People say funny things and in strange ways. I remember a saying my mom would say, "Whatever suits your fancy." This meant I could make my own choice in the given matter. Every generation has new expressions. Children of the 1960s might say, Groovy or Right on, Daddy-o. In the 1980s, we started calling something … Continue reading Whatever Suits Your Fancy
Let the one with ears, hear.
Good Americans must start by recognizing freedom and independence are two different things.
Shells Along the Shore 1/30/19
I walked along the beach and noticed Shells along the Shore Some broken, some whole Some colorful, Some plainWe notice shells along the shoreSome broken, some wholeSome colorful, some plainWe choose to collect, we choose to ignoreThose shells along the shoreEvery shell has a storyOf the life they once conta inedSome broken, whome wholeSome colorful, … Continue reading Shells Along the Shore 1/30/19
IT IS TIME TO PROVE GOD
At New Hope we have been journeying through “The Story,” a chronological approach to the Bible. It has been wonderful to see how God is building us line upon line and precept upon precept. I love the way we are gaining a view of the big picture of how God works through history. At the … Continue reading IT IS TIME TO PROVE GOD
Breaking the Silence
2012 another chapter in The Story. In October of 2011 New Hope Church began its journey through The Story, a journey through the Bible in story form. Thus far it has been a great trip. I am getting regular reports of the great impact this is having as people get a perspective on their story … Continue reading Breaking the Silence
Willing and Able To Redeem
At New Hope Church we have been journeying through The Story, a 31 chapter book that organizes the Bible into chronological form. I have been loving walking through the epic of God's love in redeeming a people for His glory. This last week we we looked at the story of Ruth, a Moabite who lost … Continue reading Willing and Able To Redeem
When a brother is caught in a sin…
The news came. I couldn't believe it. I made another call and it was confirmed. A brother, a hero to my kids was arrested. It had already hit the newspapers and now it hit me like the proverbial ton of bricks. Stunned and sick to my stomach, I began to ask the typical questions: What … Continue reading When a brother is caught in a sin…
What I Like About the Church
There are many critics about the Church. But I have been encouraged and challenged about what God is doing and what He will do in the Church. I remember Jesus saying He would build His church. That is comforting. He will not fail. Where I get lost, and maybe you do too, is when I … Continue reading What I Like About the Church
O Little Town of Bethlehem
I made my first trip to Bethlehem, the lyrical town that filled my Christmas imagination. After visiting The Church of the Nativity I was met with the reality of life that faces Palestinians every day. The place where the Prince of Peace was born is plagued with the wall. The Christmas Card picture in my … Continue reading O Little Town of Bethlehem
The Temple
Today we made our way into the Old City of Jerusalem. We entered through Tanner's Gate and passed by the Western Wall on our way into the Muslim quarter and where the Dome of the Rock is and where the Holy of Holies stood until it's destruction in 70 A.D. The people pray at the … Continue reading The Temple
Transfiguration
Tonight I sit on the shores of the Sea of Galilee watching the reflections of the full moon across the waves, the gentle breeze refreshes my soul. We are staying at a guest house just north between Tiberius and Capernum. Today we set out early from Amman crossed the border into Israel bidding our guide … Continue reading Transfiguration
The Lowest Place on Earth.
I was skeptical when I heard that we were going to the place where Jesus was baptized. However, as I traveled down the path in silence a hush came … Continue reading The Lowest Place on Earth.
John The Baptist Spring
Today I walked where the prophets walked. The bus trip from our hotel in Amman to the Jordan River took us on a descent to the Jordan Valley. As we descended the mountain we could see the Dead Sea, the mountains surrounding the east side of Jerusalem and the city of Jericho. We traveled to … Continue reading John The Baptist Spring
Essau, Moses, Aaron and Indiana Jones?
Today we set out from Amman Jordan to Petras. We took the 'King's Highway' south about 300 km. Petras is an ancient city built in 6th Century BC. There is one way in through the canyon and one way out. We hiked down, rather than riding a horse, donkey, camel or carriage. I must admit … Continue reading Essau, Moses, Aaron and Indiana Jones?
