My son Gavin is 4 months old today. His latest development is that he is now able to recognize Michelle and I. When he does, he gets a giant smile across his face, his nose scrunches, and he lets out his current version of a laugh. It is just about the greatest thing in the world. There is so much power in it. When he does it, I know that he is acknowledging that he trusts me, that he’s comfortable…

In light of my post last week where I interviewed the author of The Shack, I’ve again heard the ongoing battle of how we approach sharing our faith. Recently, I’ve heard different people talk about the damage that can be done by the book. So I want to take the opportunity to voice my concerns with evangelism on the opposite end of the spectrum. There was an interview that World magazine did with author and speaker Mike Bechtle. In it,…

I was asked to write a blog on prayer for Central’s brand new prayer website. I called it “Coke Prayer vs. Seed Prayer.” Click here to read it.

I just read Shawn Wood’s first book, 200 Pomegranates and an Audience of One, and found it to be an encouraging read. Shawn is one of the teaching pastors at Seacoast Church. I’ll admit, I think that the book starts slow and I even thought his main premise was a bit of a stretch. But, as I got into it more, I think he explains his point well and leaves you thinking of your life in a new way. This…

I’m reading the book, A Tale of Three Kings, in preparation for speaking at Central’s high school winter retreat in January. It’s a story about Saul, David, and Absalom. He talks about the prep time that David had after being annointed the next king but before actually becoming king. The frustration and testing that David experienced is something all of us can relate to at times. “He [Saul] breathes in the lungs and beats in the breast of all of…