Thoughts from Pastor Steven

Archive for August, 2008

Don’t overcook your sermon

Friday, August 29th, 2008

I’m honored that lots of pastors all over the world read this blog. And as another weekend of preaching and teaching quickly approaches, I thought I’d pass along to Senior Pastors everywhere something one of my friends and mentors shared with me.
Craig Groeschel recently challenged me to stop overcooking my sermons.
This doesn’t mean study [...]

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Halfway home

Thursday, August 28th, 2008

Today marks the halfway point of our 21 day Daniel Fast.  Along with each day that we’re fasting, we’re reading one chapter in the book of John.  Since today is day 11, we’re reading John 11.  It just so happens that my sermon this week comes from John 11, too.  So throughout the day, the [...]

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God orders my steps

Wednesday, August 27th, 2008

The Bible says that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.
That’s a great verse.  A powerful promise.
And it’s even more powerful in its context.
Because the verse right after it continues:
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;
For the Lord upholds him with His hand.
(Psalm 37:23-24)
I’ve been encouraged many times [...]

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Discernment vs. paranoia

Tuesday, August 26th, 2008

There’s a fine line between discernment and paranoia.  Where exactly is the line?
If you sense that someone in your life is lying to you, and you don’t have proof of it, but you just feel it, how can you know whether it’s discernment or paranoia?
What if a pastor begins to sense that someone’s loyalty to [...]

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