Tuesday, November 8, 2011

From the Prestonwood Pulpit to the World


When we started PowerPoint Ministries 17 years ago, we wanted to take the uncompromising message of the Gospel to the world. We have been blessed to witness the hand of God on this ministry. Through radio, television or the Internet, PowerPoint is seen or heard by millions worldwide, airing in more than 80 countries. Whether I am preaching this message of hope for our church family or beyond the walls of Prestonwood ... it has been and forever will be the greatest privilege of my life.

I wanted to share with you a video celebrating our 17 years in ministry. Thank you for supporting PowerPoint Ministries.



Tuesday, October 11, 2011

RANGERS ON A ROLL...

As I tweeted last night after the Rangers beat the Tigers with a Nellie Cruz walk-off grand slam, this was the best game I have ever been to! What an incredible group of guys ... and one of them is our own David Murphy. I interviewed David just before Spring Training. I thought you'd like to have a listen...




Monday, October 3, 2011

We can't save everybody, but with the power of the Gospel, we can save somebody...



You must watch this powerful testimony
how a choir lady led a Stabucks girl to Christ.



Thursday, September 15, 2011

INVISIBLE: THERE'S MORE TO LIFE THAN WHAT YOU SEE


I'm looking forward to beginning this new series this weekend. Check out this video.... And make plans to join us at one of our three campuses.



Wednesday, August 24, 2011

DALLAS CAMPUS — THE BEST IS YET



Our Dallas Campus began last Sunday with more than 2,300 in attendance. We dreamed, prayed, worked, invited, and God blessed. The joy of unleashing this new beginning is off the charts!

Once again we say: Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. —Ephesians 3:20-21

The best is yet ...

Friday, August 19, 2011

PRESTONWOOD DALLAS CAMPUS LAUNCHES ON SUNDAY

(A cross resembling the one on our pulpit graces the Worship Center entrance.)


This Sunday we’ll celebrate the Inaugural Service of the Prestonwood Dallas Campus!


This marks yet another milestone in the history of our church. Prestonwood has always existed to share the Gospel with those in our neighborhoods, in our country and in the outermost parts of the world. Just this summer, more than 1,000 of our church members ministered in places ranging from San Antonio and Boston to Sudan and Brazil.

But on Sunday at the Dallas Campus, our focus will be on the North Dallas community—where one million people live within a 10-mile radius. What an incredible opportunity we have been given to share the love of Christ in the community where our church was birthed 34 years ago.

Our members have a heart for Dallas, and in returning to our roots, we want to provide for those who are unchurched or disengaged, a church they can call “home.”

Our journey to this point truly has been God-directed. We had prayed about one day returning to this community, and He provided. With a lot of hard work and prayer, we are going to do great things, expecting and knowing that God will do more than we could ask or think. At the Dallas Campus, we are going to make a difference to the glory of God.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

A VISIT TO THE BILLY GRAHAM LIBRARY




Deb and I visited the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C. last week. What an incredible experience! I was so taken by the quality of the facilities and the moving presentation of Billy’s life. Tears popped up immediately as we watched the early years of Billy’s conversion and call. Then came the Los Angeles Crusade of 1949 and soon after the world would hear the Gospel through this farm boy who grew up on a dairy farm. From those moments, we walked through the journey of the man who has preached to more people than anyone in the history of the Christian faith.

The library is not a museum but a mission to share Christ and the Good News. Walking through the library I thought about the first time I heard Billy. I was an 8-year-old boy living in a small town in Arkansas. My parents and I went to Little Rock to the 1959 Crusade. My parents went forward that day during the invitation to rededicate their lives and marriage to Christ. It was a powerful moment for me and I can still hear the refrain of Just As I Am reverberating through War Memorial Stadium.

I have always lov
ed Billy Graham. We are not related except in Christ, but he has always been a part of my life. I love him as a brother in Christ and a model of the faith.

One day Billy will be buried beside his beloved wife, Ruth, in a beautiful spot shaded by the trees at the library property. As Deb and I stood there, we held hands and I thanked God for Billy and Ruth and their influen
ce on millions—upon us. I left the library different than when I walked in. Humbled. Grateful. Energized to proclaim Christ.

Do yourself a huge favor and visit the Billy Graham Library as soon as you can. You will be forever glad you did.

