John 13Washing feet in this day & age…a common act of hospitalityusually performed by a servant to clean guests' dusty feet after they walked on unpaved roads (where animals also walked) in sandals. This task was considered lowly and humblinga sign of servitude.Guests also reclined at tables for mealsSimon Peter didn’t understand it all here…he just believed Jesus.verses 10-11A spiritual bath: Th...  Read More

1. Do you leave your car’s gasoline meter on E or are you a fill it halfway kinda person?2. What spiritual disciplines refill your oil most effectively?3. What unexpected delays have you experienced walking with God? Were you carrying enough oil for those delays?4. Where have you felt the presence of God the strongest?5. Has a desire for more of God revealed to you pieces of your destiny?What was ...  Read More

Mark 25:1-13The number 10 speaks to purity. It’s not a parable about sheep and goats…it’s all christians. The lamp is the thing we all have in common.  We all have a lamp. Rich lamps, and poor lamps.  Educated lamps, non-educated lamps.  Black, white, yellow lamps…colorful, dull, etc, etc…What made them wise or foolish wasn’t what their lamp looked like…the lamp wasn’t the distinguishing factor.  ...  Read More

What is something you would do if you had the assurance of success?Have you ever made a decision in spite of fear that has significantly impacted your life? What was it and what happened?How has doing life God’s way made life more difficult? Has God shown you grace to help you through this difficulty?How has the church equipped you and challenged you to fulfill the Great Commission?What was your b...  Read More

Most of us are educated way beyond the level of our obedience.We are the most resourced church in the most resourced country the world has ever known. You know what is most lacking? Good old-fashioned guts!1 Samuel 14:1-15 - Jonathan’s Daring PlanJonathan did not let his fears dictate his decisions!  Jonathan played offense! With his life!He exposed himself to the enemy in broad daylight.  They kn...  Read More

What were your plans for how your life was supposed to go? How has God changed those plans?Have you ever had to wrestle with God and develop an “even if he doesn’t” faith? What did that look like?What aspects of the Christian faith do you find to be contrary to our human nature?Would your family often describe themselves as having bad luck or an ongoing “family curse”? If so, how are you breaking ...  Read More

Acts 28:1-10Paul isn’t traumatized.  Instead of sulking and moaning and complaining, he preaches the Gospel.  He heals the sick.  He encourages, he comforts, he prays! “to live is Christ, to die is gain.” Paul landed on Malta because his ship sank in the Mediterranean. Athens, Troas, and Malta weren't part of his plan. But God used what seemed like detours to position Paul right where He wanted hi...  Read More

Have you ever been able to turn an enemy into a friend? If so tell us how it happened.Do you feel like you’ve been able to move on from your past mistakes? If yes, what was the moment you were able to leave it behind?Have you incorporated prayer and fasting into your life? What impact have these two disciplines had on you?Do you have a person in mind for this weeks challenge? If so, what is your p...  Read More

Part of spiritual growth is recognizing how we have been conditioned and allowing God to recondition the reflexes and instincts that need to change.Quote from Wild Goose Chase:“When we sin, guilt is a healthy and holy reflex.  Thank God for the conviction of the Holy Spirit that drives us to repentance. But some conditioned reflexes are like psychological straitjackets that immobilize us emotional...  Read More

What is one way God is calling you to shine brighter for Jesus right now?Throughout your life, what eight-foot ceilings have you placed on God? Are there any promises from God, that you have given up on? What assumptions are keeping you caged?Have you been able to tell anyone new about Jesus or invite them to church lately?What was your biggest takeaway?...  Read More

Assumption #1: It’s time to fight back! No, it’s time to shine brighter.  The Gospel doesn’t need you to FIGHT, it needs you to SHINE.  Just like Charlie, I believe.  He didn’t fight.  He just loved God loudly.  He just believed in something so much that he showed up and talked about it. No one is asking you to fight right now.  SHINE! Even in the garden of gethsemane, the night of Jesus’ arrest, ...  Read More

Have you been stuck in any ruts lately? How has it affected you spiritually?How can you open up pockets of rest and quiet in your schedule so that you can heart he call of the Holy Spirit?How have your spiritual practices, such as worship and prayer, become predictable to the point of not making much of a difference anymore? What can you do to get back to the freshness of relating to an untamed Go...  Read More