Confronted by uncertainty and pressing needs all around us, I decided to lead a Facebook Live prayer session yesterday. Inspired by Craig Groeschel’s Dangerous Prayers, I quoted several biblical prayers he lists at the back of his book. While the world has hit “Pause,” we paused for prayer. As I shared the Scriptures, dozens among the 320 who joined us wrote their prayer requests in the Comments section so all of us could pray about their needs.
Read MoreI was wrecked within the first 10 pages.
I’d received a prepublication copy of Craig Groeschel’s latest book, Dangerous Prayers: Because Following Jesus Was Never Meant to Be Safe. As founder and leader of the revolutionary multisite Life.Church and presider over the international presence of Life.Church Online, he deserves a hearing. So I expected to appreciate his book.
But I didn’t expect to be undone by it. I didn’t expect it to lead me to deep repentance about the wrong ways I’ve led in every sphere of influence: with my family, with our staff, and yes, with our church. I didn’t expect to learn why I must be more intentional about the types of things I pray for. I didn’t expect to realize that my inadequate prayers have gotten in the way of people coming to know Jesus.
Anything I’d write here wouldn’t do the book justice. You must read it for yourself. And, besides, my purpose isn’t to post a book review. Instead, I want to tell you about the three prayers Groeschel challenges us to pray. And I want to explain how those prayers are changing me.
Read MoreMy daughter turns 16 in May, and no, she is not dating…yet.
I have realized again that she will have a first date. And I remembered a list my friend Chris Roussin shared with me earlier this spring.
Chris has ministered with Lincoln Heights Christian Church in Phoenix, Arizona, since 2010. It’s an old church (started in 1885) with new growth, but Chris’s list wasn’t about that.
He shared five P’s he discussed with the guy who took his daughter on her first date. I love his list! In fact, I’m ready to deliver all five P’s to my daughter’s first date, too. The more I think about each point, the more I know what I want to say under each one.
Read MoreClemson University broke a 29-game winning streak with its loss against Louisiana State at the College Football Playoff National Championship January 13. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney was gracious after the game, even while admitting how difficult it was to lose. “We’re all hurt, we’re all disappointed,” he said. “But we’re not defined by that. I’m incredibly thankful for our team. Such a special group of people.”
His spirit reflects an attitude and an outlook that will serve any leader well. In fact, every Christian can take courage that today’s disappointment need not define of our whole life or future.
Read MoreI spent 6 hours on a mountain in the desert with our elders a couple weeks ago, and I’ll never forget what we experienced—and what we learned. We were on retreat outside Phoenix, Arizona, led by Mark Moore. The hike was our main Saturday activity. It took us on a rocky path with crags and switchbacks and a 1,617-foot elevation gain. It wasn’t easy. But it was very good, not only because it built a bond among our leaders, but also because it showed us some valuable leadership lessons. I want to share four of them here.
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