$121

by | May 2, 2009 | Uncategorized

A couple came up to me tonight and handed me $121. Such a precise number. They said that God put it on their heart to give every last dollar they had on them. $121.

This is such an amazing example of obedience. This is also the way that God provides for people like Dara and I. As long as people are open and willing to respond to God when he leads them, his plans and purposes can be accomplished.

I have begged God at times to just let me go out and get a job to provide for my family. All along, he reminds me that I am not the one that provides for my family – HE IS. Over and over again, I feel this overwhelming directive to stay the course. Continue to have faith and believe. Continue to work hard at Hope. I am continually amazed at how many people God has used to invest into our life. He continues to provide through amazing people every month.

Thank God for a precise gift tonight. It will all add up to precisely enough by the end of the month. Again.

May Miracle

by | May 1, 2009 | Uncategorized

One last quick update on our May miracle for you. I got a call from my friend that is investing generously into our family this week. His contribution has pushed our grand total to $1,400 given to our salary in the last four days!

Four days ago we were around $1,000 short of our paycheck for May. Praise God! Now we start believing for April 🙂

Thanks to all who have given, we couldn’t do this without you!

God always provides. Always.

Prayer Is Counterintuitive

by | May 1, 2009 | Uncategorized

I spent the morning walking around Charlotte and praying over our city. I try to make this a part of my weekly routine. I love putting my iPod on, listening to worship songs and simply praying for the people, my friends, our church and whatever else is on my heart at the moment as I walk.

The thought hit me today as I was walking around: Prayer is counterintuitive.

The fact is that I have a ton to get done today. Worship night tonight at 7pm. Preaching on Sunday. Emails to answer. Meeting at 10:30am with another pastor in town. Lots of stuff going on. However, I have found over and over again that time spent with God is exponentially more effective than every best effort I can make. It seems like I should be going at everything else, but God calls me away to simply walk and pray.

I’m not saying to neglect the responsibilities of preparation, answering e-mails and keeping your commitments, etc. I am saying, however, that prioritizing time spent with God and time in prayer will always be more effective than not.

What I Read

by | April 30, 2009 | Uncategorized

My good friend William Jonathan asked me the other day what I was reading that helps me develop in life and leadership. Here is a variety of things that I like to read consistently to keep me sharp:

THE BIBLE (This helps the most. I use the New Living Translation.)

MAGAZINES
– Fast Company (business magazine on new trends in business/new ideas/business leaders)
– Relevant Magazine (God. Life. Progressive Culture.)
– Inc. (Entrepreneur magazine)

BLOGS (I subscribe to these blogs and get them via email)
– Guy Kawasaki (marketing guru)
– Seth Godin (marketing guru)
– Brad Lomenick (top dog at Catalyst)
– Mark Batterson (life and leadership)

I like to read a lot of material from the business/marketing/entrepreneurial world. I believe that many business principles and the stories of leaders in these areas can translate into life and ministry seamlessly. Hope it helps!