If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you have eternal life right now. We don't have to wait for eternal life later. Don't believe me? John's gospel says, "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." If I know God then I... Continue Reading →
Neglecting The Need To Be Good People
At the very points where Christians should be obvious lights of better living and treatment to others, they are often demonstrating the opposite. For example: In a recent Barna poll, 49% of Unchurched people could not identify a single positive contribution made by American Christians. Baylor University, a place that touts leadership and faith on... Continue Reading →
Scenes From the First Grow Up Event
Last Friday, I hosted the first Grow Up Event, a Fund Raising Party. After rain earlier in the day, the skies cleared up late Friday afternoon and the weather was perfectly cool and pleasant. The ground was hardly wet or muddy. God set up a great evening for us. Around 35 people came and enjoyed... Continue Reading →
The Best Definition of Spirituality I Have Heard
I recently read a tremendous definition of Spirituality. Geoffrey Wainwright says that Spirituality is "praying while living." I thank God, and my wife, for giving me a strong sense of the spiritual while also carrying a keen awareness of the practical. One of God's gifts to me is being able to connect the two. For... Continue Reading →
9/11 Gave Me A Spiritual Purpose and A Calling
I remember being at home on the Friday morning after September 11, 2001. I was watching our 2-year old daughter as she played oblivious to the images and sadness that was on display as a memorial service played on our TV. When Billy Graham got up to speak and to pray I shed a few... Continue Reading →
Three Marks Of A Spiritually Mature Leader
The university where I work recently conducted an inauguration service for a new President. It had all that you would expect; dignitaries representing important places and institutions, fancy clothes and regalia, grandiose music, and words of inspiration and acknowledgement. It also exemplified aspects of Growing Up that can be peculiar attributes of mature Christian leaders.... Continue Reading →
God Speaks To Me Through …
What Spiritual Exercise(s) has had the most impact on your Growing Up? For me, it has to be reading/studying and solitude with a little bit of small group community to keep me encouraged and accountable. Whatever activity that benefits you the most in Growing Up, make sure you are including that in your life on... Continue Reading →
A Fresh Approach To Growing Up
Part of what I try to do here on the Grow Up Blog is present a fresh approach to Christian living. I try to push the reader away from long standing guilt driven and unrealistic approaches to life with Christ. Along these lines is a book I have worked on periodically and submitted as a... Continue Reading →
Does God Care About Olympic Sports?
Gold medalist swimmer Maya Dirado, when discussing her Christian faith and its influence on her success said, "I don't think God cares about my swimming very much." Later, in a interview with Christianity Today, she elaborated on this comment, "I think God cares about my soul and whether I’m bringing his love and mercy into... Continue Reading →
When You Tell Jesus To Go Away
Occasionally, I teach a Bible Study at my church. Yesterday, I taught from Luke 5:1-11. This is the story of Jesus telling Peter and other would be disciples to, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." If you have read this before, you know that once the disciples did... Continue Reading →