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Do you agree?

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My dad could tell I was pretty discouraged.  “Let’s pray right now,” he said.  So we began to pray.   It was a powerful time of prayer.  I could feel a lifting of the discouragement and the strengthening of my faith.  When we were done my dad asked,

“Do you agree?”

“Yeah sure,” I answered. “Then say it!” He insisted. “Okay, I agree!”   He looked at me and quoted Matthew 18:19,


“If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.”

Then he reminded me of the importance and power that the bible places on our spoken words.  No doubt God hears silent prayers, but the predominant idea in scripture is that prayer is verbal…

We are to speak our prayers (Psalms 55:17)

We are to call upon God with our needs (Psalms 145:18)

We are to make our requests known to Him (Phil 4:6)

And God promises that he will respond (Jeremiah 33:3)

It’s normal to finish a prayer by saying “Amen” (which means “so be it.”), however we’ve said it so many times we often don’t think about it.  But ask somebody to actually say they agree with you, and you will get some strange reactions.  

Strange reactions aside, there is power in agreement! 

Think about Israel entering the Promised Land.  They easily defeated the walled city of Jericho, and were beginning to occupy the land that God had given them. But then they suffered a major defeat at city called Ai.

Joshua was upset with God.  God was upset with Joshua.  Turns out a man named Achan had kept some of the spoils from Jericho for himself and hid them in his tent.  And when they had gone up against Ai, they only took a small contingent.  All of this led to defeat. 

God’s instructions to Joshua were clear:

1) Get rid of any sin that’s not in agreement with God’s word

2) Take ALL the army up to Ai; everybody was to be involved

Joshua obeyed God’s instructions and Israel easily defeated Ai. 

Another example comes from the first Christians.  Christ had been crucified, rose from the dead, gave them some instructions, and then ascended into the sky.   They were fearful, but expectant. They then gathered in an upper story room and began to pray. We are told,


When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. (Acts 2:1–2)

Both the story of Israel’s victory at Ai and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the first Believers illustrate how powerful agreement is.  Whether it’s in the heat of attack, or when there’s a need for God’s power to be released, being in agreement is an essential part.

Do you agree?

Then say it!

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A Seared Comedic Conscience

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1976 was a pretty great year.  It was the year of bicentennial celebration of our nation’s independence.  Peter Frampton put out his unforgettable “Frampton Comes Alive” album.  And I watched my first episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL) while spending the night at my friend’s house. 

SNL was called NBC’s Saturday Night, featuring The Not Ready for Primetime Players.  My friend and I laughed at the comedic genius of people like John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, and Gilda Radner.  But I had a nagging little feeling of guilt because I was not allowed to watch this type of show at home.

I laughed anyways.

Those characters, Belushi, Aykroyd, then later Bill Murray, went on to do films that attained for them stardom and noteworthiness among the greatest comedians of all time. 

But they also seared my conscience.

I went from watching the inane and seemingly innocent sketches of SNL, to watching the movies starring the people from SNL.  Movies like National Lampoon’s, Animal House, The Blues Brothers, Stripes, and Caddy Shack, just to name a few.  While these movies are really funny, and are classics which most people have seen and wouldn’t question their content, they are all “R” rated.

Jump forward to 2010.  The Golden Globe Best Comedy Film Award went to “The Hang Over,” starring Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms, and Bradley Cooper.  Everyone has told me it’s hilarious.  I was about to watch it when I read a little review warning about the language in it.  The review went on to tell how much bad language was actually used:

91x – F-bomb
41x – “S” word
13x – “hell”
14x – “ass”
9 – references to the male anatomy
12 – references to the female anatomy
100 – references to sex
31x – taking God’s name in vain

I decided not to watch it.  But lots of people have.  Lots of Christians even.  To which I have one question, how can you call yourself a Christian and listen to your savior’s precious name being used in filthy language 31 times, let alone all the other spoken trash???

You may think I’m overdoing it a little.  But think about how something that was once a little risky to you (i.e. watching something, doing something, go somewhere) is now hardly a consideration.  This process is actually what Paul describes when he says,


“…having their conscience seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:2)

And it’s not just a personal issue, it’s a cultural one too.  Think about how degraded our entertainment has become…or maybe it seems normal to you. For a lot of people, even Christians, they see nothing wrong with watching or listening to shows, movies, music, that would’ve highly offended people twenty years ago, but now it’s mainstream.

This world’s culture will deaden our spiritual nerve endings if we’re not careful.  Listen to these words,


“Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” (Romans 12:2, MSG)

I pray nothing I’ve said slaps of legalism, but I do pray that we become more on guard for the subtle poisoning that can happen when feeling like something’s wrong gives way to not even noticing.

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Don’t Believe Everything You Hear

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Don’t believe the saying that goes…


“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”

Actually, the things people say to us can be devastating. The better way to say it would be, Sticks and stones may break bones, but words hurt forever.  Your body may remain unharmed, but your heart suffers the deadly shrapnel of painful phrases. 

