Do you know Jesus' first recorded miracle?Yep, turning water into wine.  John 2:1-12What happens?Wine runs out at a wedding party.  Jesus tells the servers to fill 6 large clay jars with water clear to the brim.  Each jar holds about 25 gallons.  The servers did as Jesus said. (These rather common jars were used forContinue reading "This party is way, way bigger than you think"

In my view, here is one of the most important verses in the Bible if we are serious about living in relationship with each other ...James 5:16 English Standard Version (ESV)16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has greatContinue reading "Are we serious about healing? … Here is one of the most vital parts!"

[This religion column appears in section B-3 of today's (2/03/13) Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette.  Currently, the paper does not include their local columnists pieces on their website.  With their permission, here it is.] -----        At my dad’s 80th birthday party a few years ago on a cold January day, more than 100 friends gathered to wishContinue reading "Put these 4 in your pocket … believe me, you’ll need them!"

Marching through Luke's Gospel in my morning reading, I got stopped cold in my tracks this morning.  It happened about 5am as I read Luke 22:54-62 in the English Standard Version...-----54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance. 55 And when theyContinue reading "Dare you to insert your own name"

Working with pastors and leaders, I see things.  Do I ever.  Such as: * People being jealous of them.  Sometimes they are.  Well, don't be.  I got stories.  Let me tell you.* People thinking they don’t blow it.  Have you ever met a human who didn't blow it?  Come one.  Everybody blows it.  In caseContinue reading "Be careful about putting your leaders on a high pedestal"

The front of Kyle and Ellen Benefield's houseHere are a couple more pictures from my trip to Mazatlan, Mexico, in Mid-January, where I visited Kyle, Ellen, Ethan and August Benefield.  Benefields have lived in Mazatlan five-and-a-half years ... This was my 6th trip to Mazatlan.Looking from the Benefield driveway to the bus stop about aContinue reading "Visiting Mazatlan, Mexico (a few more pics!)"

Dave Jacobs (davejacobs.net) coaches pastors. The man knows how to ask great questions, regardless of what you do.  Like these 10 to ask yourself before implementing change:What problem am I hoping this change will address?Am I sure that the above problem is the real problem and not merely a symptom of the real problem?Why doContinue reading "Thinking about changing something?"