Yesterday I received a text from my dad: Charlie Kirk had been shot at a speaking event. Horrifying. Grief-inducing. (Pastor Jake shared a thoughtful response on Facebook that had me saying, “yes and amen” - worth a look if you haven’t seen it.) I went online to read about...

You know, I’ve been thinking a lot about grief lately. (I know, kind of a downer way to start, but stick with me…)  Specifically, I’ve been thinking about how Jesus was called “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3).   Acquainted...

“I wish I had a relationship with God like that.” The young woman looked at me and seemed to be expecting a response. So I complied. I took several moments to explain to her how that could become a reality for her. Several months back I was out on the west coast visiting my father...

There’s a familiar verse in the Bible most of us probably know and may have clung to from time to time. In fact, those who don’t know Jesus often know this verse or at least part of it! It’s on plaques, signs, Facebook posts, tattoos, just everywhere. The verse is Jeremiah...

When my cousin and I were both 15 and learning to drive, I remember his dad (my uncle) saying something that stuck with me. He was talking about waiting to make sure other cars do what they’re supposed to do before you hit the gas, assuming that they’ll do what they’re supposed...

Often my own life experiences lead me to ponder the even deeper things of God and His Word. This past week, I got another MRI on my shoulder which I previously had 2 surgeries on a few years ago. As I was lying there, as still as I could, the only thing I knew was that this huge machine was...

This past Sunday at church, we were reflecting on how truly rich most of us are. As the message unfolded, I leaned over to my youngest son and asked:  “Do you think you’re hearing this differently after our mission trip to Costa Rica last week?”  He simply...

Here at New Life, we’re currently working through a three-week Sermon series titled The Money Test. It’s focused on a passage of scripture in 1 Timothy 6 with an emphasis on our material wealth and what we believe about the things we own.   Last week we discovered that we...

Every day, I ask God for grace and grit. Every day, He answers in ways big and small. I've been thinking about how God gives us what we need every day, which includes both great and not-so-great days. Grace and grit might seem like an odd pair to ask for, but they're actually perfect partners...

Independence Day has always been a big deal in our country. It’s the day we celebrate breaking free from tyranny. It’s about charting our own course and standing on our own two feet.  But as followers of Jesus, I think there’s something worth reflecting on this...