David, who knew all about having people thrash him with their words,


“They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows” (Psalms 64:3)

If you are like most people, you can recall at least one of the toxic phrases that have been directed at you.  And with it, you can recall the pain that someone’s harsh words caused.  You might even still hear words from years ago, playing like an endless loop in your mind.  Echoing inside you every day are words like…


“You’ll never amount to anything.”

“I wish I never had you.”

“You’re nothing like your brother.”

“I’m sick of you.”

“I never loved you.”

“You’ll never change.”

These kinds of words can get etched in your memory and shape your life in many painful and debilitating ways. 

While you can’t control what people have said, or say to you, you can control whether or not you believe it.  When you hear the words of others you can choose to receive them as truth, or reject them as lies.

Because words can have such a destructive impact on you, you’ve got to passionately guard your heart against them. Doing whatever it takes to keep the poison out of your heart.  God says,


“Listen closely to my words…Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:20, 23)

When someone says something to you, or about you, it must be put in the light of what God says about you.  Are their words true? Are their words supported by God’s Word?  If so, embrace them.  Allow those life-giving words to minister to your soul and conform you to the image of Christ.

If their words are untrue, mean-spirited, and critical without being constructive, then reject those words.  Don’t let them into your soul.  Put them in the trash. Delete those toxic words and insert the truth.  Don’t believe what you’ve heard!

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Nine Brain Bleeds and Changed Thinking

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In 2008 I was in a bad bike wreck. Beyond road rash, I broke a bunch ribs and my left collar bone.  I also sustained a pretty severe head injury that resulted in nine brain bleeds (cerebral hemorrhages).

Among the many things that are affected by brain injuries, loss of memory is the most common.  My short-term memory has suffered.  But I’ve learned that I can remember things if I come at them in different ways.

For instance, when I forget someone’s name, if I can remember the name of someone related to them (i.e. a spouse, parent, friend), I am able to pull up the forgotten name.  

Experts call this neuroplasticity.

In our brains are millions of pathways that the brain uses to accomplish what it needs.  This would include things like movement, reaction, thought, memory, emotion, desire, and creativity.  Basically, neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to find a new ways of getting things done. 

This is what happens with people whose brains were injured, but it can also happen in brains that aren’t working right.  Brains that aren’t thinking right, that aren’t feeling right, that aren’t doing right.  And this special ability for our brains to adapt and change was God’s idea.


As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7)

What you feed your thoughts is what you become.  Put garbage in and garbage comes out.  Put good things and good things will result.  This is why God’s word tells us,


Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23)

What’s so exciting is that we can change our thinking and thereby change our lives,


… be transformed by the renewing of your mind…
(Romans 12:2)

Here are some things to feed your thoughts that will transform your life, 


Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

This isn’t just a change in thinking; it’s a change in living.  It’s a change in habits, desires, actions, etc.  What you used to do no longer has to define or limit you.  You can do things that you never thought possible if you can think differently. If you can come at them from the direction of God’s word. It’s like spiritual-neuroplasticity.

Now if I could just find my keys.

Why did God create the world?

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“The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1)

God gave us a hint of what he is like…the universe. The universe is declaring the glory of God and the reason we exist is to see it and be stunned by it and glorify God because of it.  Resounding through the whole Bible — from eternity to eternity — like rolling thunder is: God created the world for his glory.

Paul says in Romans 1:20–21,


His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God…

The great tragedy is that while human beings were made to glorify God, we have all fallen short of this purpose and “exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man” (Romans 1:23).  Not little idols that sit on tables or altars, but ones who stare back at us in the mirror.

But none of this took God by surprise.

Sometimes people talk about God sending Jesus Christ to earth as if it was an afterthought on God’s part.  This kind of thinking leads one to believe that what happened in the Garden of Eden caught God by surprise.  But sin was no surprise, neither was grace.


[God] has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began. (2 Timothy 1:9)

Yes, the heavens declare God’s glory.  Sure this planet and the beauty of nature also bring God glory.  But the greatest glory comes from the lives and lips of those who have been saved and redeemed by His grace.  From those who know who Jesus Christ is, what the cross represents, and those who realize that it was all planned and determined before time began. 

Before sin or failure.  Before rebellion and the fall.  Before the darkening of men’s hearts and hell’s attacks, God planned a way of entering people’s lives whatever shape they’re in, however lost and hopeless they may seem, and bring hope, purpose, and the realization that there is a God who loves them so much.  And in return, they give him glory forever and ever! 

You Can’t Give What Doesn’t Belong To You

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This is a picture of my friend Stan’s truck.  It’s a one-of-kind 1941 Power Wagon that he built and customized himself.  It’s got 44-inch tires and a 400 horsepower Chevy 350 engine.  It’s a head-turner.  If you don’t turn your head, the train air horn will get your attention.

I’ve asked Stan if he would hand me the keys to it tomorrow.  He said he would, but imagine he’ll want them back. 

Now, how would it be if I had the keys in my hand and said, “Hey Stan, I’ve been thinking about it, praying about it, and I’ve really had God lead me to give you this truck.”  Knowing Stan, he’d probably smile at me, but then put his hand on my shoulder and say, “Bro, that truck ain’t yours to give.”  To which I would quickly return the keys their rightful owner.

When it comes to money, I frequently hear people say, “I give as I feel led.”  They think that sounds spiritual and godly, but it’s as ridiculous as me saying, “I love my wife as I feel led.”  It’s also impossible.

You can’t give what you doesn’t belong to you.

Don’t get me wrong, I not saying we shouldn’t give, but only after we’ve returned what doesn’t belong to us. 


“And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord.” (Leviticus 27:30, NKJV)

People can argue about tithing till the cows come home, but the fact is that everything we have belongs to the Lord.  We can’t GIVE what belongs to him, until we’ve RETURNED what belongs to him.  That’s a hugely important thing to understand. 

What’s amazing is all God asks that we return to him is a tenth of our increase.  Then he promises that the rest of the 90% will be blessed, so much so that we will have an abundance live on, and to give from. 

Maybe I can get Stan to give me a ride.  Listen for the horn.

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We’re Not Coming Back Here

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He hadn’t been looking for any options, or ways out his life.  He was good at plowing fields and working hard.  He always had a sense of satisfaction from his labor.  Hard work has its rewards.  But God had something greater in store for Elisha.

Everyone knew who Elijah was, and what his special coat represented.  So what a shock it was to see the famous prophet walking towards Elisha in the middle of the field where he was plowing.  What was even more shocking was what happened next: Elijah draped his special coat over Elisha’s shoulders!

Elisha knew that this was something very special. He knew it was a God-given opportunity.  His mind raced.  All the years of farming, taking care of his family, enjoying God’s blessing in many areas, suddenly paled in comparison with what lay ahead.

The old prophet wasn’t waiting around for any conversations.   Elisha chased after him, but something caught his eye.  It was his oxen.  He couldn’t just leave them there.  And beyond the oxen, he could see his dad and mom, and little brother by their house.  He couldn’t just leave without saying goodbye.  Elijah agreed,


“Go ahead, do what you gotta do.  We’re not coming back here.”

So Elisha made his way back.  He disconnected the oxen from the plow and led them toward the house.  A flood of memories went through his mind.  But, Elijah’s words also went through his mind, “We’re not coming back here.” So final and harsh.  He would miss this place.

Reaching the house, trying to tell his family what had happened, his heart broke.  But he knew it was the right thing.  A God thing.  Then, as if controlled by an unseen force, Elisha broke apart the plow and started a fire with it, and then slaughtered his oxen.  He cooked the meat from the oxen and had one last meal with his family before running to catch up with the prophet.

Here’s a great lesson for all of God’s children.  For those of you going through the routines, being faithful in the small things, even satisfied with the blessings in your life up to this point. God is coming to where you’re at to tell you there is something more, something greater.

You know it’s true. 

You have felt deep down inside that God has destined you for something great.  You have had inklings and thoughts and dreams.  You’ve made some headway, and even had some sense of success, yet no big breakthroughs, so you’ve plodded on.

Now you are faced with either stepping forward into what God has, or remaining in the safe, well-worn, trusted place you’ve been in.

It’s either or.  Drastic.  Final.  No plan B. 

There will always be that temptation to long for the good ol’ days.  To go back to the comfort zones of the past.  You may even get good at rehearsing, “If all else fails, I could always go back to…”  But Jesus warns against this kind of thinking,


“No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

Staying where you are may not ruin your life, but worse, it will waste it.  To experience the amazingly great things that God has for your life, you must walk away from all dependencies, prior understandings, and all other things in your past, and head into the amazingly great things that God has for your life.

Paul put it this way,


“…forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13-14)

Needless Trouble

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I heard of a man named Herbert Jackson who, as a new missionary, was assigned a car that would only start with a push. After pondering his problem, Jackson devised a plan. He went to the school near his home and got permission to take some children out of class, and he had them push his car off to bump start it.  As he made his rounds, he would either park on a hill or leave the engine running. He used this ingenious procedure for two years.

Poor health forced Jackson to leave the mission field (he probably wore himself out pushing the car everywhere) and a new missionary came to replace him. When Jackson proudly began to explain his arrangement for getting the car started, the new man began looking under the hood. Before the explanation was complete, the new missionary interrupted, “Why, Dr. Jackson, I believe the only trouble is this loose cable.” He gave the cable a twist, stepped into the car, pushed the switch, and to Jackson’s astonishment, the engine roared to life.

For two years needless trouble had become routine. The power was there all the time. Only a loose connection kept Jackson from putting that power to work.

J. B. Phillips paraphrases Ephesians 1:19,


“How tremendous is the power available to us who believe in God.”

It’s one thing to know the saving power of Jesus, and it’s another thing to have His saving power flowing through us.  The Holy Spirit is the decided difference in making us stronger in our walk for the Lord and in making us more effective witnesses.

Let the Lord check under your hood…before you wear yourself out.