A few years ago I read a book that gave a metaphor that was so helpful and clarifying for me in the area of prayer. Dr. Carolyn Tennant in her book “Catch the Wind of the Spirit”, described a practice from early Celtic Christians who would prayerfully get into a small boat, and prayerfully set the sails, and prayerfully trust that God would allow the wind to set the direction for their destination.

It sounds crazy, right?

How can you control where you are going?

How do you know where you will end up?

What if the destination is different than what you were planning?

All valid questions. But notice that each of those questions puts ME at the center. They assume that I should be in control. I know where I should end up. I know the ideal of where my life should be heading.

Scripture invites followers of Jesus to a different response. Instead of trying to control we are called to trust.

Trust that God has a plan.

Trust that God knows not only where you are going but also where your life should go.

Trust that God, Creator and Sustainer of all things, is ultimately in control.

In my life, prayer is becoming more a process of setting a sail than handing God the GPS coordinates that I want Him to deliever me to. Prayer is a place that I am learning to surrender to His will, His Wind. Prayer is me learning to depend instead of dictate. Prayer is where I lift up the sails of the life that God has given me, and I invite Him to lead, guide, direct.

It is prayerful dependance.

Which is hard. Because I like independence…and so do you.

We like to call the shots. We often like God to be the supporting character to our lead role. And prayer demolishes that. Prayer puts my body, my mind, my heart, and my soul before the Creator, and I am forced to remember who is Who.

Are you longing for more?

Looking for something different in the year ahead?

Tired of the stress and striving of things not going the way you wish, or even the way you think they should be?

Try this:

Take the GPS coordinates that you are convinced your life should be headed towards, set them aside…

And SET THE SAIL.

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Nope.

Too often, we approach a new year with hopes and wishes. The problem is we don’t often have a plan. This is why so many gyms are crowded for about two weeks in January, and then things go back to normal.

I am writing this to encourage you to make a plan.

For me, my goal is that the year ahead will be marked by intentionality, not just idealism. I’ve learned over my years of life and leadership that things don’t actually change because of a ball dropping at midnight.

Things change when I take action.

And sustained action that leads to change takes a plan.

Below are a few things that I am being intentional with, and I would invite you to do the same. The good news is, I will only focus on two. (Spoiler alert: I’m a pastor, so don’t be surprised by #2)

#1: PRAYERFULLY SET GOALS

Think about the year ahead. Each day that God gives you is a gift. What will you do with it?

Too many people in our world simply let life happen to them. Without intention and focus, we are destined to live life by default instead of by design. We get to the end of the day, the week, the month, or even the year, and we wonder where the time went.

I don’t want to live like that. I want to be intentional. Each day is a gift. I want to make the moments count. What about you?

I challenged my family to consider setting at least one goal in each of the following areas, and I invite you to do the same.

1) Spiritual - How do I want to grow in my discipleship to Jesus?

2) Body - What will I do to steward my physical health?

3) Mind - Where and how am I going to grow my wisdom?

4) Marriage - How will I cultivate the marriage we want?

5) Family - What will I do to make meaningful core memories for/with family?

6) Friends / Community - How will I cultivate lifegiving friendships and serve the community?

7) Finances - What will I do to move towards greater financial health, stewardship, and generosity?

8) Work - What are the essential things to be accomplished in my vocation?

9) Fun - What are the things that I will do to enjoy the life that God has given me?

I encourage you to take some time to prayerfully write down something for each of the areas listed above. Make sure they are specific and focused (think about SMART GOALS).

And then…DO IT.

#2: PLAN FOR SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION AND GROWTH

No one drifts into deeper discipleship to Jesus, just like no one relaxes their way to a healthy, strong body. The last few years I have set my alarm to wake up early and head to the gym. Did I always want to? No. Was it worth it? Yes.

Most Jesus followers I know want a deeper, more fulfilling life in Jesus.

And here is the good news: YOU CAN HAVE THAT!

There are two things I do each year that help to foster this in my own life, and I invite you to do the same.

GET A BIBLE READING PLAN

This year, I will read the entire Bible once again (this has been a habit of mine for years). And no, this isn’t because I am a pastor, it’s because I want to know Jesus more. How do we do that? We encounter Him in the Scriptures.

There have been many times that I wanted to read my Bible, but I lacked something important: a plan.

This year, along with Life Center Church, I will follow The Bible Recap daily Bible reading plan. This plan will take you through the whole Bible in one year and provide context through their daily podcast. You can do it in about 15 minutes a day.

Read scripture or even listen to Scripture (you can do both in the Bible App). A year from now, you will have a greater understanding of the Bible and how it all points us to Jesus.

SET ASIDE THE FIRST 21 DAYS OF THE NEW YEAR TO PRAY (AND FAST)

What we do first sets the tone and direction. That is why, as a church community, we are committed to Pray First. Each year, we set aside the first 21 Days of the year to pray and fast. I invite you to join in!

Click HERE for more information on how you can join in with Life Center in our 21 Days of Prayer.

There you go.

Two simple (yet not easy) ways to experience an intentional year!

I’d love to hear from you. Share in the comments below some of the goals and plans that you will be intentional with in the coming year.

Grace and Peace,

Tyler

And today, I am grateful.

As I reflect on the seventh anniversary of our election as Senior Pastors, I have been thinking about the things that I have learned. Trust me, this list is not exhaustive. There are countless things I have learned. There are so many areas that I have been refined in, stretched in, tested in, perplexed in, and challenged in. There have been moments where I feel like I did it right, and there are moments that I wish I had a chance to do it over.

Here are seven things that I have learned through the journey of the past seven years.

GOD WILL INVITE US TO DO THINGS THAT ARE BEYOND US AND OUR ABILITY

I never thought I would be a lead pastor. To be honest, I never wanted to be one. I was content with what I had been doing. I was fulfilled. It wasn’t on my to-do list. It wasn’t on my dream board (spoiler alert: I don’t have one of those). It wasn’t a role or title or position that I was aiming for.

Why? Because I never thought I was designed to do that. And I often questioned if I could do that.

But God doesn’t ask us to do things that He thinks we can do. If we can do it, we get the credit. And that isn’t how it works. Glory only belongs to One.

Did I feel over my head? Yes.

Did I feel like I was ready? No.

Did I feel like God made a mistake? I know too much Scripture to answer yes, so let’s go with a “maybe.”

