Tag: Faith

God’s Not Done with You, Yet

You stand ready to welcome the journey of self-improvement. You aspire to be not only a better husband and father but also an inspiring grandfather. You’re determined to fill this season of your life with wisdom, purpose, and thoughtful direction.

You are a remarkable work in progress.

Every man undergoes this journey, though not all choose to embrace the evolution that comes with it. Some may cling tightly to the past, feeling the echoes of their glory days in high school, forever trapped in a time when life felt simpler. They resist growth, unaware of the incredible potential that lies ahead. But that’s not your story.

You stand ready to welcome the journey of self-improvement. You aspire to be not only a better husband and father but also an inspiring grandfather. You’re determined to fill this season of your life with wisdom, purpose, and thoughtful direction. It’s true that you may have stumbled in the past—welcome to life! What lies ahead is a chance to rise stronger, wiser, and more fulfilled.

This is your moment. You are prepared to do the hard work of reinvention, to breathe life into dreams that may have been put on hold. You refuse to let regret shape your future. Instead, you want to command the respect of your wife, earn the admiration of your adult children, and transform your work into a mission that resonates with significance and joy.

That’s why I have developed the Rebound Process: to help men like you thrive as they navigate the second half of life. If you’re a Christian man over 50 seeking more fulfillment in this next chapter, let’s connect. Together, we’ll craft a clear mission that reflects your deepest values and establish a roadmap of actionable steps to get you there.

Time waits for no one, and as we look ahead, let’s make 2026 a remarkable turning point. Don’t just hope for a better future—let’s create it together! Reach out to me, and let’s embark on this transformative journey. Your best days are yet to come!

Should Christians Observe Halloween?

Each year, when the leaves turn and fall to the ground, as the days grow shorter and the winds begin to howl, I am asked the same question: Should Christians observe Halloween? Indeed, this is a serious question from well-meaning, faithful people, not to be taken lightly.

This blog is dedicated to helping men follow Jesus, but today’s post is designed to reach a broader audience while also equipping men to discuss this topic with their families and friends.

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Each year, when the leaves turn and fall to the ground, as the days grow shorter and the winds begin to howl, I am asked the same question: Should Christians observe Halloween? Indeed, this is a serious question from well-meaning, faithful people, not to be taken lightly. While I have written on this subject before, it’s appropriate to revisit the question from a historical and theological perspective, particularly as American culture drifts further from its Christian memory.

The Origins of Halloween

Is Halloween a continuation of the pagan festival, Samhain (SOW-in)? Marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new year, the ancient Celts observed this festival to welcome the dark half of the year.

The ancient Celts believed that during this season, the…veil between the seen and unseen realms became thin. Because of this thinning, the spirits could easily cross between the realms and enter our world. For this reason, the Celts would offer up food and drink to the spirits, and occasionally an animal sacrifice to appease them as well. It was also believed that the souls of the departed would revisit their homes seeking hospitality.[1]

I think we’d be hard-pressed, in our American culture, to see Christians (even spiritually immature Christians) making animal sacrifices or welcoming departed spirits into their homes. So, what are the origins of Halloween?

“Halloween” is simply a contraction for All Hallows’ Eve. The word “hallow” means “saint,” in that “hallow” is just an alternative form of the word “holy” (“hallowed be Thy name”). All Saints’ Day is November 1. It is the celebration of the victory of the saints in union with Christ. The observance of various celebrations of All Saints arose in the late 300s, and these were united and fixed on November 1 in the late 700s. The origin of All Saints Day and of All Saints Eve in Mediterranean Christianity had nothing to do with Celtic Druidism or the Church’s fight against Druidism…[2]

Halloween has always been distinctively Christian. Since the earliest days of the Christian movement, the Church has sought to bring all things under the lordship of Jesus. “The way Christianity has done this is through the paradigm of bless, baptize, or burn.”[3] When the missional church encountered a pagan ritual that could be redeemed for Jesus, it baptized and accepted it. So, if missionaries did encounter Samhain, they chose to redeem it for the gospel.

Consequently, the church saw the birth of All Saints Day, and its Eve (All Hallows’ Eve). “The Biblical day begins in the preceding evening, and thus in the Church calendar, the eve of the day is the actual beginning of the festive day (i.e., Christmas Eve). All Saints Eve precedes All Saints Day.”[4] On All Saints Day, the Church remembers Christians who have recently died and joined the Church Triumphant.

