It seems there are two things that keep people from making Jesus the Lord of their life.

The first is false ideas. There are a million counterfeit ideas dressed up as truth, parading through social media, songs, books, popular culture, and from our own bruised and battered hearts.

Recently, I heard a podcast by Ravi Zacharias on how to build a moral society. It was like the refreshing moment when the sweaty, dusty pollen of a long spring hike is washed away by a deep dive into the cool waters of a beautiful river swimming hole.

Here are some quotes about the Information Age we are either thriving in or barely surviving in:

BUCKMINSTER FULLER:

“Until the 1900’s, humanity’s cumulative knowledge doubled every century. In the 1940’s humanity’s cumulative knowledge doubled every 25 years. Currently, humanity’s cumulative knowledge doubles every 13 months. And by 2020 humanity’s cumulative knowledge will double every 12 hours.” 

This is a question I was asked recently, and it is a question I love to answer. I am not sure those asking it love my answer, but I do love the question. 

Good Friday Service Was Like a Rich Buffet.

Seven pastors gave three-minute teachings on the seven sayings of Jesus on the cross. I am very proud of the pastoral team Jesus has brought together at Living Streams. They all shone brightly and gave us some good food for our souls.

In the 12th chapter of the Bible book called Hebrews, we are told that Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him.” In preparing to teach on this topic, and learning what the joy before Jesus was, I was inspired to write this poem:

CHALLENGE #1

We arrived at the Tucson Airport at 4:05 am. Yeah, that means we left Phoenix at 2:05 am. We were five, sleep-deprived men with bags and a giant pallet full of Martial Arts floor mats. We were on our way to do a lot of different things, including putting on a Ju Jitsu tournament in Honduras.

So, a short while ago, El Jeffe Talkington, European Luke, Jujitsu Mike, Principal Aaron, and Pastor D all decided to join forces for something that has now taken on the name, “Operation Make It Rain.” Basically, all that means is five guys who live in Phoenix, Arizona and attend Living Streams Church, decided to go on a mission trip to be and to bring the blessings that God provides.

So, what are you doing for the next 50 years of your life? 

In 1944, at the age of 26, Billy Graham was hired as an official, full-time evangelist for a new ministry called Youth for Christ. Then, in 1992, at age 74, after a powerful public life and a consistently pure personal life, he retired from being an official, full-time evangelist.

Today I sat on the bus next to a guy who was really thankful for all that Trump has been doing as president. He said he liked having someone in the White House that shared some of his values and ideals. Then, just after that I saw multiple stories online of people extremely frustrated with Trump and every political official because of their inability to solve or improve the difficult challenges of our day.

Are you serious? Another season of American Idol? Aren’t fifteen seasons enough? Isn’t the Voice, The Four, and the old X Factor plenty? And what about the technologically advanced singing show called “Rising Star,” straight outta Tel Aviv? Oy ve!

Today I was in a nice, heated pool, doing some not-so-nice therapy on my torn-but-mending calf muscle, when it started to rain. It was awesome. Rain in the desert is one of my favorite things. I love it and it always feels so special to me.

Thank you for taking a moment and allowing some words into the prefrontal cortex of your limbic system. I hope these words renew and transform your mind in a Romans 12:2 type of way.

Here is something from a pastor that you don’t hear every day. Eat, drink, and be merry. Make memories, go on adventures, romance and make love to your spouse.

There are many obstacles that stand in our way of experiencing the flourishing, free, and fully alive life that Jesus came, died, and rose from the dead to make possible. Though we feel them and face them all the time, the life of Jesus and the Scriptures He gave teach us about these obstacles.

Entropy is a consistent, physical, demonstrable, law of physics that defines the tendency of things to diminish, degrade, and move from order to disorder. Yeah, tell me about it. I feel it all the time. It is frustrating.

With some excitement, some fear and trembling, and a strong dose of kindled confidence, I would like to announce to you that this Sunday begins our church family’s 21 D of Fasting and Prayer. We will be starting on January 7 and concluding on January 28.

Record breaking. Uncharted territory. Answer to prayer. Exceeding all expectations. This is the report from our Christmas Eve services last weekend. Thanks to everyone who put in the hard work to prepare the beautiful services and to the 1600+ people that made Living Streams a part of their Christmas celebration.

I hope you are feeling merry as we head into this Christmas weekend. 

I am very much looking forward to this Sunday because of our Christmas Eve services.

Today, I asked someone to share with me how God’s comfort showed up in their life after the death of their son. They told me that, in addition to the people of God and the promises found in the Word of God, the Holy Spirit would speak words of comfort and affirmation in their inner being.