God doesn’t invite us into things because we are the solution. He invites us to join Him in what He is doing. He uses us — without a doubt! But any gift or ability or skill that we may have still points completely back to Him — the Giver of all of those things.

IT TAKES A TEAM

Though a church is led by One (yes, that individual is Jesus), it still takes a team to function. I am amazed at our team at Life Center. A variety of gifts, talents, and passions all working together to see His mission and vision become reality. From our staff to our serve team members — I am amazed at the team that Jesus has brought together.

What a gift!

CHANGE IS CHALLENGING…FOR ALL OF US

Goodbyes are hard. Transitions are hard. Change is hard. Disappointments and failures are hard.

People leave. Sometimes they tell you, sometimes they don’t.

Programs need to shift. Some people understand, some don’t.

At times, you do what people want you to do…and they love it.

At times, you do what people don’t want you to do…and they don’t. Sometimes they have told me. Sometimes I read about it. Sometimes their words about me (not to me) get back to me.

And I get it. I honestly do. Why? Change is hard.

It is hard for people experiencing it.

It is hard for the people leading it.

CAN YOU BELIEVE WE GET TO DO THIS?

This statement has been on the wall in our church office. I feel it, and I believe it. The great honor and joy of our lives is that we get to be a part of what Jesus is up to locally and globally through Life Center!

JESUS GETS TO SPEND OUR LIVES HOW HE WANTS

A friend and mentor of mine once said this to me, “Tyler, when you said ‘Yes’ to Jesus, you also made the decision that He gets to spend your life however He wants to.” To be honest, I didn’t like it when he said it to me. I think the reason I didn’t like it at first was that I knew he was right. When I said yes to Jesus, I was not only saying yes to His salvation, but I was saying yes to His Lordship. What this meant for me was that I no longer got to call the shots.

I continue to learn the truth that His ways are better than mine. His thoughts are higher than mine. If I am going to follow Jesus as Lord, I have to get comfortable with the fact that He isn’t just a consultant. He actually gets to call the shots.

THE BODY OF CHRIST IS BEAUTIFULLY RESILIENT

Life Center has walked through a lot since its inception in 1918. We have navigated two global pandemics. We have faced changes in leadership. There have been incredible high’s and gut-wrenching lows. There have been seasons of vision and seasons of survival in our 107-year history.

When I was entrusted with the leadership of Life Center, we were in the midst of a challenging change. Eighteen months later, COVID. To say the least, things went from hard to harder.

Yet seven years later, the church and it’s ministries (LCA, Life Manor, the Life Christian Foundation) are thriving. This is a testimony of God’s faithfulness (more on that in a moment), and the resiliency of The Church.

Seven years later, I realize that this story could look so incredibly different from what it does today. And that brings me to number seven…

GOD HAS BEEN SO GRACIOUS AND SO FAITHFUL TO LIFE CENTER

Over the past seven years, I am convinced of one thing, because I have lived it and seen it: God is gracious and faithful.

There have been so many moments where the “unexpected” shows up, and the fingerprints of the Goodness of God are all over it.

He is faithful.

He has been gracious.

I see it every day in the stories of lives that are being rewritten and transformed. I see it in the hope that keeps showing up in unexpected moments. I see it in families and marriages that have been restored. I see it on the faces of those who are baptized in water — that they are experiencing this hope of new life in Jesus. I see it in the local and global impact of a group of people in Tacoma, WA, who believe a simple but important truth that we close each weekend gathering with:

WE DON’T JUST GO TO CHURCH, WE ARE THE CHURCH.

I love you, Life Center.

I’m thankful that we get to do this, together.

As we approach today, regardless of what your plans may be, I want to encourage readers with a simple Thanksgiving thought. It is rooted in Psalm 107:1

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever.”

(Psalm 107:1, CSB)

Did you see it? Sometimes it’s so familiar that we miss the focus and emphasis. Here is the simple thought:

GIVE THANKS.

It doesn’t say feel thankful or even think thankful.

Scripture calls God’s people to GIVE THANKS.

THANKFULNESS IS MORE THAN A FEELING.

All too often, we wait to feel thankful before we express our thanks. This is true in expressing thanks to others as well as to God. But I continue to learn that my feelings tend to follow my focus. The things that consume my thoughts and attention in life help form my feelings.

That’s why the call in the Psalms (you can find it over and over) is for us to GIVE THANKS.

And note the cause for the call to express thankfulness to God: He is good.

The Psalmist doesn’t leave room for our thankfulness to be filtered through our circumstances. Thankfulness is expected because of God’s character. He is good.

Maybe life has been challenging lately.

Maybe you are walking through a season of loneliness.

Maybe your hope or your health is in decline.

Maybe someone has hurt you.

None of the circumstances listed above are good.

And that is the point of what the Psalm calls us to do. It is a recognition that even when the stuff in life isn’t good, we are invited to focus on, recognize, and express gratitude to the God who is. When life's circumstances are challenging, this isn’t easy. It’s far from easy. And incase you’re thinking that I am inviting you to deny the reality of the hard things you might be facing and have a “lets pretend to be thankful for ____” session, I’m not. Biblical faith doesn’t ask us to deny the reality of what we might be walking through. But it does call us to fix our focus on a greater reality.

GOD IS GOOD.

Today, I invite each of us to do two things with intentionality and with joy.

Delight deeply.

Delight in the goodness of God. Delight in the friends and family He has given you. Delight in the people that you are with. Be brave enough to set aside the phone, turn off your notifications, and simply delight in the moment that is a gift. Reject the stress and unrealistic expectations that are often attached to holiday moments. Today is a day for delight.

Delight in the food.

Delight in the stories.

Delight in the laughter.

Delight in a nap or a Christmas movie on the couch.

Delight.

Express and verbalize your thanks, don’t just feel it.

The call of Psalm 107 is for us to give. You can feel your feelings, but you can’t give them. What you feel is connected to where you focus. And one of the greatest ways we can begin to cultivate greater levels of gratitude is to express it.

So today…

Say it.

Verbalize it.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Tyler

For context, that specific urban area has over 20 million people. The Jesus followers in that city don’t even make up 1% of that population. Let that sink in.

Less than 1% out of 20 million.

But I saw joy.

I saw hope.

I saw commitment.

I saw authentic love.

I saw people embodying the love and hope that is found in Jesus and bringing that light with them into places that so many wouldn’t be willing to go.

The Light of the World is still shining bright.

