But I’m not a throw the baby out with the bath water kind of guy. I love spending time online and interacting with others.

Here is what I’ve decided:
I can use my presence online for the glory of God and the good of people. There’s a way that I can pastor online, and that’s what I’m going to do.

My new vision for social networking and the blog is this:
To focus on discipleship in a way that leads to mission.

• We’re going to talk a lot of theology. Above that, we’re going to grapple with the implications of what we believe. Basically, what should we believe and how should we live it out.
• I’m going to post 5 days a week. Maybe more, but at least 5.
• I’m going to share a lot more of my personal struggles and victories through my blog.
• I want the blog to be a conversation, not an online journal.
• I’m going to be more concerned with content I put into Facebook than with what I’m getting out.

That’s that.

I’m not there yet.

Sometimes that gets the best of me, and I fall apart wondering why God would choose to use me for the proclamation of good news. How could someone as jacked up as I am, possibly serve any purpose in the advancement of the Kingdom? And at the basis of all that, how could He even love me?

Here’s what I’m coming to learn and appreciate -

The Gospel is not about me or you. It’s not about us, because it’s for us. It’s not about our strengths or our weaknesses. It’s about Jesus. Only Jesus.

So, the next time you fail or the next time you do something great, do not focus on yourself.

Focus on Jesus.

When your eyes are fixed on Him, you’ll forget about you.

It is once again Resolution time. You know how it goes, over the past few days, maybe weeks, we’ve been determining goals that we hope to accomplish in the coming year. Sometimes we are successful at keeping them, while other times we never even make it out of the start gate.

May I suggest something for you to resolve to do this year?

The coming of the New Year is a great time to determine to read through the entire Bible. I’m not talking about reading through a plan in order to check off the block everyday. Rather, I’m speaking of reading with purpose and with intent to know God and His Word more.

Justin Taylor over at the Gospel Coalition has put together a great list of yearly reading plans along with some information on the importance of reading with a plan. 

Additionally, YouVersion has some excellent reading plans.

I’m committing to the M’Cheyne One-Year Reading Plan. Mainly because it greatly adaptable to a family devotional setting.

So, what do you say? Who wants to pick a plan and hold each other accountable to the task at hand?

…Youcef Nadarkhani faces the possibility of being executed for his faith and refusal to renounce Jesus Christ.

What courage!
What faith!

I feel great sorrow for Youcef and his family. I feel great shame for myself and the lack of boldness I have in my proclamation of Jesus absent any persecution.

We worry about so much in the American church. So much pointless crap.

I pray we start worrying about what matters.

The Glory of God, for the good of all people.

Pray for Youcef. Pray for his family.

“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness” Acts 4:29

Love Wins

Jesus Wins

So…what do you think?