Spiritual Implications

As a person who believes in the unseen realm and who has personally encountered its manifestation in the physical realm, I think the Church must consider the theological implications of observing All Hallows Eve and All Saints Day. The defeat of evil, Satanic powers, is associated with Halloween.

The Festival of All Saints reminds us that though Jesus has finished His work, we have not finished ours. He has struck the decisive blow, but we have the privilege of working in the mopping-up operation. Thus, century by century the Christian faith has rolled back the demonic realm of ignorance, fear, and superstition…The concept, as dramatized in Christian custom, is quite simple: On October 31, the demonic realm tries one last time to achieve victory, but is banished by the joy of the Kingdom.[5]

How is the demonic realm vanquished? Jordan suggests it is by mockery. “Satan’s great sin (and our great sin) is pride. Thus, to drive Satan from us we ridicule him…because he has lost the battle with Jesus and he no longer has power over us.”[6] Ancient Christian cathedrals included gargoyles with their tongues sticking out as a way to mock the defeated spiritual enemy. Martin Luther famously posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Chapel on Halloween to ridicule the devil’s schemes and initiate the Reformation of the Church. Additionally, the tradition of dressing children in costumes emerged as a way to celebrate the complete defeat of Satan by Jesus Christ. We have NO FEAR!

The mockery that occurs at Halloween is a mockery rooted in our union with Christ (Romans 5:1-5) and in what he has done. He has disarmed the rulers and principalities and has put them to shame, triumphing over them (Colossians 1:15-23). Because of our union with Him, we are participating…in a covenant mockery that is united to Christ.[7]

Should Christians Observe Halloween?

We now return to our main question. While you may want a clear answer, the truth is that it depends on your conscience. For many people, celebrating Halloween is not just about decorations, costumes, or candy. It reflects how Halloween is viewed in today’s American culture.

Unfortunately, many discussions about Halloween tend to judge those who celebrate it. Some Christians focus too much on the holiday’s negative sides and adopt a strict viewpoint.

We need to remember that most people—both Christians and non-Christians—who celebrate Halloween are not engaging in occult practices or worshipping demons. Families who take their kids trick-or-treating or go to fall parties are not looking for ghosts or playing with Ouija boards. For them, it is just a fun day centered around the fall season.

Regardless of our feelings about Halloween, we should avoid being judgmental. If we criticize others, we miss chances to connect with them and share the gospel. Halloween can open doors for conversation and outreach. For example, events like Trunk-or-Treat bring many families together and can be a way for Christians to connect with their communities.

That said, there are real concerns about the occult, and the church should be aware of it. The Bible warns against practices like necromancy, divination, and witchcraft. Jesus’ victory over evil is good news for those who fear spirits or get involved in the occult. Many modern pagans and Wiccans see Halloween as a special night when the barrier between the living and the dead is thin. Their rituals, which involve communicating with the dead, should concern believers because they go against God’s Word, unlike trick-or-treaters just looking for candy. Whether we choose to celebrate Halloween or not, we must remember that Jesus has already defeated evil—He is stronger than any demons or dark powers.

The Bible gives us guidance on how to view holidays. The Apostle Paul spoke about Christian freedom and offered guidance for observing holidays. He reminded the Roman believers that some saw meat sacrificed to idols as off-limits, while others did not. Some regarded certain days as more special than others. Instead of taking sides, Paul focused on the freedom we have in Christ, emphasizing that believers should aim to honor God and uplift others (Romans 14:5-6, 19). Those who felt comfortable eating meat sacrificed to idols could do so with a clear conscience but should also consider how their decisions would affect others. Ultimately, love for God and for fellow believers should come first.

Christians today can learn from this idea of freedom in Christ. We can choose to celebrate holidays or skip them; neither choice is better than the other. We shouldn’t force our choices on fellow believers. Those in the early church who felt they could eat meat offered to idols respected others who viewed the food as unclean (Romans 14:13-15).

Celebrating the joys and blessings of the season can honor God. We can appreciate the excitement of children dressing up and collecting candy from neighbors. Enjoying time with friends, picking and carving pumpkins, is also a blessing. Furthermore, Jesus’ victory over evil gives us many reasons to be thankful.

[1]Robinson, Josh. Re-enchanting Time: A Primer on How Christ’s Lordship Ren-enchants Time-Keeping. Haven Press. Cleveland, OH, 2025. Page 71.