If following Jesus has become dull or dim, I would challenge you to step out of your context. Yes, this could include crossing a border into another land that you are unfamiliar with. But for many, it could be as simple as stepping across the street. Go find someone to serve who needs your help — and do it for their sake in Jesus’ Name. Like oxygen that keeps the fire burning, we need to let the air breathe on the embers of the passion of joining Jesus in His mission. His expectation was that all of His disciples would do this (see Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8). Far too often, our faith is suffocated through so much content and so little embodiment of the Gospel.

In a noisy world, hope in Jesus sounds beautiful.

My time in the city was filled with non-stop traffic and horns. Consistent calls to prayer over the speakers flooded the streets multiple times a day. A plurality of languages, ethnicities, and religious commitments were in every step on every street. The city was filled with noise. But I had the opportunity to worship Jesus with brothers and sisters, and the hope of Jesus sounded beautiful. I didn’t always know the words, songs, or melodies (our engagement in worship shouldn’t be limited by that). That’s not really the point, is it? We must remember that worship is about ascribing worth to God.

At times, our hearts are noisy. In the rush and responsibilities of life, we can grow numb. In our desires for our preferences to be met, we miss opportunities to not make it about us. Our world needs followers of Jesus who will lift up a sound in their words and in their witness that the world around them finds beautiful.

Fresh perspective can fuel heart renewal.

One thing I have learned in stepping out of my known context at different times is that my reality is not everyone’s reality. Gratitude and entitlement can’t coexist. Joy and bitterness will not live together. In our consumer-driven, carefully curated world that is shaping us, we often need a renewal of the heart. Every day I am being formed, and I recognize that my heart needs to be reformed. Stepping into a new perspective and seeing how Jesus is moving in and through it helps to do that.

I am so thankful for what Jesus is doing globally, and for my brothers and sisters who are living a faith-filled, vibrant expression of discipleship even in challenging and oppositional circumstances. The mission that He set in motion is still alive, and He invites all of us to join in.

But what is the goal?

Of the variety of spiritual practices (or spiritual disciplines) that scripture invites us into, prayer seems to be one that many people find challenging or even intimidating to engage in. Often, people wonder if they are “doing it right”. People sometimes question their ability to “sound good” at praying. Many times, people want to leave it to the professionals (just ask me how many times I am asked to pray for a meal as a pastor…).

Prayer isn’t for professionals.

Prayer isn’t about your eloquence.

Prayer isn’t about the secret formula.

And prayer isn’t about you getting things from God.

If this is true, you may be thinking, then why pray?

Here is what I know…

Many people miss out on the gift of prayer because there is confusion about its purpose and goal.

I wish I could tell you that my journey of prayer has been one mountain top moment after another.

It hasn’t.

There have been seasons of incredible breakthrough and numbing ordinaryness. There have been times when I have been eager, and times when I knew it was simply the right choice (even when I didn’t “feel” it).

What God is teaching me (again).

Though I’ve been following Jesus most of my life and have been in full-time pastoral work for over two decades, He continues to teach me. In His grace, He has been reminding me of the goal of prayer:

Not just things from Him.

Not just information about Him, but to know Him.

It reminds me of how Paul prayed for the Ephesian believers:

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength,” (Ephesians 1:17–19)

Paul doesn’t pray for their circumstances to change or even for their needs to be met. Praying for those things is not wrong (Jesus instructed His disciples to pray for those things). But if that is the goal of prayer, we are missing the primary point and goal.

The Goal of Prayer: Knowing God.

I want to encourage you to lean into the access that scripture says is available to you through Jesus Christ.

Sure, bring your needs.

Yes, bring your fears and worries.

But don’t miss the goal: Him.

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I am trying to learn through the grace of God to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). I have been reflecting over the realities of this week, and shared some of my thoughts with Life Center this past Sunday (you can access the YouTube message below).

In addition to Sunday, I find it important for us to consider some critical implications of the moment in which we not only live, but the moment that Jesus expects us to steward — specifically in light of Charlie Kirk’s highly public assassination. You might not have agreed with everything Charlie said, his approach, or his political perspective. One important thing that is hard to deny: his faith in Jesus was not a hidden or vague reality. He went into places where many wouldn’t dare to go to engage in debate and dialogue.

And he was publicly murdered for the world to watch.

This should grieve all of us.

A few reflections:

OUR TRUE NORTH

We are seeing one of the downstream impacts of post-modernism at work in a divided and divisive culture. At a high level, post-modern thinkers decades ago injected the thought that truth is relative and personal, not absolute. Because truth is treated as personal and relative, disagreements are seen not as intellectual debates, but as personal attacks. That has brought us to a place in our culture today where if people question my truth, it is no longer just met with debate, but violence. This subjectivity that permeates our world is seen when a clear act of evil is celebrated.

Jesus invites His people to another way.

Here is reality: there is truth.

For the follower of Jesus, we have a true north that God has provided to lead and guide how we navigate a world that we are in, yet not of (John 17:14-16). As a Jesus follower, there is a true north that is unchanging: the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit. Jesus reminded His followers that the Holy Spirit’s role would be to lead us to truth (John 16:13), and that the Scriptures point to Jesus Himself (John 5:39).

Ideologies and insights will continue to shift in this world. We are all being shaped by carefully curated algorithms. We can’t be blinded by that, minimize their impact, or ignore it. And since that is true, we need a true north that doesn’t shift.

PRAYER IS A WEAPON

I mentioned on Sunday that “some people might not like that I am calling us to pray.” I am not apologetic; I am resolute that as the Body of Christ, we are called to be a people of prayer. And contrary to a false theology that believes that prayer isn’t doing much, I believe that Scripture is emphatically clear that prayer is a weapon. Don’t forget:

There is real evil.

There are real spiritual forces at work.

There is deception and destruction that the enemy of our souls seeks to inflict.

We should not and cannot take this lightly. We are in a time of not only increasing division but also increasing confusion. And Scripture is clear: God is not a God of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). Through prayer, we place ourselves in a position, not just to say words to God, but we position our hearts to hear from God. He is the source of life and truth.

THIS MOMENT IS A SYMPTOM

At some point, we have to pause and realize that what we are doing is not working. The violence and wickedness that we see are symptoms of a larger sickness. Our world is broken.

Richard Foster wrote: “Conformity to a sick society is to be sick.“

Here is the good news: Jesus came as a physician to heal the sickness that we can’t cure (Matthew 9:12).