Walls
Sunday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. I boarded the plane for the first leg of my trip to Israel. 24 hours later I arrived at my destination, Amman Jordan. We arrived in Tel Aviv and then bussed to Jordan. The bus trip started north out of Tel Aviv. We skirted the West Bank and then headed … Continue reading Walls
28 Days
Admittedly I am not normal. Some say strange, some say goofy, I prefer the term unique. Please do not use my experience as any kind of template on how God works. I just know that He is alive and at work in my life. And sometimes He talks to me. Well, He speaks much more … Continue reading 28 Days
Invisible Barrier
Monday evening I was sitting on my patio, enjoying the beautiful South Florida weather, when I looked up I saw our little dog Chewie. He had climbed up on the dining room table. Margot had several of her precious tea cups and tea pots sitting out. I was concerned that Chewie would knock one off … Continue reading Invisible Barrier
Fullback
I love watching football. One of the things I love to see is a well crafted running play when the full back goes into the hole first taking on the linebacker. A good fullback will blow up the linebacker and the running back follows often breaking into the clear for a big gainer or touch … Continue reading Fullback
Vision
You don't go very far without vision. Vision is leadership 101. "Without a vision people are out of control." Can God lead you without a vision? Just over two years ago God began to speak to my heart about leaving a great church where I was happy and content to go to another place that … Continue reading Vision
I Dare You To Love Actively
I had a great time today on facebook. I posed a question and a wonderful conversation ensued. FYI Gina lives in Somonauk, IL, Colleene lives in Independence, Mo, Tamie lives in KCMO and Tara in South Florida. They all have been a part of different churches and I don't think they have ever met each … Continue reading I Dare You To Love Actively
“I love it when a plan comes together.”
Remember the A Team? You know with Mr T, Face, and Hanibal... Then there were the bullets that flew around but never hit anyone. Well there was a famous quote from the series: "I love it when a plan comes together." I echo that statement today. I try to follow the plans that God has. … Continue reading “I love it when a plan comes together.”
becoming: communal
We have been working through a series at New Hope called becoming. I borrowed the theme and the graphic from friends at The Orchard. There are so many great things that are found when you just begin to journey through the thoughts of what God is working on making us to become. This weekends talk … Continue reading becoming: communal
Wisdom Calls
I love the Proverb that talks about wisdom crying forth from the streets. There is wisdom to gain everywhere. But it starts with 'fearing the Lord'. The key is to be teachable. I am asking God to continue to give me a teachable heart. Years ago I was a young twenty something. I met a … Continue reading Wisdom Calls
New Years Reflection
This has been a great and busy holiday season. Sandy and Kevin Berge, dear friends from Illinois, traveled to Florida to surprise Margot. It was so fun to see Margot's response when her best friend showed up at her door. We have enjoyed the Ft Lauderdale water taxi's, Hollywood Beach, Bread Pudding, but most of … Continue reading New Years Reflection
Choose #3
These are the notes from the third week in the choose series. Again I want to give credit to Gregory Boyd for the content. I have gleaned much from his book. More of the notes should be in quotes as it is a direct quote from time to time. For God knows that when … Continue reading Choose #3
Choose #2
God, desiring a loving relationship with men and women gave them the precious ability to choose. It is only as that choice is made that men and women can love and trust God. This eternal choice first made in the Garden of Eden is more fundamental than the choice between good and evil. … Continue reading Choose #2
Choose #1
This is the first of three parts to a recent series I shared at New Hope. I used a great deal from Gregory Boyd's book in this series. I do not agree with Boyd on his open theism stance but this book is very compelling. God is pro choice?!? It is an interesting thought … Continue reading Choose #1
lead, follow AND get out of the way
We've all heard the saying lead, follow OR get out of the way, but we should actually do all of the above. Leading people to a place where they have never been before is a great challenge and reward. There is nothing like seeing a person come alive in the new arena of opportunity that … Continue reading lead, follow AND get out of the way
To Love and To Lead
My father, Reg Larson taught me long ago the importance of a husband filling his God-given role. This is to love and to lead. My dad taught that as a man loves and leads his wife the wife then will respect and respond to here husband. The result is the husband fills significant and the … Continue reading To Love and To Lead
Sandwich to Southwest Ranches
After 18 months I have been hanging out in Sandwich. I have been asked, why would you vacation in Sandwich this time of year? It is cold. It is gray. I am writing this from Panera in Yorkville. Why? free internet access and a fire place. Well when you live in a beautiful place where … Continue reading Sandwich to Southwest Ranches
WWJD or HWJV
Many have seen the WWJD bracelets and other Christian paraphernalia. What Would Jesus Do? The question I have in the highly animated political season is How Would Jesus Vote? There are many in my life that are politically engaged. Truthfully I would be much more expressive of my own political ideas but I have been … Continue reading WWJD or HWJV