Friday, August 5, 2011

"HARD FIGHTING SOLDIER" -- A TRIBUTE TO COACH MCLAIN

We celebrated the life of Coach Wade McLain yesterday. He lived life as a witness to the Lord, and in death, his life spoke volumes about the passion he had for his family, students, athletes, and most importantly, his God. Coach McLain was indeed a "Hard Fighting Soldier" for the Lord. The PCA Lions have sung this song after every game for nearly as long as we've had a football team. Yesterday, about 150 current team members and former players, led by Coach Chris Cunningham, honored Coach McLain's legacy with it.


Thursday, July 21, 2011

Shining A Light In San Francisco

I am so grateful for our High School Student Worship Ministry and for the work that God did through them in San Francisco last week. Check out this video. Powerful.


Tuesday, July 5, 2011

"PATRIOT PRAYERS" -- A MESSAGE



Have been hearing a lot about the message I preached on Sunday, “Patriot Prayers.” If you missed it, you can watch it here. You may also click here to download our Prestonwood iPhone app to receive the message on audio or video.

Please make it a priority to pray for our country every day.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

THE 6 "Rs" BEFORE 9 AM

Friday, June 24, 2011

PRESTONWOOD SUMMER CAMPS

Some of the most critical summer ministries we do at Prestonwood are the camps we hold for students. I just returned today from Panama Beach, Fla., where we had more than 500 students at High School Beach Camp.

I had the pleasure of preaching one evening and speaking at the baptism of nearly 40 students in the Gulf of Mexico. I was moved by the sight of the hundreds of studen
ts lined up along the shoreline witnessing the baptisms. More than 100 made decisions for Christ ... including 35 salvations and five commitments to full-time service. To God be the glory!

Our Student Ministry staff makes a quick stop at home and then heads to Carolina Creek for the Junior High Camp to lead 230 students at camp. And our Children's Ministry will be leading at Camp WOW. Over the next seven days, 530 second through
sixth graders will be ministered to at two separate camps in Stuart, Okla.

I am excited about the life-changing moments that will take place in the life of our students...I'm thankful for the ministry of our staff and volunteers...and I'm grateful for the heart of our church family to love and teach this next generation of leaders.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Dallas Campus Video Update

There’s so much happening with our Dallas Campus, and the excitement we’re seeing is incredible. We’re expecting a great turnout for our Core Group meeting this Sunday at 9:15 a.m. (Horner Center in the Upper School at Prestonwood Christian Academy). Here’s a video update about our third location.







I also thought you’d enjoy this great testimony from Kimberlee Walters-Sanders:

“I’m so excited about the new Dallas Campus! I started attending Prestonwood over 20 years ago when it was at the original site at Hillcrest and Arapaho. Still single then, I moved to north Carrollton and the new campus was only a few miles down the street, which was obviously awesome. In early 2000, I met my husband and he ‘urbanized’ me by moving us to the Lakewood area. Early in our marriage we still made our way north to worship at Prestonwood. Then, it started to get a little more challenging. Yes, children... That’s when we realized how challenging it was to make ‘that’ drive north for our Sunday morning worship at Prestonwood. Although I couldn’t fathom becoming a member anywhere else, we realized we needed to find another place to worship that was a little closer to our new parent chaos. We started ‘sprinkling in’ some Prestonwood to keep the connection but that was never enough... My family and I will be there the first Worship Service and I cannot be happier. I’m so excited to have you back in my life and my family’s life again on a regular basis. Thank you God and thank you Dr. Graham for continuing to reach out to those you touched so long ago through your ministry. There must be thousands like me down here in central Dallas that feel our prayer has been answered. Hallelujah!”

Monday, May 2, 2011

The Fellowship Of The Unashamed

I've noted this bold declaration of faith before and closed my message, "Unstoppable," with it on Sunday. It's not clear who the author is, but these are powerful and challenging words for every believer. Print it out ... keep it with you ... be a part of the fellowship of the unashamed...




I am a part of the fellowship of the Unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit Power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by presence, learn by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes.

And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear for "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes."


Thursday, April 28, 2011

STILL CELEBRATING EASTER!

Thought I’d share this video highlighting the incredible time we experienced at Prestonwood during Easter Weekend. You can watch the entire service by clicking here.



Sunday, April 24, 2011

HE IS RISEN!



Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men.