I have zero interest in conforming to the world when Scripture calls me to be conformed to Christ (Romans 12:2). When the truth of Jesus and His way to which He calls us to live as citizens in His Kingdom is overlooked, undervalued, or outright opposed, we should not be surprised at the sickness in our world.

Last week, the sickness in our society was once again highlighted.

My heart grieves.

My heart is heavy.

My heart longs for the Church — the Body and Bride of Christ — to both walk in maturity (Ephesians 4) and to walk in unity (John 17).

But here is what this moment is teaching us:

Unity that is not centered on truth will eventually come undone.

Our true north is the Word of God and His Spirit leading us. Our truth north is not our thoughts or ideas about Jesus, but what the Scriptures tell us about Jesus. And the work of the Spirit is to continue to bring us back to this truth. This is what has kept the church not only together but effective throughout the centuries. As I grieve the sickness and brokenness in our world, I will not stop praying. I am persuaded that something is happening, even when I don’t yet see it or sense it. God is at work. The wreckage of our world is a symptom of something larger and bigger (and far more dangerous) than what we might realize: Satan continues to stay steadfast and focused on deception and destruction.

With all of this said, we are never without hope as the people of God, because He is the God of Hope.

Lord, heal our land.

One rhythm that I have found both vital and transformational in my life is reading through and studying scripture. This is an annual rhythm for me. And although I have grown to love this journey, there have been many years where I experienced the collision of desire and disappointment.

I had a true desire to encounter God through scripture.

I felt disappointed in my inability (and, at times, lack of desire) to engage in this spiritual practice.

Maybe you’ve been there.

Maybe you are there.

We recently turned the page into a new year, which means many people are in a space where they want things to look different this year than they did last year. If you have a goal this year to encounter God through reading through scripture, I want to encourage you with something that I have found incredibly helpful: community.

We all do better when we have others on the journey with us. And I believe that reading through scripture should be a community project. Here is why: when I approach reading through scripture with others, I find encouragement and accountability. And both of these are vital.

There will be moments when I need encouragement to keep going.

There will be moments when I need accountability to do what I am setting out to do.

So what does it look like to journey through scripture in community?

Don’t worry; you don’t need to sit in a circle and take turns reading your bible out loud. That isn’t what I am getting at. Most mornings, I read my bible alone with a cup of coffee (yes, I believe I hear God better when I am well caffeinated). What I mean by reading in community involves just a few simple things.

First, invite others to join you in the same plan.

Pick a plan and invite some friends to join you. Commit to it. There are countless plans on the Bible App or simply do a search online for a plan that will work for you. This year, Life Center is doing The Bible Recap, that includes a daily podcast. It is excellent!

Second, find ways to share what you are learning or where you have questions.

Start a text thread, a group on the Bible App, or schedule coffee once a week to share what you are learning. Check in on each other. Listen to what others are learning about God and how they are encountering Him as they read. Create space to ask questions and commit to growing in understanding together.

Finally, encourage each other in the journey.

I think the greatest asset of journeying through scripture in community is the encouragenent to keep going. There will be days that you don’t feel like reading your bible. That’s ok…do it anyway. Encourage others when they are feeling that. Let others encourage you when you are feeling it.

For me, I use the bible app with a group of men who are journeying through the bible together. We are walking through the Bible chronologically using The Bible Recap. I love seeing what others are learning, and how it is shaping their faith over the course of a year.

So, my encouragement for you: dive into scripture, but don’t do it alone!

Helpful Links:

Life Center Daily Email Sign Up

The Bible Recap

The Bible Recap Podcast

The Bible App

A new year is just around the corner. Many people will spend the coming days thinking about all their hopes and dreams for the year ahead. I’ve learned over the years that things do not change because of the year on the calendar. Things change with intentionality.

As I reflect on the year behind us and look to the year in front of us, I am convinced that intentional steps make a significant impact.

INTENTIONAL STEPS MAKE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT.

This past year, I implemented a number of practices that have moved the needle in key areas of my life. It wasn’t always easy or simple, but it was worth it. From adjustments with my social media to daily “pre-decisions”, I can confidently say that things look different today than they did a year ago. For many people, this time of year leads to hoping things will be different next year. But there is a tough but true reality:

HOPE ISN’T A STRATEGY.

As a Jesus follower, I believe in HOPE. I live by HOPE. And because of who Christ is, I am never without HOPE.

But if I desire to see transformation in my life, I must face the fact that I must participate. I can hope for my health, my finances, and my spiritual life to look different next year…but how does that hope translate to transformation? I have a part to play.

So, in your life, what do you want to see transformed?

This New Year I will begin a few intentional practices that I want to invite you in on.

Consider this an invitation from me to you.

This invitation has to do with four key areas in all of our lives. Areas where, though we may have hope, we also have a part to play in seeing the transformation.

The four areas:

Our Spiritual Health

Our Financial Health

Our Physical Health

Our Relational Health

Here are the invitations:

Our Spiritual Health

There are three things I want to challenge you to do.

1. Commit to a bible reading plan — and stick with it.

   I’d love for you to join me in The Bible Recap Bible reading plan. This past year, I committed every day to do this, and it was significant. I also invited a group of brothers to join me in the journey (reading scripture in a community is transformational). You can follow along in the Bible App — just search “The Bible Recap”. Be sure to listen to the daily podcast that accompanies it. You can find out more at The Bible Recap website.

2. Join me in 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting

   Every January I set aside the first 21 Days to focus on prayer, and engage in the ancient spiritual practice of fasting. You can find out more information at lifecenter.com. Our team has put together resources, as well as a number of prayer nights to come together in prayer. You can find resources on the Life Center App.

3. Commit to church community

   If you’re a follower of Jesus, it is vital to engage in church community. You have a gift that the Body of Christ needs, and it needs to be expressed in community with other Jesus followers. Commit to consistent church engagement. Commit to being a part of an intentional disciple-making environment. Commit to helping disciple someone else (nothing will help bring your faith to life and grow spiritually than disciplining someone).

Our Financial Health

I want to invite each of us to consider what it looks like to live simply, intentionally, and generously. These will be a focus for me in the year ahead in the area of financial health, and I invite you to join me.

Where do you need to simplify?

Where do you need to be more intentional?

Where do you need to practice greater generosity?