Measuring Up
Levi, my son will turn 14 tomorrow. This year he has shot up and his voice has changed. It is really fun to watch a boy become a man. Puberty is more fun to watch than experience for sure. Lately I have noticed Levi coming up and standing shoulder to shoulder with me. He will … Continue reading Measuring Up
Ultimate Impact
Last evening Margot (my beautiful wife) and I were enjoying a carmel frap at Starbucks. Heavenly weather in South Florida impressed us to sit enjoy the time on the sidewalk cafe. I shared with Margot how much I enjoyed spending time with young people (college aged). First of all it so so strange to refer … Continue reading Ultimate Impact
“SPUR” October 12th’s talk at New Hope
Hebrews 10:22-25 (The Message) 22–25 So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but … Continue reading “SPUR” October 12th’s talk at New Hope
spur
I just want to say that I am impressed, challenged, and blown away by what is happening with some friends of mine. People (fairly normal people) are taking big risk to love and care. Caring is a risk it may cost you everything. My deepest congrats go to Troy and Shari Tvrdik as they prep … Continue reading spur
VELCRO TALK
Life is about the connections we make. In fact I believe one doesn’t really experience the fullness of life until we are connected. John 15:4-8 (The Message) 4 “Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but … Continue reading VELCRO TALK
Gecko Created to connect
Margot and I were watching something on the Discovery Channel the other night about Gecko's. It was on the show weird connections. Anyway scientist were finding out what made these amazing little creatures able to climb upside down and stick to stuff. They were 'created to connect'. Come to find out it is because they … Continue reading Gecko Created to connect
RELEVANT
I was reading a friends (Scott Hodg)e blog and ran on a little bit of a rabbit trail yesterday. Scott leads THE ORCHARD in Aurora, IL. Check out his web http://www.orchardvalleyonline.com. Anyway besides seeing Scott's usual creative and insightful bursts the simple word relevant popped into my thinking. I began to ask myself if I wa … Continue reading RELEVANT
THE GAP
I am not thinking about the clothing store but rather the Gap that sometimes arises in relationships. After moving to Florida there has been a geographical gap between myself, friends and family. Email and the like helps to overcome that, but it is intersting as time goes how life is just different here in Florida. … Continue reading THE GAP
ONE.1
There is power in numbers. Often we think that the more the better. In the coming weeks I want to encourage you to know the power of 1. I pray that we will gain a focus. Sometimes we lose our focus because we have so many things that are trying to … Continue reading ONE.1
Why Am I discouraged?
Discouragement can come out of nowhere. Everything is going well, and battles are being won when feelings of doubt and discouragement invade. Psalm 42 and 43 ask this question three times: "Why am I discouraged?" It sounds a little more spiritual in other translations, Why so downcast oh my soul?" Thoughts and discouragement can overwhelm … Continue reading Why Am I discouraged?
jesus whispers
What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear! (Mt 10:27b NLT). I want to be close enough to Jesus to listen to his whispers. Life is full of distractions. So many things fight for our attention. And there is an epidemic of spiritual A.D.D. We must work hard to … Continue reading jesus whispers
Get away with jesus
Mark 6:30–33 (NLT) Jesus Feeds Five Thousand 30 The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. 31 Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and … Continue reading Get away with jesus
Fixin’ – Fixers & goodness
Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it. (Eph 5:10) MSG
Every Word
But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4 NLT). God loves you enough to make sure you understand the source of life. After Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit led him into the wilderness, where … Continue reading Every Word
Settled
Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, when we refocus our attention on Jesus's life, leading to Passion Week. The Baptism of Jesus 13 Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be … Continue reading Settled
Refocus
New season, fresh outlook I grew up in a Pentecostal/Charismatic church in the Assemblies of God. My Catholic friends talked about giving up something for Lent, but I didn't really understand or think about the church's liturgical practices for many years of following Jesus. A few years back, I began to incorporate some liturgical traditions … Continue reading Refocus
Station Six ESPAÑOL
ESTACIÓN SEIS: COMUNIÓN 1 Corintios 11:23-26 NVIYo recibí del Señor lo mismo que les transmití a ustedes: Que el Señor Jesús, la noche en que fue traicionado, tomó pan, y, después de dar gracias, lo partió y dijo: "Este pan es mi cuerpo, que por ustedes entrego ; hagan esto en memoria de mí. " De … Continue reading Station Six ESPAÑOL
Station 5 ESPAÑOL
ESTACIÓN CINCO: CLAVANDO EN LA CRUZ Lucas 23:33Cuando llegaron al lugar llamado la Calavera, lo crucificaron allí, junto con los criminales, uno a su derecha y otro a su izquierda. La mayor muestra pública de afecto tuvo lugar hace mucho tiempo, en una cruz llamada Calvario ... Jesús se sometió a la voluntad de su … Continue reading Station 5 ESPAÑOL
New Hope 