[2] Mocking Christ’s Enemies: A Defense of Halloween. James B. Jordan. Mocking Christ’s Enemies: A Defense of Halloween – Gospel Spam

[3] Robinson. Page 78.

[4] Ibid. Page 74.

[5] Jordan.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Robinson. Page 77.

Reclaiming Masculinity: Image Bearers of God in the 21st Century

As image bearers, men are called to take responsibility for revealing God’s presence in every facet of society. This call reflects the created nature of men who, redeemed by Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit, are fulfilling their intended masculine purpose.

While Jesus was fully God, He was also fully human. His humanity was expressed in the masculine. Understanding who Jesus was as a man provides insight into how men can embody and demonstrate masculine characteristics as designed by God.

However, we will not begin with Jesus. Instead, we’ll start with Adam. The Genesis narrative describes “first things,” detailing God’s creative design as He brings order from chaos. This design includes people, specifically, both male and female, created as equal image bearers of God. Each sex reflects aspects of God’s nature and responsibilities in creation.

Adam, the first man, had a defined responsibility to work alongside God in creation. Before he could fulfill these responsibilities, it’s essential to recognize that Adam’s entire existence was a gift from God. Genesis 2:7 (NIV) states, “Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” This life-giving breath from God signifies that Adam’s life depended on the Creator’s life-giving action. This breath suggests Adam’s inheritance as a son of God and leads to his responsibilities in creation. Genesis chapter 2 highlights Adam’s role:

– His responsibilities were centered in a defined place – the Garden.

– He was tasked with working in and caring for the Garden.

– He was responsible for his obedience to God’s commands.

– He named the animals.

– He recognized Eve as part of himself.

– He committed himself to her.

Adam was clearly created by God for a purpose: to manage God’s creation on Earth, rule over it (by naming the animals), and nurture his relationships. All of this was intended to honor God, showing that Adam and Eve were image bearers of God in the Garden and on Earth.

However, we soon discover that this original order was disrupted by original sin. Adam failed to nurture his wife and his dominion over the Earth, choosing instead to rebel against God’s design. The rest of the narrative involves their banishment and the beginning of God’s redemptive story, culminating in the incarnation of Jesus.

In Romans 5:12-21, the Apostle Paul contrasts the roles of Adam and Jesus. Adam’s failure to fulfill his image-bearing role led to the “death” of all creation. In contrast, Jesus, through His “one righteous act” (5:18), brings justification, which has the potential to restore life to all creation. In essence, Jesus, as the image-bearer of God, succeeded where Adam failed.

This concept generally applies to the masculine role: you are an image bearer of God. While this applies to women as well—Genesis 1 reinforces this truth—men cannot evade this responsibility. The absence of men acting as image bearers of God in creation is a concerning reality in the 21st century. Many men shy away from conversations about God or Christianity. This avoidance may stem from the deep feminization of the church and Christianity, but such a circumstance is not an excuse.

As image bearers, men are called to take responsibility for revealing God’s presence in every facet of society and reclaiming the ground lost to the enemy. This call is not militant, nor does it adhere to Dominion Theology; it reflects the created nature of men who, redeemed by Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit, are fulfilling their intended masculine purpose.

Embracing Jesus’ way of masculinity begins with Christian men owning their identity as image bearers of God and influencing the direction of creation for the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom.

Your Boys Shall Be Kings

Boys need strong masculine influence, especially from their fathers. But, the truth is, most men must also acknowledge their lack of strong, influential fathers.

I’m republishing my article from a few years ago. I think it still resonates.

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There is a war on the masculine soul. Many boys are growing up with no real masculine influence. Gender confusion is rising. In many places (homes, offices, institutional churches), a Feminist worldview is blocking the male energy. Just within the last year or two, a father in Texas lost his lawsuit to keep his son’s mother from raising the boy as a female. Before we fully see the damage among men and boys in our Western culture, it may be another generation.

Boys need strong masculine influence, especially from their fathers. But, the truth is, most men must also acknowledge their lack of strong, influential fathers.

You may regret that your dad was absent from your development. You may have missed the relationship you saw other boys have with their dads. Maybe you wished that your dad threw a ball with you, listened to your questions about girls or cars, or cared about what you wanted to be when you grew up.