Our Physical Health

What are the things that need to adjust in your physical health in the year ahead? Are you only hoping for change, or are you willing to be a part? Maybe you need to commit to better sleep habits, eating habits, exercise habits…the list goes on. Remember, your physical health impacts everything, including your spiritual health. So make a plan, share your plan with others (accountability), and DO IT.

Our Relational Health

What do you want to be able to say about your relationships a year from now? Your marriage, your children, your co-workers, your neighbors, etc. Relationships get better with focus, commitment, and intentionality. Keep dating your spouse. Offer your children your complete attention (yes…turn off your phone). Invest in others, and be a giver in the area of your relationships.

I hope that you will join me in my invitation to make the year ahead a transformational one by being intentional.

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

In the comments below, add what Intentional things you will do this year!

Never stop learning.

A good life goal for all of us. Whether you are young or old, or are new to leadership or decades in, it is important to keep learning. As I continue to grow in life, I realize learning takes on a lot of forms for me: reading, studying, being with and around other leaders, and listening.

One area that is vital in our learning that we don’t always give priority to is thinking and reflecting.

When we slow down to reflect and think, it is amazing what we can begin to see. The current of distraction and busyness are a constant onslaught against the margin to do this — but I believe it is vital.

When was the last time you slowed to consider: WHAT AM I LEARNING RIGHT NOW?

It is an important question for all of us to consider. It causes us to face our own growth (or the lack thereof). It causes us to look for connections between things we are reading and listening to and how they are (or are not) being embedded in our lives.

Learning should not about simply adding more information to our lives. Learning should help us grow and change as people. There is no lack of information in our world — and all of us can fill up our heads and hearts with useless information we have “learned”. That isn’t the learning that I am getting at.

What are you learning that is leaving a mark on the person you are becoming?

Here are three things that I am learning (and re-learning):

The power of consistent rhythms and priorities.

All of us have a set of priorities that we live by, whether they are stated or unstated. In November I was struck with this thought: If I only do what is comfortable I will never experience what I’m capable of.

John Maxwell recently said, “Consistency compounds.” He is right. I can see it in my life. I see it in the lives of people who dig in and keep showing up, even when it isn’t easy or convenient. If you want to see growth in an area of your life, what are the rhythms and priorities you can set into motion to be consistent with?

The resilience of the Church.

I live in and lead a church in one of the most unchurched regions of America (there have been a number of recent articles written on this). Over the past few years, many people have fled the coastal areas of the US for a variety of reasons, many of whom are Christians. I remember a conversation last year with someone while I was traveling. When they heard where I was from and where I was pastoring they made a comment about me “living in” a certain Old Testament biblical city that was not high on God’s list. My response: our city needs salt and light…how will that happen if all the Christian’s leave?

The Church hasn’t always done everything right. We continue to see headlines and stories where the failure of church leaders can cause a cynicism in our hearts and minds. Some have given up on the church all together. This makes me sad, not just as a pastor, but as a follower of Jesus.

The last number of years have been crazy, to say the least. Life Center has walk through some challenging moments. But here is what I continue to see and learn: the Body of Christ is resilient. No matter if it is pain or pandemic — Jesus knows how to lead and care for His Church. Yes — it is HIS Church.

I see its resilience. I see it in the amount of people being baptized in water. I see it in the tangible hunger for the Scriptures and to experience God’s presence. I see it in the way the church continues to show up in generosity in their living and giving. Jesus hasn’t given up on it — neither should we.

The reminder to not give up on people.

Every human is in process. Myself included. Even though I know this to be true, I am often guilty of not wanting to extend the same grace that I am a recipient of. We often want others to give us some grace and hope that they know we are in progress, and not yet a finished work. It is so easy to not apply that same thought toward others. But I continue to see stories of transformation that remind me: God didn’t give up on them…and I shouldn’t either.

Those are a few of the things that I am learning.

What about you? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

I’ve spent the past few days at a gathering with leaders from across the nation.

Environments like this always get me thinking new thoughts, seeing new things, and dreaming bigger dreams.

Today, we heard from someone that I have been mentored by since I was in 8th grade. His name is John Maxwell. Though I didn’t actually meet John until five years ago, John’s voice and mentorship have shaped my life in profound ways. I had the chance to tell him today that he became a mentor to me when I was in 8th grade when I read his book, “The Winning Attitude.”

John has a way of saying things in such a clear and fresh way that makes you think and leave you impacted.

There was a thought from him today that I have been processing — and I thought it would be good to pass along to others to reflect on and consider for their own lives:

“If you can’t be happy where you are, you won’t be happy where you are going.”

What a powerful truth that is overlooked by so many people today!

So often, we are tempted to think that happiness is tied to a destination (arriving at something), a title (becoming something), or a new opportunity (doing something). If you can’t find happiness and joy HERE, you won’t find it THERE.

So many marriages, careers, ministries, and leaders suffer from the “if only” state of thinking.

A new destination, title, or opportunity will not fix a broken outlook. We must remember that the perspective that we live with has a profound impact on how we face where we are in life. And the way we face where we currently are is shaping how we will face whatever is ahead of us.

This doesn’t mean we should settle. Dream! Plan! Create! Push forward…but don’t assume that will be the key that finally unlocks your happiness.

The key for all of us is to live in such a way that we can find joy, peace, contentment, and happiness right where we are.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul shared that he had learned the secret to being content in any and every circumstance — in the good times and in the bad times (see Philippians 4:10-13). It is found in knowing Jesus is with you and working in and through you in every moment, including right where you are at. Paul had joy in knowing where he was going, but he also had joy right where he was at. And it shouldn’t be forgotten that these words were written from prison.

It is about perspective not about destination.

Each January, Life Center sets aside the first 21 Days to deepen and develop relationship with Jesus through prayer and fasting. We are just a little over a week into this journey, and I thought it would be good to share some of the resources and key ideas for those who desire to further develop this area of their lives.

The past two Sundays at Life Center I shared a two-part teaching called “TEACH US HOW TO PRAY”. You can see part one and part two of those messages below or by going to our Life Center YouTube Page.

Here are four quick thoughts for those who desire to develop a life of prayer:

1. Set a TIME & PLACE

2. Start SIMPLE & HONEST

3. Be fully PRESENT

4. Focus on RELATIONSHIP, not the CHECKLIST

In our 21 Days of Prayer, we are walking through the Lord’s Prayer as our model. If you want to access the digital version of the 21 Days prayer guide click here.

If you want to download the Life Center Lord’s Prayer Guide click here.

