daddy4ms

Introduction: Today we are starting a new series on the book of Acts.   So, as we begin, I have one question for you to think and discuss with the person beside you.   This question and how you answer it will inform how you read the book of Acts.   Do you see Acts as a book about the past or present? Is it possible that what God did in the book of Acts He wants to be happening in the church today?   It might look different, but what does a church look like that loves God and loves others empowered by the Holy Spirit today? I also want to draw your attention to the title of the book.   In my Bible (ESV), it says “The Acts of the Apostles”.   I want to share a quote from the book that I lead an adult class on several years ago, Jesus, Continued by J.D. Greear.   Greear writes, “New Testament scholars have pointed out that when later Christians gave a name to the book of Acts, they probably chose the wrong title. Rather than “The Acts of the Apostles,”...

Last week, I had the privilege of being in Houston and getting to spend time with the staff at Wood's Edge Church in Houston, Texas.  First of all, let me say that the staff was so hospitable and went above and beyond what I had in mind.  I spent about an hour talking logistics and history with their Prayer and Care Pastor, Carol.  It was so fun to hear their journey over the years of becoming a church that not just talks about prayer, but actually makes prayer a priority.  She shared lots of great resources and details about how they transitioned as a church and some of the obstacles along the way. In addition, to a great visit with Carol, I was treated to an amazing supper with Carol as well as three of their elders and their wives.  Not only was the food amazing, but also was able to hear the heart of these leaders and how prayer had changed them and their church.   After the meal, I was able to attend their Wednesday Evening Prayer Meeting.  I...

I’ve enjoyed the last two days of rest and relaxing at my happy place, the beach. Here’s a few pictures from some quiet and peaceful times in Galveston. There’s just something about the sound of the waves, the feeling of sand in my toes and the fun of playing in the ocean that just refreshes me and makes me smile.  Thanks to a friend who encouraged me to always try and see the sunrise when you are at the beach!

Spending today in prayer and worship here today. This is similar to the International House of Prayer in Kansas City. 

Today will be my first official learning opportunity on sabbatical. I will be doing an online prayer conference put on by Threshold Prayer  Ministries. I’m looking forward to learning more about leading prayer ministry in the church. 

Today is the start of my 3 month sabbatical from Hesston MB Church.  I again want to say thanks to the church for offering this time to its pastors.  You can follow along on my journey here.  As I preached last week, I'm looking forward to this time of rest and restoration.   This week is going to be a quiet one, but I will update a few times. Have a great week!

Introduction: Sabbatical as defined by The American Heritage Dictionary-“A leave of absence usually granted every 7 th year for travel, research and rest.” Today is my last Sunday at HMBC for the next 3 months as I begin my sabbatical next Sunday.   I want to begin by saying “thank you” to Hesston MB for understanding the importance of sabbatical for its pastors.   This policy has been in effect for many years and not all churches offer this to their pastoral staff so I want to start by saying thanks to you. I greatly appreciate the opportunity.   What will I be doing?   My focus for this sabbatical is going to be prayer so I will be going to a few 24 hour of prayer locations in Dallas and in Kansas City. I will be taking an online class on leading prayer ministry in the church in addition to visiting with some other church leaders about prayer ministry in their churches.   This will also include a time of rest for me which will include some time at a beach (...