For some men, there is a dad-shaped hole in their lives. John Eldredge writes, “Every boy on his journey to becoming a man takes an arrow in the center of his heart, in the place of his strength. Because the wound is rarely discussed and rarely healed, every man carries a wound. And the wound is nearly always given by his father.”

During the early quarantine of the Covid pandemic, my youngest son took up skateboarding. He got pretty good. So for Christmas, he wanted a snowboard. I was hesitant. He’d never snowboarded before. He watched some YouTubers and thought it would be fun. I told him it was nothing like skateboarding. But he was determined.

So, he got a snowboard.

That weekend we hit the slopes. He hurried to the ski lift and rode it up a moderate hill. Until then, he had only practiced on a small hill in our yard. This slope was formidable for a beginner. He stepped onto his board and nudged to the edge of the mountain. As I watched from below, I saw him push off…and fall! Then I saw him get up, get his balance and go again. He fell. He fell just about all the way down the hill.

When he reached the bottom, I could see frustration and disappointment on his face. He had forgotten how long it took him to balance his skateboard and learn those techniques. I could see the disconnect in his eyes. “I can skate. Why isn’t it working on slopes?”

As he sat at the bottom of the hill, I knew this was an influential moment. So rather than an “I told you so,” I said, “Good try.” His response? “I think I’ll try a smaller hill.” I agreed. He boarded for two hours. Falling often. But encouraged frequently. “Bend your knees. Keep your head up. Give it another try.” By the following weekend, he was cruising! He returned to the hill that gave him his first defeat and boarded down without falling! He’s getting better.

What would have happened if I did say, “I told you so. You’ll never get this. Pack it in!” Those words would have been an arrow through his heart. He would live with a deep wound.

Masculinity is bestowed from one man to another. From a man to a boy. From a father to a son. A boy learns who he is and what he’s got from a man. He cannot learn it from a woman. He cannot learn it from other boys. The father must bless his son, conferring masculinity upon him. Then boys will become kings.

A sad reality is that many men are walking around trying to find the blessing their father never gave them. Men are looking for help, respect, and guidance – a picture of real masculinity – never given to them, thus crippling their growth from boyhood to manhood. You may be one of those men.

The curse can stop with you! You may be crippled, creeping through life without your father’s blessing. That hurts! It can be undone but will require focused work and significant mentoring by other men. But you must not pass this on to your sons. Stop the bleeding. Bless your boy.

How will you get this done? Here’s what’s always worked. Use this as a starting point.

  1. Time spent makes a world of difference. Looking back on my own life, I have few memories of time spent with my father.

Some of the most recent research suggests that the average dad spends seven minutes daily on focused attention. That’s not going to get it done! Absenteeism may cause your son to feel emotionally distressed, guilty, or sad. Over time, a lack of attention could lead your son into risky behavior.

  • Blaze some trails together. Share an adventure. Walking through the woods is bonding time well spent. In ancient cultures, there was the belief that a boy only becomes a man through ritual and effort. There is a story from one tribal tradition where the men take the boys away for initiation. They are taken away from their mothers and into the woods. When he returns, the mother pretends not to know her son and asks to be introduced to “this young man.” What a beautiful picture of passage from boyhood into manhood. The son moves from his mother’s world to his father’s world.
  • Show them how to be strong. My boys loved the wrestling matches on the living room floor when they were younger. They’d come and jump on me, hungering for a challenge and physical touch. They’d try and pin me down. As they got older (and stronger), it was arm wrestling. Boys love to test their strength.

Your strength will inspire them. They’ll care for themselves in the way they see you care for yourself. Your strength and confidence will inspire them.

  • Help them discover their purpose. We no longer have the gift of apprenticeship built into our culture. There were days when boys could learn a valuable craft that would produce a remarkable career. But boys still need help discovering their gifts and purpose.

We talk about this often in my house. We see the value not only in education but in living life with purpose, finding a way to do what you love pivoting when necessary. My boys have always been encouraged to try many new experiences. Sometimes their choices have surprised me, but I appreciate their willingness to try.

The war on the masculine soul is real. Boys and men are on the front line every day. We are in the battle whether we want to be or not.  Save your son and give him a fighting chance!

A boy will never be a man if his masculinity is stripped from him. The world is full of men who have never been initiated into manhood. Don’t miss the chance you have.

Today’s simple thought…

Men in the second half of life find themselves uniquely positioned to keep their integrity and model discipleship for younger followers of Jesus.