We have a passion to build and equip followers of Jesus!

I hope that these resources are helpful to you in your journey!

Forty-eight years ago to the day, our church burned to the ground. It was a total loss. A building that people had met Jesus in. A place where people came to faith. A location that held marriages, water baptisms, baby dedications, Christmas celebrations, Easter gatherings…it was gone.

There was one thing salvaged that still remains from that tragic day: the cross that stood atop the former building.

It serves as a powerful reminder to this day, as it stands in our Gray Chapel. The Cross remains.

What should have been the ending, wasn’t.

That is the story of Jesus.

That is the story of Life Center.

That is the story for each of us who follow Jesus.

Because of the Cross of Jesus, beauty can come from broken places.

It is the story of the Gospel, and it is the story of this church community that I now have the joy to pastor. Here are a few reflections as I consider this day:

GOOD THINGS CAN COME FROM PAINFUL MOMENTS

There are moments that we face in life where we might say, “How can anything good come from this?” No doubt, this is what the disciples of Jesus felt as they watched their Rabbi and the One they called Messiah hang on the cross and die. But something beautiful and good was coming.

In a similar manner, Life Center was forced to adapt and meet in the gymnasium that still stood. This forced the church to embrace having multiple gatherings each weekend — a seed that would grow to be not just multiple gatherings, but multiple locations and multiple languages. People stood and offered financial and physical help to rebuild what was lost. And here is a beautiful thing: what was rebuilt was actually better than what had existed. This rebuilt building still stands as our Central Campus auditorium.

THE END IS NOT THE END

Many places do not survive chaos and catastrophe like a fire. But God had a different plan. That is the beautiful message of the Cross of Jesus: the end is not the end. What looked like the greatest moment of defeat, was actually the moment of greatest triumph.

Instead of closing up shop, the church pushed forward. Life Center has had multiple moments in its 105 year history that probably “should have” led to the end…but God had a different plan! All these years later, lives are still being transformed because of the Cross of Jesus.

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE WHAT GOD CAN DO THROUGH FAITHFUL OBEDIENCE

Scripture says that Jesus was “obedient to death on a cross” (see Philippians 2:8). Through His obedience, grace is made available to all who would trust Him.

I think about the faith and obedience of the generation that committed to rebuild, even in the face of challenges. Forty-eight years later, there have been countless lives impacted locally and globally through Life Center and its ministries. I’ve been told stories of men and women who were so committed to what they believed Jesus wanted to do in Tacoma through Life Center that some mortgaged their homes to help build the new church! Talk about faith.

Forty-eight years later, we are still seeing the fruit of that faith.

And now, on our leg of the journey, I pray that we will be people who are shaped by the Cross of Jesus.

No matter what you have faced, are facing, or will face in the future — the cross remains. And because of that reality, there is always the hope of beauty from ashes.

The other day I looked at the condition of my hands after a tough workout. They looked tattered and destroyed.

They have callouses.

They have scrapes.

They have rough spots.

A friend mentioned to me a while back -- you don't want soft hands...

I knew what he meant.

Soft hands can be an indicator of avoiding hard work.

It can be a sign of settling for comfort and convenience.

As a leader, I don't want myself or the people around me to develop the opposite: Soft Hands and Hard Hearts.

We need to work hard.

We need grit and determination.

This requires hands that can engage and push through the pain and friction of moving things forward.

We also need the right heart.

We need hearts that can be coached and corrected.

We need hearts that long for God to move in our midst.

We need hearts that long for our nation and the nations of the world to be reached with the Good News.

Do your hands show the signs of moving the mission forward?

Is your heart in a condition or place that God can direct and correct as He sees best?

My prayer for leaders and for Jesus followers: God, give us Hard Hands and Soft Hearts.

Today, the day before Easter Sunday, is often called Silent Saturday.

The Gospel writers don’t share a lot about this day because, well…it was silent.

Jesus had died on the cross on Good Friday and was buried before sundown and the start of the Sabbath. As His body was laid in that garden tomb, it appeared that all hope had been lost.

It wasn’t supposed to end like this.

Why has this happened?

Where can we look for help now?

No doubt the disciples and Jesus’ other followers were struck with grief, sorrow and a deep sense of loss.

The One that John described as the Word of God (John 1:1), now lays lifeless and silent. The One who is the Author of Life (Acts 3:15) is dead and has no words to be heard.

On this Silent Saturday, there is an opportunity for us to reflect and ask ourselves an important question:

What do we do with “in the middle moments”?

As modern readers, most of us know how the story turns out. Because of this, we often want to fast forward to the joy and celebration of Easter Sunday, the morning that Jesus defeated death and rose again to life.

But sometimes it is good to slow down and consider the silence of Saturday.

How should we respond when it feels like God is silent?

How do we hang on to hope, when hope feels lost?

We need to remember that at this moment — on Saturday— it looks like death has won.

Are the hopes of the disciples and the followers of Jesus now gone?

The things they had anticipated for the past three years of hearing Jesus Word’s and seeing the miracles…is it all lost?

Was it all for nothing?

The disciples felt this.

You might be feeling this.

I think this is the key that we must remember as we consider Silent Saturday:

The middle moment wasn’t the final moment.

And because this is true it means…

YOUR MIDDLE MOMENT ISN’T YOUR FINAL MOMENT.

The story of Jesus doesn’t end on Saturday.

And because of that, your story — no matter how silent it may feel right now — is not yet over.

So here is a reflection for you today:

What do we need to remember from Silent Saturday, even as we navigate our own "middle moments"?

Remember:

God's silence is not a sign of His absence.

Where you find yourself currently is not the end of the story.

Our hope is rooted in something bigger than our current circumstances.

If you find yourself in a middle moment today, remember — because of the Resurrection, it is not your final moment. Hang on to hope.

Sunday is coming.

I want every day to count.

What about you?

One thing we all have in common as humans is a limited amount of time. No matter how busy you feel you are, or how much excess time you think like you have (is there anyone alive who ACTUALLY feels like they have too much time??) we all receive a total of 24 hours in our day to do what we need to do. The person with multiple kids and a demanding job, and the young adult who is just beginning their career both receive the same amount of time.

So, how do we make sure our days count?

And more importantly, how do we make sure that we actually live out the things that are a priority in life?

There are times that because of the limit of time, we make the excuse that we actually don’t have time to do what we say we value. But think this thought for a moment: if we don’t have time to do what we say is a value and a priority — how are we actually stewarding our time?

