It is true that God does demand obedience from us.  He has every right to demand these things, He is God after all.  But God also loves to give, and to love, and to create.  He is the ultimate example of excellent customer service.

It is an incredible encouragement that even as God demands obedience, He also asks, “What is it you want me to do for you?”  In other words, Jesus doesn’t just ask what can we do for Him.  He is also intimately interested in what He can do for you.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 45:11 — 41.4MB)

The message surrounding the New Year is always one of hope.  Hope of a better future and hope of a better tomorrow.  Goals are set, resolutions are written, plans are made.  No one can make anything of their life without setting goals.  They are necessary if we desire to grow as people.

But there is one foundational truth that Jesus wants us to know about goals:  God has goals.  And as the ultimate authority, His goals will eventually trump our goals.

Jesus says if your goals will amount to something, you must consider God’s goals.  You must make plans in light of God’s Plan.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:38 — 36.3MB)

In our desire to have our maximum impact by obeying God’s commands, it is great that we have examples around us who model best practices on how to be obedient.

However, there are others that we shouldn’t model. Jesus calls them hypocrites.

The best way to guard against hypocritical teaching is to remember that God is not only our heavenly Father, He is also our righteous Judge.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:10 — 47.8MB)

How would you like a guarantee on how you can have the maximum impact with the life that you have been given?

Simply obey God’s Word.  The problem is that is easier said that done.

The good news is God has given us examples all around us. If we apply the best practices of successful believers in our quest for obedience, our lives can have their maximum impact.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 36:12 — 33.2MB)

Jesus taught through the story of the Lawyer and the Good Samaritan that love never neglects a need.

If you never neglect another person’s need, how do you avoid burnout?

You can remain balanced in a lifetime of serving Jesus when you remember that ministry is merely a means to an end. Our ultimate goal is to know Jesus as our closest friend. To do that means doing other tasks in a more simple fashion so that you can have quality time with Jesus.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 41:48 — 38.3MB)

In the well known story of the Good Samaritan, there is a tendency to assume that we are in the camp of the good guy.

But that isn’t always the case. Assumptions are dangerous. Sometimes we limit who we love because of how they have treated us.

Real love and mercy never neglects a need.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 34:18 — 31.4MB)

The call to serve the Savior with all we have is easy to hear but hard to follow.  Jesus demands that His call on our lives comes before even the most basic of needs and family obligations.  So why offer all by serving Him with everything we have?

Because of what is at stake.  It is important to offer all because it’s only when we do that we are reminded of what really matters.

We only understand the importance of ministry in the trenches of ministry.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:30 — 46.3MB)

What was the last item you purchased that was worth every penny that you paid?  The last concert?  The last movie?  The problem with buyer’s remorse is that we often pay too much for the things that we purchase and we end up regretting it.

Many people wonder if the price to follow Jesus Christ is worth it.  Is it worth giving up control of the direction of your life to Jesus Christ?  Will you end up regretting it by thinking the cost is too high?

Find out why it is worth every penny.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:04 — 48.6MB)

Everyone has a point in their life when they have said “Enough is enough.”  Eventually our strength runs out and we simply cannot continue.

But what do you say when that moment arrives and Jesus asks for more?

When our strength is gone, we discover that His strength is really all we needed. We discover that relying on God for ministry is actually our ministry.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:41 — 39.1MB)

 People do strange things when they are next to those in authority.  Some people try to parley favor and privilege, others run.  Some just simply trust people with authority, because power tends to corrupt.  The greater the authority, the greater the corruption.

So what do you do with someone like Jesus, who had authority over natural and supernatural forces?  What do you do with someone who has absolute authority and desires to use it for what will ultimately be our benefit?

You yield.  You yield to His authority in your life.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 38:20 — 35.1MB)