But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”


--Matthew 28:1-7



Friday, April 22, 2011

BLESSED EASTER WEEKEND

I’m looking forward to a special time this evening with our church family and so many guests attending our Good Friday Service. This is such a sweet and tender time. Our members will have an opportunity to tell about the power of the Cross in their lives. We will baptize more than 100 people at the Central Campus and North Campus. To God be the glory! And we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Afterward, we’ll have a viewing of The Passion of The Christ.

And then we look ahead to the Resurrection!
Have you invited someone yet? Invite. Bring. Witness. What an amazing testimony for that person whose life will change on Resurrection Day!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

MAUNDY THURSDAY VIDEO DEVOTIONAL

We've been providing daily devotionals for the Prestonwood family during this special time on the Christian calendar... I thought I'd share with you today's video devo... This is a wonderful opportunity to spend time together as a family. Click here if you'd like to read the previous devotionals and be sure to check back for the three that are still to come.


Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Prayer in The House of Representatives

If you missed C-SPAN, here's video of my prayer opening the day's proceedings in the House of Representatives. Below, you'll also find the transcript of my prayer.



Heavenly Father,


We are blessed by Your presence, amazed by Your grace, and dependent upon Your strength for every day. We praise You for Your abundant provision and we are forever grateful for Your strenghtening, sustaining love. We do not take these blessings for granted. We make it our Holy Ambition to glorify you as we offer our lives in devoted service to Your kingdom first and to our beloved country.

We pray for one another with the confidence that you hear repentant hearts and respond to those who humbly seek to obey You and live by Your wisdom.

We pray for personal renewal and robust faith, and a vibrant vision for the future. Remembering that righteousness exalts a nation, we turn to You and trust You to not only make us great, but to make us good.

We pray in the Name of God who is able to raise His dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to life and give us an Eternal Hope in Him. Amen.



Once again, I am so grateful to U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson for inviting me to deliver this prayer. I will forever be thankful for his courageous, lifelong service to our country.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Praying in The People's House

I'm delivering the opening prayer at U.S. House of Representatives tomorrow. I have a high regard and respect for our nation and consider it a privilege to be asked to pray in The People's House. I'm especially honored to have been asked by an American hero like U.S. Representative Sam Johnson.

You can click here to watch live on C-SPAN at noon (EST).

Meantime, you can hear my interview here from the morning program on KCBI (90.9 FM) today.

I'm also in the D.C. area (along with PowerPoint Executive Director Scott Seal and PowerPoint Director of Operations Josh Graham), for a listener rally with WAVA-FM on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at Fair Oaks Church in Fairfax, Va. If you live in the area, stop by and say hello.


Friday, April 8, 2011

"Choosing Wisdom Over Foolishness"

I've been getting a lot of response on my message "Choosing Wisdom Over Foolishness" from a few weeks ago about abstaining from alcohol. It's part of my current message series from Proverbs titled CHOICES: Finding the Doorway to Godly Living.

Many have asked where they can hear the message. Click on this link or on the graphic below to view the message.


Friday, April 1, 2011

A HISTORIC TIME AT PRESTONWOOD

I’m so grateful for the excitement among our Prestonwood church family regarding the addition of a third campus. Please take a few moments to hear this message, and make every effort to attend Worship Services this weekend as we move forward with the chance to approve and affirm this God-given opportunity. You can also find more information about the proposed Dallas Campus at prestonwood.org/dallas.

Friday, March 25, 2011

A SPECIAL WEEKEND AHEAD ...

Friday, March 18, 2011

PRAYERS & OUTREACH FOR JAPAN


The people of Prestonwood have a heart for the hurting, whether locally or across the world. Our heart aches for the people of Japan who have experienced unfathomable devastation from not only the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami, but also from the ongoing nuclear crisis.

We have been praying fervently as a church family. This weekend we will receive an offering during all six of our worship services to provide assistance. Our Victim Relief Team will soon travel to Japan to help with the physical and spiritual needs of the people. And we will continue to support Southern Baptist missionaries in Japan and their ongoing presence in the nation. As a church, we are committed to short-term and long-term assistance to this country where only two percent of the people are Christ followers.

The images we have seen will forever be embedded in our minds and serve as a stark reminder of the many souls lost because they’d never heard the Gospel message. We long to provide physical assistance and, most importantly, the hope and salvation that is found only in Jesus.