A number of months ago I came across a story of Benjamin Franklin. As a young man, he developed a list of thirteen virtues that he determined were values to him that he wanted to see lived out and integrated into his life on a daily basis. Each day he would look at these thirteen virtues and give himself a grade on how he did.

Take note of a few things that Ben Franklin kept in motion:

He kept his priorities and values in front of himself daily.

He was holding himself personally accountable. (We can all fake it with others, but we can’t fake it with ourself.)

He was measuring his activity against the things he wanted to come through in his life.

So after reading about this, I decided to make my own list. For the past few months I take out this list (I have it on my wall in my home office, and I keep it on my Evernote so it is always with me digitally) and I measure my day. As I considered my life as a follower of Jesus, a husband and dad, a pastor and leader, I boiled it down to 5 key areas that I wanted to measure each day, and give myself a grade. Somedays I actually felt like I got an “A” in certain areas. Other days…not so much.

5 MEASUREMENTS OF A DAY

Each day I ask myself these questions, and I give myself a grade.

Did I meet with Jesus?

As a follower of Jesus, this has to be a priority. Not out of legalism or some dead religious pressure or guilt. Jesus wants to be with me — and I really do want to be with Him. For me this includes time reading scripture, talking and listening to Him through prayer, and even reflection through silence or journaling.

Did I serve, bless, and encourage my family?

All of us are wired to want to be served. But I want a healthy marriage. I want to have a strong influence and loving relationships with each of my children. This requires me to focus my time on serving, blessing and encouraging my family.

Did I give my best at work?

All of us has a level of responsibility on our lives that we feel. For me, I don’t just have a job — I have a calling. Each day, with the time and energy that I have, am I truly giving my best?

Did I develop myself?

One of my commitments in life is to be a life long learner. I never want to stop growing and learning. Self development is critical if I really value this — and the truth is I either grow daily or I will die gradually.

Did I steward my physical health?

This one is multifaceted for me. I happen to be Type 1 Diabetic (I don’t talk about this very often) — so stewarding my health is really important. This means eating right (most of the time), checking my blood glucose levels often, and staying physically active. This is why my daily routine starts with a 6 AM gym time at my CrossFit Gym (Shout out to my crew at University Place CrossFit).

These five areas are all aligned with values that I have. And just like everyone reading this — life happens. What that means is, sometimes things get busy and it becomes easy to live out hours and days of our lives that are disconnected from what we say actually matters most.

Measuring your day helps you to keep your values in front of you.

I hope that this list might inspire you to create your own.

Why?

Because each day is a gift. Live it with intentionality. Live into your values and priorities.

I’d love to hear from you in the comments below:

what would you measure in your days to live by your values?

This has been a project that I have worked on to help people grow through a 31 day journey of discovering Jesus words and His heart. If you are looking for a 31 day devotional, a resource to help you or a friend deepen their relationship with Jesus, or you are interested in learning more about this man named Jesus — this book is for you.

To give you a taste of what the book is about I’ve included the introduction below. The With Jesus book is available now on Amazon:

Thank you for taking time to lean in to a 31-day journey that has the ability to transform your life. I know that those words sound like a big claim…and they are. But as you will soon discover, the words that we are going to look at over the next 31 days are anything but common or ordinary. I believe they have the power to change everything. And I’m not alone in this. There are millions of people throughout the centuries that have had the trajectory of their lives altered because of the significance of the words that we will be spending time with. The most important element: the source of where these Words came from. 

There have been many important people who have walked the face of the earth throughout history. People have left their impact on fans, foes, and followers. There have been powerful people who left their mark on the pages of history. Others are remembered because of heroic sacrifice or incredible works of compassion and care. But of all the important and even famous people that have lived, none seem to stack up against a carpenter turned teacher from a small town called Nazareth. His name: Jesus.

What was it about Jesus?

How was it that He could take a group of twelve students and literally shift the trajectory of mankind?

How could this man gather thousands of people to listen to His words, and over 2,000 years later, those words are still impacting lives?

Why were his followers so committed to keeping and documenting His words…

I believe it is because Jesus is so much more than a historical teacher. He is far more than someone who started a movement, did some good deeds, or healed people and performed miracles. Jesus is more than an example that we look to so that we can add inspiration to our lives to “become better people”. Jesus came for a cause and a purpose much more than these things.

Years ago I heard a statement about Jesus that had a deep impact on my understanding of who He is and why He came.

Jesus did not come to make bad people good.

He came to make dead people live.

This is why I am so excited for these next 31 days together. We get to listen to the Words of Jesus – the One who came to bring LIFE. Our greatest need isn’t just to get a little better or do more good. Our greatest need is to receive the Life that He alone provides. We have the opportunity to experience life With Jesus.

As we will discover over the next 31 days, His words will encourage us, challenge us, confront us, comfort us, convict us, inspire us, and amaze us. But my prayer for you is that it will do more than that. My prayer as I write this, is that you will come to encounter LIFE through His Words. That His Life will transform your life.

Before we begin, I want to ask you to commit to spending time each day over the next 31 days to show up ready to meet with Jesus. Set aside the distractions for a few minutes. Set your phone to “Do Not Disturb”. Grab a cup of coffee. And put yourself in a space where you are not just reading the Words of Jesus, but you are positioning your heart to encounter the One who spoke these Words.

Again, thank you for taking time to engage in this journey. I am confident that as you lean in, you will discover that Jesus has already been moving toward you in preparation for this moment.

Tyler Sollie

purchase “with Jesus" on amazon

I would love it if you could help me in a few ways:

First, if you could help spread the word to others via social media so that more people can become aware of this resource, I would really appreciate it! If you do that, be sure to tag me (@tylersollie) so I can thank you!

Second, if you could add a review for the book on Amazon, it would mean a ton!

In your corner, cheering you on!

Tyler

As I write this, my wife Amber is in surgery.

For over 10 years Amber has navigated a neurological vocal condition called spasmodic dysphonia. She has seen specialists, doctors, gone to vocal therapy, scopes, scans…all that to say it has been a journey. This past fall, in October, she had surgery at UCLA. There was some improvement, but after further discussions with her doctor here, he thought that one additional surgery would bring the improvement and healing that we have been believing for.

Most readers know that Amber and I believe in a God that is more than able to heal! We believe that healing can come naturally, medically or supernaturally — it’s all ultimately from Him.

