February marked 10 yrs of ministry at Grace Bible Fellowship. Time flies when you’re having fun! Our church family has been so gracious and so patient and God has been so faithful.
I look forward to many more years here, making disciples of Jesus Christ, preaching the Word, loving people, and seeing the Spirit move. My heart is that in the coming years, we become even more gospel-centered, build even more relationships, and have even more fun. A million dreams is all it’s gonna take 😊

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… -Jesus, Matthew 28:19

…we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. -Apostle Paul, 1 Thessalonians 2:8

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. -Jesus, John 10:10

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. -David, Psalm 16:11

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Turn from:

Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. Psalm 119:37

Turn to:

…whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8

Billy Graham went home to be with the Lord today at the age of 99.

In 2002 my wife Casey and I had the opportunity to hear Billy Graham speak at Texas Stadium. We were not there with a particlular church, or with a group, it was just us two—young, married, and relatively new to being on fire for Jesus. The event that night was free, so as you can imagine, the stadium was completely full. There was even a large number of people outside of the stadium, not able to come in. But the event staff had set up screens and audio outside so that everyone who came could see and hear. At one point during the evening Pastor Graham graciously recognized and thanked all of the people who are outside. When he did, those outside of Texas Stadium began to roar with cheers and applause so loud it could easily be heard by those of sitting on the inside. It was really cool to hear their enthusiasm. And of course, Pastor Graham preached the Word, and droves of people responded by making professions of faith in Christ. It was all very moving, to say the least. I remember Billy Graham seemed so down to earth, he put all the focus on Jesus, and he simply presented The Gospel. Those are all things I still deeply admire and aspire to do myself.

As we left the event that night, I remember being so excited to see what God was doing. I felt like I’d just watched my faith family grow in numbers and in depth. Casey and I stopped at one of the merchandise tents that were set up outside selling resources. I bought a paperback handbook, that served as a topical reference manual for helping people deal with different struggles. Each topic had some insight for that specific struggle and Bible verses to point people too. I felt like I was holding pure gold. At the time I didn’t know that I would or even could be in vocational ministry. But I did know that I desperately wanted to help people see that Jesus is the answer to our struggles. I still want to do that!

That night was a special night for Casey and I. Pastor Graham encouraged our faith, gave us an awesome example, and better equipped us to help others. I’m just one of countless number of people he blessed!

Thank you, Pastor Graham, for your faithfulness in fulfilling your call, and blessing so many, including me.

🎶Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come! I come!🎶

As we try to wrap our minds around the Florida shooting…

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me… -David, Psalm 23:4

Do you know what the most repeated command in the Bible is? It may surprise you… DO NOT FEAR. It’s commanded over 200 times.

And God’s basis for us not fearing? The fact that he is with us. In Isaiah 41:10 God says, “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

I’m heartsick over this shooting in Florida. I don’t have all the answers. But I do know one thing that does not need to happen, fear. We can (and should) mourn with those who mourn, comfort one another, empathize, pray like crazy, encourage, seek justice, and in everything, look to God and seek his peace and presence. He is with us. He is our shepherd. And because of that, we don’t fear. Even in the shadow of death. (Psalm 23)

#LookUp

We don’t trust God because:

1. We don’t believe he’s powerful

2. We don’t believe he’s loving

Jesus shows us that he is BOTH.

TRUST HIM!

Got this in the mail today! God’s been good to me through Jared Wilson’s books and teaching. Grace Bible friends, pick up a copy of this book and let me know what you think!

I shared with our 6am men’s group this past Tuesday morning, and I feel like I should go ahead and tell the rest of y’all…I saw the movie The Greatest Showman a couple of weeks ago. Yes, it’s a musical. No, my wife didn’t make me go. Yes, I enjoyed it, and I may or may not have teared up a couple times.

Ya, so if you need my man-card, go ahead and take it. I deserve it.

Here’s maybe the worst part…I’ve been LISTENING TO THE SOUNDTRACK. Idk if I need a support group, an intervention, or just some girl time with other moms!

Some of you already knew all of this and you didn’t even laugh at me (at least to my face) when I said it was one of my favorite all-time movies. Thanks for that. And thanks in advance for the prayers.

Y’all will be glad to know that since then I have watched several hours of sports, yelled at my tv, and that all of my viewing tears have been shed via “sports cry,” which I understand is still completely acceptable.

I feel a lot better about this. Hope y’all do too.

For every one person who wants to remind you of your past and point out all your failures, there’s like 99 of us who believe in grace, forgiveness, and God’s ability to change and redeem ppl. You’re not alone! Keep on, keeping on! #LookUp

Tua Tagovailoa — Most of us cant pronounce his name and had never even heard of him until last night, but he was the hero in the NCAAA National Championship overtime victory for Alabama over Georgia. Tua, a 19 year old Hawaii native QB, doesnt seem concerned that we pronounce his name correctly, or even that we know his name. His greater concern is that we know the name above all names, Jesus Christ. Tua is quick to thank his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, credit his teammates, and points to God as the REAL hero. Congrats to both Alabama and Georgia on a hard fought game. And congrats to Tua for making the most of his opportunity, both on the field, and in his postgame interview. May we all be challenged and encouraged by his unique blend humility and boldness. 

Here’s the link to Tua’s postgame interview: https://youtu.be/65PkjZAJ4ok