Friday, March 11, 2011

PCA STUDENTS ON MISSION

More than 300 of our Prestonwood Christian Academy students have been ministering this week from Bonton in South Dallas to Abilene to the Amazon to Africa. They’ve actually been in six countries on three continents. Over the past few days, I’ve loved hearing about how this has really ministered to them. Our church has a heart for missions and Dr. Larry Taylor, the Head of School, has done a wonderful job of integrating that DNA at PCA.

I was able to meet earlier this week with
the PCA Baseball Team. Coach Mike Maack and the boys had just ministered for three days in the Bonton community. It was great to hear their hearts and to see how God had done a work in them through this ministry opportunity in the inner city.

Our
students participated in prayer walks and fed the homeless in Bonton, made quilts for a women's shelter, witnessed the dedication of a water well provided by our church in the Amazon and helped dispense eyeglasses to people in villages, shared Christ’s love with orphans in various locations, helped in schools and so much more. It’s been a minimester they’ll never forget.

Cali Kinder, one of our students on mission in Uganda, wrote these powerful words:

My translator, Charles, and I were talking to three different women and one of them was already born again and the other two decided to make professions of faith. Praise God! The born again woman decided to take us to the public school where she teaches and the headmaster allowed us to share with about 80 fourth through seventh grade students the Hope and EvangeCube. After sharing, every kid raised their hand to accept Christ. While we do not know for sure who truly meant it, we have planted a seed in their hearts to seek the one true God... God is doing amazing things here and we are making a difference for Christ in these villages that have never had a group like us.

That day in Uganda, our students and staff and adult chaperones presented the Gospel to more than 230 people and 67 accepted Christ.

To God be the glory!

Monday, March 7, 2011

ERIC METAXAS AT POWERLUNCH ON TUESDAY

Just three weeks into the spring season of PowerLunch at Prestonwood, we’re already off to an incredible start. I’ve been saying this is one of our finest lineups ever, and it’s evident by our guest speaker tomorrow—Eric Metaxas.

Eric is a brilliant writer who has masterfully documented the story of the German Lutheran pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer in the New York Times Best-Seller Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. It’s a powerful story of martyrdom that you won’t want to miss.

Last week, Carrie McDonnall shared a modern day story of martyrdom. Carrie and her husband, David, along with three other missionaries, were ambushed by terrorists in Iraq in 2004. Carrie was shot 22 times and suffered major injuries. But she says she found God was with her through “the valley of the shadow of death.”

Watch this video.




If you live in the area, come join us tomorrow at noon in the Student Ministry Building. And click here to check out our schedule of speakers.

MEN'S CONFERENCE ON WEBSITE & iPHONE APP


Our Men's Conference is online and on the Prestonwood iPhone app!

I tweeted on Saturday night that this conference was one of the best things we've ever done at Prestonwood. To God be the glory! It was an incredible 8 hours...God moved powerfully and lives were changed! It was a beautiful sight to see more than 3,000 men worshipping and so many making decisions for Christ.

If you attended, be sure to sh
are this link with friends who weren't able to make it. If you didn't attend, I encourage you to view it today.

Check out the website at:
prestonwoodmensconference.org.

Download the free iPhone app at:
tiny.cc/pbcapp

  • Tap the "Free Download" button (upper right corner).
  • Tap "Install."
  • Sign in to your account.
  • Tap "OK."

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Spring Training ... at Friday Morning Men's Bible Study

I’m excited about the Men’s Conference beginning tomorrow evening at 7:00 p.m. And I hope you’ve registered to join us. Learn more here.

But before we get to that, we’re starting a new series Spring Training at Friday Morning Men’s Bible Study tomorrow at 6:30 a.m. Men, this will help prepare us for the Men’s Conference as Jeff Young talks to us about “Fundamentals.”

We’re bringing out the big bats for this. Chris Kouba teaches March 11 on "Signals" ... Jarrett Stephens teaches "Roster" on March 18 ... and I'm batting cleanup on March 25, teaching on "Winning."

Get in the game! Join us at 6:30 a.m. in the Student Ministry Building.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

COME GET FED ... PRESTONWOOD MEN'S CONFERENCE (MARCH 4&5)


Men, I hope that those of you who live in the Dallas area have signed up for the Prestonwood Men’s Conference on March 4&5. It’s going to be an incredible couple of days. As I’ve been preparing and talking to some of the men who will either be speaking or giving their testimonies (like Jason Witten and Tony Romo pictured in the studio with me), I’m more excited than ever about the impact this gathering will have on men.