Let me know what you think.

The Role of Christian Men in Turbulent Times

Weak men allow hard times to persist. Strong men can turn the tide. You have scars—use them.

We find ourselves once again in a moment when the world feels unstable. G. Michael Hopf’s quote captures this reality: “Hard times create strong men; strong men create good times; good times create weak men; weak men create hard times.” For men who follow Jesus, this cycle is not just a pattern; it is a call to action. We have some potent examples.

Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, thrown in prison for years, yet climbed to second-in-command of Egypt. He turned betrayal and hardship into power. He stayed sharp, forgave, and seized every chance. He interpreted dreams that saved the region from famine. Pure resilience.

David, chased by King Saul like a fugitive, hiding in caves while dodging spears. He built an army from outcasts, waited out his time, and became Israel’s greatest king-poet, warrior, all from chaos. Patience and loyalty can turn a mess into legacy.

Then there’s you. You have experienced both prosperous and challenging times, raised families, and faced significant obstacles. Now, in these turbulent times, your role is to break the cycle of weakness and lead with purpose. Here’s how:

Forge Physical and Mental Strength

Hard times demand resilience. Strengthen your body to stay sharp. Physical discipline enhances mental clarity. It helps fend off the lethargy that saps your resolve. Mentally, anchor yourself in prayer. Jesus calls us to humility, not ego. Stay grounded to avoid the complacency that breeds weak men.

Lead Through Mentoring

Strong men contribute to good times by investing in other men. Take the time to mentor other men in your life. You will be surprised to discover how many men in your circle lack strong, godly influences. Share the hard-won lessons you have learned.

Strengthen Your Marriage

Turbulent times can test marriage vows. Weak men walk away; strong men commit even more. Love your wife as Christ loved the church—that means sacrifice love that builds her up. If you have children, work to reclaim family rituals. These practices create moments of joy and stability and counter cultural drift.

Build a Fortress  

You can’t stand alone. Confess your struggles with other men and pray together. The cycle Hopf describes can only be broken when men refuse to settle for complacency. Your strength now will help prevent even harder times in the future.

Break the Cycle

Hopf’s quote serves both as a warning and a challenge. Weak men allow hard times to persist. Strong men can turn the tide. You have scars—use them. In turbulent times, Christian men do not just endure; they lead, love, and rebuild.

Personal Well-Being for Ministry Leaders

Sustainable leadership isn’t just about doing more; it’s about protecting what truly matters and caring for yourself in the process.

In the demanding world of ministry, leaders often lose sight of their personal lives. They get caught up in their professional commitments. This blurring of boundaries can lead to exhaustion and diminished effectiveness, which is a heavy burden for anyone to bear. Establishing clear boundaries means setting specific limits on time, energy, and responsibilities. This practice is essential for maintaining personal well-being. It also enhances the ability to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Without these protective measures, the threat of burnout can loom large. It deeply affects individual leaders. It can also impact the entire congregation they serve.

This issue is not just theoretical; current statistics reveal a troubling reality. By 2025, it is estimated that 40% of pastors will be at high risk for burnout. This is a staggering increase of 400% from the 11% recorded in 2015. Additionally, 42% of pastors have seriously considered leaving ministry altogether, clearly illustrating the intense pressures they face. Loneliness can add to these challenges, with 65% of pastors reporting feelings of isolation, and 18% feeling this way frequently.

Studies from organizations like Barna and Lifeway highlight the unique vulnerabilities that ministry leaders experience. These vulnerabilities are often due to the expectation of being available around the clock. The emotional labor required in their roles also contributes to these challenges.

It’s essential to understand why boundaries are important. They prevent feelings of resentment. They offer opportunities for spiritual renewal. They create a model of healthy living for those around us. Jesus understood this necessity. He stepped away for prayer amidst the chaos of His ministry. We see this in Luke 5:16. His example shows that taking time for rest is not a sign of weakness. Instead, it is sacred. It is also an essential part of our life’s work.

To support leaders in establishing healthier practices, here’s a four-step Rebound plan that will resonate:

1. Assess and Define: Each week, carve out time to evaluate your schedule. Find your non-negotiables—be it family time, personal rest, or Sabbath moments—and communicate these openly. This transparency helps foster understanding and support.

2. Delegate and Prioritize: Acknowledge that it’s okay to share the load. Identify tasks that others can take on to free you up for your core calling. Tools like to-do lists can help clarify your priorities and keep you focused on what truly matters.

