Go to the source

People need to learn to go to the source. I'm really disappointed in people who read blogs, news articles and run with it whatever direction they want to go! It really reminds me of the student who writes his doctorate paper and uses WikiPedia for his or her sources. GO TO THE SOURCE!

Mark Driscoll this or Rick Warren that; Christians are constantly putting down pastors and churches. Where did you get your information? From blogs? From your senior pastor? From another Christian? From 2nd, 3rd or 15th person handed down information? GO TO THE SOURCE!

Mark Driscoll made mistakes, sought forgiveness and moved on. Rick Warren has done so much for the local church than people realize. I really don't understand Christians who gossip and tear down other believers in Christ! The worst thing is that they are sinning themselves. Yes, I said it. A Christian who talks about another Christian behind his or her back is guilty of gossip and slander. If you were being Biblical and had an issue with this individual; you would have sought this person out and not gossiped about them. It amazes me that when WE GO TO THE SOURCE, we realize how much truth is clearer than the passed on information we heard. And even if what we heard was true, we should seek to help the person with repentance and forgiveness rather than tear them down and talk about them.

Liberty allows Donald Trump to speak

Tired of hearing "Christians" slam Liberty University for allowing Donald Trump to speak...I would have thought I would have heard more when they let democratic socialist Bernie Sanders speak! Liberty is known to bring in politicians to let the students hear them. The invites have been extended to the democrats Obama, Hillary and O'Malley as well; and Republicans Romney, Trump and Carson who have all spoken. Liberty does not endorse candidates, they never have. But yet you listen to the news, read blogs and make your own comments that helps no one.

I was asked one time by non-Christian if Jesus would have been a Republican or a Democrat. To which, I responded neither. Jesus was focused on God's kingdom than on earthly kingdoms. Something that we should be more focused on. When it comes to the election time, I will make my vote like every other American based on my beliefs and convictions. BUT then I am called to respect that position and pray for that individual as they lead the country. I can guarantee you if you are praying every day for that leader; you won't bash them throughout the day.

Top 25 Adventures and Life Stories of 2015

1.  Another year of building a stronger relationship with Jesus

2.  Hitting the third year of marriage with my beautiful wife

3.  Holding my newborn son in my arms and being part of his life

4.  Being ordained by the local church

5.  Writing my second book "Student Leaders: Leadership starts with I"

6.  Staying in one place of ministry for 5 years

7.  Read 52 books, that's one a week

8.  Being on the Recharge Conference Leadership team and bringing in training to Green Bay for youth/children workers

9.  Visiting friends, see my best friend get married and making more memories with best friends

10. Creating a church mascot, Christian the Lion; using him for promotions, videos, events, etc.

11. Planning a successful mission trip after ours got canceled; it will go down as some of the best moments in life

12. I always wanted to meet Tim Tebow, came close by watching him play at Lambeau Field

13. Developing and creating my own basketball shoes, my KD's looked awesome

14. I hate needles, but I gave blood for the first time and became a consistent donor

15. Participating in a leadership conference, visiting Abraham Lincoln's home and ate a Cozy Dog (claimed to be the first corn dog)

16. Winning back to back fantasy baseball championships 

17. Attending my first Packer practice and watching the kids transport Packer players on their bikes

18. Preaching juvenile services, one of the hardest things I have done

19. Door County getaway; relaxing weekend, mini golf, walks, long drives, great eats, etc.

20. Building a ga ga pit for camp

21. Making Yoda and Death Star piñatas; and a deep sea mask

22. Circulating 60 Bibles (study, devotion and Spanish) into the Brown County Jail

23. Orchestrating a Special Needs training for youth/children called A Conversation on Autism

24. Getting pied in the face by middle schoolers at Y Night

25. Rolling up my first Sushi roll 

How to overcome sin...

I've been asked numerous times how I lead teens out of specific sins...My response has always been to address it, but pound into the teenager the importance of building their relationship with Jesus. After all, I can't change them or re-correct their behavior. I know at the end of the day, they are the only one that can make the decision through the power of God.

In studying today; I came across something similar and powerful:

"How can we keep from sinning? We must focus more on our relationship with God than on defeating sin. When we are in an intimate, growing relationship with God, we will be better able to resist many temptations."

Showing God's glory and following leadership

I've read the story of Jesus turning water into wine, heard many sermons and listened to many debates of wine vs. grape juice...I am not sure if I ever grasped the end results...

In verse 11, it mentions that it was His first sign...yep, knew that. Then the verse goes on to say: "He displayed His glory and His disciples believed in Him.

That will preach, well, a two point sermon!

1. "The miracle showed His glory!" In our lives, in our churches, in our small groups, in our services; the main thing we need to do is display God's glory! It's not about us. It's not about how I want to do it. It's not about what it makes us look like. It's about giving God the glory.

2. "His disciples believed in Him!" Jesus told Mary His time had not yet come, granted, she didn't listen...Jesus performs the miracle and His disciples buy into His leadership. Leadership is key to moving forward! His disciples would do big things for God's glory and it all started with the disciples believing in Him. I always wonder if we truly want to follow Jesus; why don't we buy in? The disciples didn't know everything that day. In fact, it took them awhile to even realize that He was the Messiah; but they followed His leadership from this point on.