In case you missed this, I loved this Focus on the Family commercial. Others on Twitter thought it was a waste of money.

What do you think?

You’ve probably seen this on Facebook, but just in case you haven’t…

We launched a new series at Grace Community Church this week called “All In“. This year, we want to give God access to every part of our life. In this message, I addressed the issue of our minds.

Are you worried about many things?

How can you stop worrying?

Maybe Paul has an answer for us.

Think About These Things from Gcomchurch Sermons on Vimeo.

This is my Christmas Eve message. It’s only 16 minutes long…and it’s Christmas…but you may still need to unwrap the gift of Christmas love!

Love from Gcomchurch Sermons on Vimeo.

I’m not working the first week of the new year.

Well, actually I am working. I’m writing a message for Sunday, I’m replying to dozens of emails, texts and phone calls, I’m thinking, processing, and dreaming about the new year.

I’m not in the office. Normally on this week there would be dozens of meetings. I’d begin implementing the plans I dreamed of over the month of December. I am a “hit the ground running” kind of guy.

But, instead, I’m on a “retreat” with my youngest son Nate. And, I’ll admit, it’s fun!

I’m at Passion Conference, a gathering of 44,000 mostly 18 to 25 year olds whose primary purpose is worshipping Jesus!

And, I’m not disappointed. I actually hope this is representative of my year.

I realize some would need no encouragement to do something like this to start the year, but you see, I don’t sit still very well. I’m more of a doer than a be…er. (Couldn’t find a way to write that word without you thinking it was an alcoholic beverage.) I struggle to rest in Christ. I’m more like Martha than I am like Mary. (Luke 10:38-42) I’d rather be doing something for Christ. Worship, as much as I want my life defined by it, is often pushed to the side for other, more “tangible” projects. (Sorry, just being honest.)

This year:

• I want my life defined more by devotion than by duty.
• I want to meditate on God’s Word as much as I study or even teach God’s Word.
• I want to praise more than I produce.

So, while this may seem like an unproductive start to the new year, I hope it’s the beginning of my most productive year ever. Hopefully, the older I get, the better I’m defining productivity.

How about you? Are you more like Martha or Mary?

“Fear not!”

Those have to be two of my favorite words from the Christmas story. The phrase may be “do not be afraid”, but I’ll take that also!

I love the fact that Christmas removes the need to worry, to be fearful, to dread the future.

Consider these familiar verses of the Christmas story:

But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:20

And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” Luke 1:12-13

“But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:29-30

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10

Are you fearful this Christmas? Are you worried about the future?

Fear not!

It’s Christmas! Our Savior has come! He has a plan! He’s on His throne.

According to YouTube, Journey of Faith performed a Christmas “Flash Mob” at the South Bay Galleria in Redondo Beach on December 18, much to the delight of local shoppers.

One of the best I’ve ever seen…don’t miss the ending.

Ever been a part of a flash mob? Would you like to be?

(Thanks to @MaxLucado for pointing me to this one.)

It’s Christmas…we should know this verse:

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Luke 2:10

Bonus to this post: What’s your favorite Christmas memory? 

But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. Luke 2:10-11

Joy is not an option for a believer, as I read the Scriptures. For many, however, finding joy at Christmas is harder than other times of the year. Memories of loved ones, financial struggles, health issues, and relationship woes often make for a very difficult celebration.

In a recent message at Grace, I shared 5 suggestions to make your Christmas joyful.

Here are five suggestions to greater joy at Christmas:

Lower expectations of others - We shouldn’t hold others to expectation we set for them. People, even the best of people, will disappoint us.

Increase your investment in others - Something supernatural happens when we share with others. We are to give and extend grace, as it was given to us.

Examine your life/Address known sin – You can’t have joy w/a holy God if you are living contrary to His desires for your life

Change your perspective – Choosing to be greatly joyful is not based on circumstances, but comes by perspective.

Set your eyes on the prize – If you’re struggling to find joy in life, set your eyes on Jesus; the author and perfecter of your faith.

Want more? Watch this message here: