Category

#Influence

Matt 0
7
#Influence
November 3, 2014

On the Shoulders of Giants

Legend has it that in the 12th century Bernard of Chartres first used the metaphor of dwarves standing on the shoulders of giants. The phrase described how we can see more than our predecessors, "not because we have keener vision or greater height, but because we are lifted up and borne aloft on their gigantic stature." (John of Salsbury in Metalogicon).…
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Jill 1
10
#Influence
October 29, 2014

My Thoughts on Starshine

Since childhood I've been fascinated by stars.  We used to live in Northern Minnesota, far from any lights from town, and the stars shone so clear and bright. When I was four I used to think stars looked like sparkling eyes staring back at me.  The first time I remember seeing a shooting star was on the deck of a…
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Matt 0
7
#Influence
September 25, 2014

Of Cows and Cattle

There's been something I've been requesting from God for some time. I won't personally divulge this request's identity, but I do consider it a rather large favor. I've been specific. I've been persistent. I've been expectant. Still I seemingly have not seen an answer. Then yesterday on my way to film a school assembly on Highway 252 I had a revelation.…
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Matt 1
11
#Influence
May 5, 2014

Growth

Last year early one morning, I ventured out of our room to peek into Elliot's room and found him curled up on the floor with his favorite blanket. It had been one of his first nights in a twin bed. Apparently the floor felt more like his crib. As I picked him up and put him back in his new bed, I couldn't help but think,…
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Matt 2
11
#Influence
May 1, 2014

A Blessing for the Meek

"Let's be honest" tends to be a convenient precursor to rudeness, negativity and gossip rather than life-giving direction or affirmation. Those who abuse "honesty" have owned that word for far too long. It's time for the meek to take it back. A pastor once told me that meekness isn't weakness; it's power withheld or power under control. In other words,…
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Matt 0
11
#Influence
April 30, 2014

In His Image

The essence of who we are begins and ends in Christ. The Bible makes it clear that purpose and destiny are wired into human beings from the earliest stages of life. Even though we are born into separation precipitated by sin, God's fingerprints and the evidence of His design are all over us. The love of God expressed in Creation and epitomized…
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Matt 0
8
#Film#Influence
April 17, 2014

Pastor David Jones

If you've ever attended North Central University in Minneapolis, then you are familiar with the name T.J. Jones. (more…)
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Matt 0
2
#Film#Influence
April 16, 2014

You Can’t Change the World

It turns out we've been using the incorrect pronouns all these years.  There's no one to blame. It's simply been lost in the maze of an individualistic culture and personal faith. While trumpeting the triumphs of the individual, we've failed to notice the accompanying orchestra, missing the forest for the trees, fixing our gaze on the "I's" instead of "We's".…
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Matt 2
11
#Influence
March 8, 2014

Our Calling

A couple of weeks ago I wrote a post related to my calling (as a prelude to this post.) My experience really got me thinking about what we understand a calling to be. (more…)
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Matt 3
10
#Influence#Life
February 15, 2014

My Calling

There are moments in life long forgotten yet their impact is never-ending. It was just a few words, and I'm guessing the missionary who spoke them would hardly remember them today. (more…)
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Matt 0
10
#Influence#Life
December 27, 2013

29plans 2014

For the past year I've been working on a Bible reading plan and I now have it finished in time to share for 2014. I was inspired by the simplicity of the First Steps SOAP reading plan which I promoted as a youth pastor a couple years ago. I'm personally not a fan of reading the Bible in large chunks…
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Matt 1
9
#Influence
December 3, 2013

Hate, Love, God, Family, Ministry

I recently heard a message in a church on Luke 14:26 where Jesus uses the word "hate" in a unique way to illustrate the cost of being a disciple: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.." Most modern interpretations…
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Matt 2
5
#Influence
November 8, 2013

Beyond the Headline

Here's a challenge for you: Look beyond the headline of the day from your favorite news station, paper, or website and try to find the obscure stories. As part of my Twenty-Nine Bible reading endeavor, I try to find something that's happening from around the globe for a prayer focus once a week. I've been blown away how many times…
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Matt 0
3
#Influence
November 3, 2013

I Believe You

I follow it irregularly, usually watching the first and last few episodes of each season, but I'm a huge fan of The Voice. It's a show that has set itself apart from others in the same genre. It's original and genuine, much like its judges.  Their unscripted and spontaneous interactions make the show what it is. They are amicable with each…
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Matt 1
4
#Influence#StuMin
October 8, 2013

Student Ministry Shirts

Props to Jarvis Glanzer for this "band tour" shirt idea.  We released a youth group shirt in conjunction with our school year beginning in September.  The design is done in house in August when our calendar is finalized. The front is our standard tribute to nickname/brand (freeks).  The back is our annual "Tour" including all of our event dates and…
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Jill 0
2
#Influence#Life
February 2, 2013

The Hilarity of Death

I sometimes imagine poor Death saying, "I can't be funny for the life of me!"  Don't underestimate death.  It can apparently be hilarious. (more…)
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Matt 0
3
#Influence
December 25, 2012

Wise Men Still Obey Him

Christmas is a time of wonder, reflection, and revelation. Every time the tale of the beginning of Christ's life is revisited, there are always new truths to discover. (more…)
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Matt 0
1
#Influence
November 6, 2012

Kingdom of Christ(ians)

You can search this site or my thousands of tweets and Facebook updates, but you'll have a hard time finding any posts on politics. (more…)
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Matt 0
2
#Influence#StuMin
September 5, 2012

Live Dead

Last year I heard about the Live Dead initiative in East Africa from a friends and purchased their 30 day Journal on Amazon.com.  (more…)
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