We all need to be challenged ... we all need to be encouraged ... we all need to be fed.


Come get fed.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Praying for Spiritual Revolution in Sudan

Listen to this brief yet powerful message from Pastor David Kaya, with whom we are partnering in Sudan. We are so encouraged by the love and support our church family has shown the people of Sudan; and blessed by all that God is doing through David and his ministry.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

GENERATIONS

When I look at our North Campus and think back on how we ended up on these 120 acres of land, I praise God for the vision that brought us here. God is truly doing “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” In just a few years on our property at Prosper Trail and the Dallas North Tollway Extension, we’ve experienced incredible growth. We are not only experiencing dynamic growth, it’s also generational growth with every age represented.

Electric with energy, our members are thrilled at the prospect of what lies ahead. And the immediate future includes expansion, actually doubling the size of our existing facility, to help us meet the needs of our burgeoning church family and community and those not yet here. We recently began a new journey with a vision to meet those needs: Generations: Believing. Belonging. Becoming.


This $17.5 million campaign will provide space for all generations from our children to our students to our adults. We believe these buildings will stand for generations as a testament to the glory of God.

We are in a season of prayer and fasting for this journey, and I’ve been meeting with our lay leaders to speak a little more in depth on the expansion and about how God is directing is.

These are the bullet points we’re touching on. We know that God is going to provide and He will do that by showing each person how much to give.


God knows what the need is.


• He will let you know what part of the need He wants you to meet, if you will sincerely pray and ask Him.


• What He shows you, He wants you to do. He will enable you to do, if you will trust Him and depend upon Him.


• When you give this way, you give primarily from God’s resources and not your own ... and God gets the glory.


• When you do something for the glory of God, you receive the blessing and lives are changed.

We eagerly await all that God will do through Generations.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

PRESTONWOOD MEN'S CONFERENCE


Guys, can't say enough about the upcoming conference on March 4 & 5... Check out this video... And click here to register.


Friday, February 11, 2011

Men’s Conference & David Murphy

I spent some time this morning interviewing Texas Rangers outfielder and Prestonwood member David Murphy. I love talking to this young man ... and not just because he plays for my beloved Rangers...

David is a true man of God with an incredible testimony—which you’ll get to hear at the Prestonwood Men’s Conference on March 4 & 5. (Men, if you live in the area, you need to make plans to attend. Click on the link above to learn more.)


Here’s what David had to say about a few topics ... you’ll have to come to the conference for the rest of it!


On Baylor days:

I didn’t know Christ when I went to Baylor...

I look back and I’m amazed at how God had everything plan
ned out even though I didn’t know who He was.

I felt a huge void in my heart and I knew something was missing ...

On getting drafted in first round:

I got off to a great start ... bu
t I got hurt and my numbers weren’t so great and I began to wonder if I would realize my dream.

On temptation:
On the road, if I’m not at the field I’m in my hotel room... Josh (Hamilton) and I play cribbage a lot.


On playing in the World Series:
It’s pretty amazing...what you dream about when you’re little...




Well, guys, I’m fired up about the conference and hope you are, too.... Invite someone to come with you.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

A DAILY ENCOUNTER WITH GOD ...

We have Snowmaggedon 2.0 today in the Dallas area. Another day to pause, embrace the day, spend time with family, work from home .... and it's also a great time to reflect. Today's devo (DAY 40) from my A Daily Encounter with God provides good food for thought.

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty
again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will
never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in
him a spring of water we l l i n g up to eternal life.”
—John 4:13-14


What would it take to make you genuinely happy? What would it take to really satisfy you?

Would it be more money, more pleasure, greater success, better relationships, or a better physique? What would it take?

Unfortunately, the world screams that these are the things that will bring you ultimate satisfaction. And it’s so easy to buy into the notion that these things will truly satisfy.

But take another look at today’s verse. Jesus told the woman at the well that the things of this life won’t ever really satisfy us… only He will.

So many people today chase the dream of personal achievement… and find that it doesn’t really satisfy. Others think, “I’ll be happy if I can just find Mr. Right,” or “I’ll be fulfilled if I can just find Mrs. Right.” But even the best man or the best woman can’t satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart!

