009.10: The Finale

Ask any combat veteran what got them through the hell we call war and most will tell you a story of camaraderie, Intestinal Fortitude and a great leader.
The veterans of WWII’s Easy Company all speak highly of the exceptional leadership of Dick Winters, the companies senior officer.
Major Dick Winters exhibited these leadership traits:
* Exceptional Courage
* Never asking his men to perform a task he would not do.
* Putting his men’s needs in front of his own.
* Strict adherence to moral attributes and values.
…

Christianity 2009.9: Parenting Spiritual Champions – Part II

In this post we will continue to look at some real world statistics on parents who have raised Spiritual Champions. By this, I mean children who are now adults and display the Legacy Character Traits and consider themselves active, saved Christians who are still working on spiritual growth as young adults or parents themselves.
Traits of Parents Who Have Raised Spiritual Champions: Part 2
7. Focus on Godly Character
Rarely in the parenting research I look at do you find something that is 100% across the board agreed on by parents, however, focusing on Godly character and character traits was the number …

Christianity 2009.8: Parenting Spiritual Champions

For the first 7 posts of this topic, I have focused on what I perceive is the current problem with Christianity and why we (Christians) are being the subject of increased attacks and skepticism especially from the younger generations.
Next, we will look at some real world statistics on parents who have raised Spiritual Champions. By this, I mean children who are now adults and consider themselves active, saved Christians who are still working on spiritual growth as young adults or parents themselves.
Traits of Parents Who Have Raised Spiritual Champions:
1. Parenting is their primary job.
Parents of spiritual champions took parenting …

Christianity 2009.7: The Real Legacy

Today we will continue to look at the foundations of followers of “The Way” and how being true to these foundations will bring forth a more spiritual journey and relationship with Christ. For parenting, these are the foundations I want to instill in my children through my own personal modeling as well as core development while they are growing up.
4. Intentional Spiritual Growth. Following the way means that we derive our direction in life from our relationship with God. My life changed significantly when I finally submitted to God and begin to ask God to direct …

Christianity 2009.6: Breaking The Mold

In this post we will look at a new type of Christian that is popping up in many local churches and we will also begin to unpack the traits of these new type of Christians. Actually these Christians are not knew at all because I personally believe they emulate more the early “Followers of the Way.”
First, I must address that many of these young Followers are currently frustrated with the current state of Christianity just like the outsiders but instead of leaving the church, they are trying to help the church evolve and in many instances, starting their own …

Christianity 2009.5: The Early Christian Movement

In order to get a grasp on where the Christian faith is currently and where we need to move to next, I think we must first examine our roots. I wanted to know if todays Christian movement matched that of the early followers.
Note that in the beginning, followers were not called Christians but “Followers of the Way.” I will also use this term to describe the modern Christian believers who break the traditional mold and exhibit some of the traits of the early Christians. I believe the example being set by many of these “Followers” is the …

Christianity 2009.4: Why Perceptions Matter

There are 4 reasons why perceptions matter.
1. What people think about us, influences how they respond to us.
Peoples attitudes and perceptions drive their actions. If their attitudes about Christianity are already negative, we are already at a disadvantage.
2. What people think about us, should help us be more objective.
We need to be more objective and transparent. When we go to church and hang out with Christians, we are seeing the faith through rose colored glasses. Outsiders are trying to tell us that we are not being honest with ourselves.
We are what we are, not what we tell …