3. Practice Self-Care: Ensure you dedicate time each day to activities that nourish your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. You can do this through exercise, hobbies that bring you joy, or even seeking professional support. Consider finding a coach for accountability; it can make a significant difference.

4. Review and Adjust: At the end of each month, take a thoughtful moment. Reflect on what’s working. Consider what could be improved. Celebrate even the small wins, as they can help build momentum and motivate you to keep going.

By embracing these boundaries, ministry leaders can find paths to thrive, serving with renewed passion and purpose. Sustainable leadership isn’t just about doing more; it’s about protecting what truly matters and caring for yourself in the process. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Taking these steps can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling ministry experience.

Abundant Life is Found Out on the Water

Bread and water are the often joked about references to the food of the incarcerated.  But bread and water are two elements Jesus uses to show Peter the secret to a full and abundant life.

The story begins in Matthew 14.  The crowds have followed Jesus into a remote place.  The sun’s going down and everyone’s getting hungry.  The disciples want to send the crowds into town for dinner.  Jesus has another idea – “you give them something to eat.”  The reaction of the disciples is one that we would share if we were in their shoes, “We don’t have enough…”

  When faced with obvious need, “we don’t have enough…” is our usual response.  I’ve been guilty of that.  We don’t have enough time, money, people, money, time…you get the idea.  We’ve all been there and we’ve all uttered the same thing.  But I love what Jesus does in light of their scarcity.  Jesus says, “Bring them here to me.”  Bring me your resources.  Bring me what you do have.  Then Jesus does what only he can do.  He takes our limits and stretches them to meet the need.

This story is immediately followed by Peter walking on the water.  Coincidence?  I don’t think so.

Peter and the other disciples are in a boat struggling against the storm and waves.  They’re trying to get the other side of the lake to meet Jesus, but they’re stuck.  So Jesus comes to them, walking on the water.  Peter sees Jesus and wants to be where he is – out on the water.  But Peter let his water walking certification lapse.  So he says, “Jesus, if that’s you tell me to come to you on the water.”  If I were Peter, I’d want Jesus to respond with something like, “No. Don’t worry about it. Stay in the boat and I’ll come to you.  No need to get your feet wet.”  But he doesn’t.  Jesus’ response to Peter’s longing is simply – “Come.”

Now Peter has never walked on water but here’s what he has done: he has stepped out of a boat before.  He was a fisherman, after all.  He knows how to lift a leg over the side, set it down, and walk.  So Peter does what he knows how to do.  He gives Jesus what he already knows how to do.  And Jesus does, in those moments, what only Jesus can do.

I’m convinced that this is a life truth.  We give Jesus what we know how to do and Jesus takes it and does what only he can do!

Following Jesus is about being stretched.  Left to ourselves, we usually see what we can’t accomplish.  And that always limits the abundant life Jesus promises.  Jesus stretches our faith when he says, “Give me what you do have” and I’ll take it and do an amazing thing.  Abundant life is found out on the water – when we give Jesus what we know how to do and let him do with it what only he can do.

Last night I attended an event hosted by The Asservo Project (theasservoproject.org).  The Asservo Project, based out of Pittsburgh, exists to combat global human trafficking.  They are a David facing a Goliath.  Human trafficking is currently one of the world’s most profitable criminal enterprises.  There are 40 million victims globally.  At $150 billion annually, this criminal enterprise makes more money than Google, Apple, Yahoo, and Netflix combined.  Since 2010, human trafficking has grown 850%.  Trafficking and sexual slavery is real.  Open your eyes and it becomes so obvious.

This reality is so staggering I couldn’t help but think, “Jesus, we don’t have enough…”  That’s all I could think about on the way home.  How do you even make a dent?  And I kept going back to this story.  Jesus says, give me what you have/what you know how to do and I’ll do what only I can do.

So that’s my current next step.  But what about you?  You may not be passionate about ending human trafficking (I hope you will be) but there is something that you are passionate about.  There is something that God is calling you to and you’re first response is “I don’t have enough…time, education, money, fill in the blank.”

But here’s the spiritual truth.  The only way disciples grow is when they are stretched.  When they say, “Jesus, I hear you, and I don’t know how I will accomplish this but I will give you what I know how to do and I’ll let you do what only you can do.”

Abundant life is found out on the water…so get out of the boat.