I can guarantee you that nothing… no human relationship… no job promotion… no amount of money in your bank account… will satisfy you like Jesus can.

If you’ve lost sight of this fact, I encourage you to ask God to help you realign your priorities today!

NOTHING IN LIFE WILL TRULY SATISFY YOU EXCEPT JESUS CHRIST

Thursday, February 3, 2011

PAUSE ...

OK, I am definitely not used to
this much ice. Now, a dusting of snow is always beautiful, but not when the hardened slick, scary ice still lies below. Then it's just plain, well ... yikes! Those of us in Super Bowl country are now on DAY 3 (and counting) of whatever cold system the Steelers and Packers managed to bring our way. Hard to believe we were a balmy 70 degrees just a few days ago.

I will say this, though, I have taken advantage of this hibernation period to read, pray, and spend quality time with Deb and our beloved "Boys," our beagles, Yogi and Deuce. (Check out my tweet with photo of them looking sharp in their jackets.)

This downtime led me to think about how this truly is a blessing from God, just telling us to slow down, to spend more time doing the things that are important in life. Looking back on the last few days, did it really matter that you weren't able to go out to eat? Or that your child's sporting event was canceled? Or that you weren't able to make it to one of those Super Bowl events?

This has been an excellent opportunity to pause. In my booklet Pause: Resting In God Instead Of Stressing Out, I write about how far too many of us have chosen to live life too fast, too stressed:

"The good news is that another option exists. We can stay inside our stress, or we can move to the place called pause. Psalm 23 paints a compelling picture of what the place called pause is all about. The words are well known--descriptors like 'green pastures' and 'quiet waters' and a life lived without fear--but the enjoyment of these realities is not. We know a peaceful existence is possible; we're just not all that good at living it out....

"We pile too much onto each day, we rarely take time to relax, and then we wonder why we feel so tense. We hop on airplanes every week, hit three cities in four days, sleep in strange beds and eat strange food, and return home absolutely fried. Or we shuttle our kids from activity to activity with no down time in between, race home for sixteen minutes to eat dinner before heading to the next practice or event, and fall into bed exhausted and unfulfilled....

"We are under too much pressure, too much stress, and we're getting eaten up as a result...."

So, today, I encourage you to stop complaining about the sub-20 temperatures and the cabin fever... And enjoy this place called pause.

Pause to pray, pause to praise, and pause to gain perspective.

How are you spending your time at home?

Monday, January 31, 2011

A GLIMPSE OF PRESTONWOOD

Check out this powerful video on how God moved through our church last year... As we close out the first month of 2011, I can't tell you how fired up I am about all that God will do in the coming months.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

MARCHING FOR LIFE

I am so grateful for the ministry to our teens, not only through our Student Ministry but through Prestonwood Christian Academy. I was so glad to hear that 15 of our students joined a handful of teachers and parents (along with about 10,000 others) in the Dallas Rally and March for Life in Downtown Dallas last Saturday.

The stude
nts are members of the PCA Pro-Life Club. What a blessing to have such a club in our Upper School, with students celebrating life. And that’s why they marched ... to celebrate life and in peaceful protest on the 38th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion.

One of our teachers said the students left “knowing they had been a part of a special worship time and knowing they had made a difference for life.”

PCA is taking abou
t 30 students to Austin on Feb. 10 to lobby for life-saving sonogram legislation requiring all women who are considering abortion to have a sonogram.

Our Prestonwood Pregnancy Center is an amazing “Jesus Ministry” that provides sonograms for free to women from all over the Dallas area. And, praise God, many of these abortion-minded women who enter the doors of the Pregnancy Center for a free sonogram end up changing their minds.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

MY FAVORITE DEVOS

January is getting away from us already! So, just wanted to check in and see how folks are doing on New Year’s resolutions. I hope that one resolution is to find a devotional that truly speaks to you. I have a few favorites that I thought I’d share with you. My prayer is that after awhile you won’t consider this a resolution but rather a part of your daily routine—a part of life.

  • Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon
  • My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
  • Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young
  • Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman
  • Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions by Kenneth W. Osbeck
  • Pathways: Your Daily Walk with God by David Jeremiah
  • Prayer, Praise & Promises: Daily Walk Through the Psalms by Warren Wiersbe
  • Time To Get Serious by Tony Evans
  • A Diary of Private Prayer by John Baillie

Let me know if you have a favorite devotional.