Some times healing comes quick.

Some times healing is a journey.

If I’m honest, it is challenging when its a journey because there seems to be a lot of waiting.

But what do you do while you wait?

There are a lot of common things we do as humans:

We worry

We get anxious

We get frustrated

We throw a pity party

We embrace denial

We question God’s goodness, His presence, or even His reality

We get angry

We get apathetic

Maybe you have been there. Maybe you are there.

For those who find themselves in a waiting moment, here are a few of my reflections and encouragements of what to do while you wait.

WHAT TO DO WHILE YOU WAIT: 3 Things that make the difference

1. FEED YOUR FAITH

   It’s bee said, “What you feed grows, what you starve dies.” This is such an important reminder in the “waiting” moments of life. If you feed your worry or fear, it will grow. If you feed your anger and denial, it will grow. When we feed our faith, it has a chance to grow. An important reminder: Biblical faith never asks you to deny reality — it invites you to recognize a greater reality than your current circumstance. Feed your faith by reading scripture, getting around faith-filled people who will pray for and encourage you, pray and reflect on the goodness of God.

2. FOCUS ON THE GOOD

   I know that this has the danger of sounding like some “self-help and work-hard-to-be-positive-no-matter-what” stuff. That isn’t what I am getting at. Often we can miss the good in the moment because we are consumed with all of the “what-ifs” that we can’t actually control. We often get robbed of the good of today because we are anxious about the things we can’t control tomorrow. What is the good that God has blessed you with today? How are you appreciating the moment with your kids, your spouse, your job, your church community, or the health that you do have?

3. FIND REST IN THE GOSPEL

   Jesus has already done for you what you could never do for yourself. Through trusting in His life, death, and resurrection your peace, comfort, joy, forgiveness, freedom, significance, identity, and hope are secure. The Gospel is really Good News! Yes, the Gospel is something that I believe. But it is also something that I rest in. My life isn’t measured by my striving or my earning. This doesn’t just have implications for our salvation, it also has implications on how we navigate the “waiting moments” in life. I can be at rest — not because all the circumstances are what I wish them to be. I can find rest because Jesus is working for my good and for His glory.

Maybe for you, there is something you’re waiting for. There are a lot of things you can do while you wait. I’d encourage you to embrace the above three things that actually have the ability to make a difference.

Tyler

Today is a historic day for the United States of America. A few weeks ago, it was leaked that Roe v. Wade will be overturned at the Supreme Court level leading to a potentially massive shift in the perspective on abortion. Today, that decision became a reality. Much like other topics over the past few years, there is extreme emotion, polarization, and differing perspectives when it comes to the practice of terminating pregnancies that were made legal by the highest court of our nation on January 22, 1973.

How should we process this turn?

Before I get there, let me preface what I want to share with a few important things:

1. I am a follower of Jesus who believes that the Scriptures are authoritative. Because of this, it shapes and defines my worldview. 

   If you don't hold to these same anchor points, then it's important to recognize that there is a different starting point that we are working from. Every human has a worldview that is shaped and formed by something. It is critical that we know where our worldview comes from because it is the lens that we will see everything in life through.

2. I am a man. I understand this. I do not know what it is like to carry a baby. 

   I watched my wife take that journey three times, bringing three beautiful gifts into this world. Each time was scary. Each time there were concerns and levels of complications. I do not know firsthand what that dynamic looks like, so I will not pretend like I do. What I do want to share is a pastoral perspective. Again, if we are starting from a different worldview, it will be a challenge to find many (if any) points of agreement.

3. For those who have made the decision at some point to abort a pregnancy, and now have come to find forgiveness and grace in Jesus -- there is no condemnation or shame. 

   Because of Christ, every place of sin (a bible word for missing the mark of God's defined standard of right living - both in attitude and action) has been covered through His grace. No doubt, the past few days have dug up thoughts and maybe even a subtle whisper of shame and condemnation. Remember what Romans 8:1 boldly declares to you no matter where you have been or what you have done:  "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus."

Here are 4 Pastoral Thoughts for Jesus followers on how we should process this turn:

A Pastoral Perspective...

FIRST, THE AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE AND WHEN LIFE "BEGINS"

I write this to those who would see themselves as followers of Jesus. For those who are a part of our church community at Life Center (and to those who are reading this and connected to another church community), it is critical that we understand what Scripture in its authority calls us to. Scripture and culture will not always agree, because they are not starting from the same worldview. We must remember we can't edit Scripture to simply fit this cultural moment and then say we believe that Scripture is authoritative. That is using your self-imposed "authority" to redefine Scripture. You may like, or even love your Bible, but if we do this, we can't say we believe it is authoritative. We must be careful to not take our modern lens and try to read that into what Scripture makes clear.

Scripture claims some important things: God is the Creator, God is the author of Life, every human life has value because mankind was created in the image of God (imago Dei).

If you don't believe this, it has implications.

If you do believe this, it also has implications.

One of the most important passages that I believe Christians should be aware of regarding this subject is found in Luke 1:15. As an angel is visiting Zechariah, he tells him that his son John (who will be known as John the Baptist) "...will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother's womb." 

A few things to note: 

• the Holy Spirit fills humans that are alive. 

• what will be in Elizabeth's womb will be more than a clump of cells, it will be a human that is alive - before he is born.

• God had a purpose for this unborn child before he was even conceived.

As a nation, many have spent the past two years sacrificing and working diligently to "preserve and protect life" during a pandemic. What this means is at some level, there is a sense in our cultural worldview that "life is valuable". But the abortion argument often comes to "when does life begin"? How we answer this matters because if something is less than life or less than alive, we can simply see it as a choice. 

As a pastor, this passage is a compelling reason to see that from conception, there is life -- and even before conception, God sees purpose and value.

SECOND, WE SHOULD BE MORE THAN JUST PRO-BIRTH

If we believe that Scripture has authority in our lives, and it tells us that life is valuable, then we need to think about the impact of how we will engage with life. I've heard it said that "pro-life people are only pro-birth". What this should cause Jesus followers to pause and ask is this:

• Am I pro-life to the point that I will open up my home to become a foster parent or adoptive parent?

• For mothers who will be in a situation where they will raise a child alone, how will we The Church, support and care for them?

• For those who are born with health challenges, are we ready to commit to long-term love and care?

If we are pro-life, the answer to all of the above should be a resounding YES. This is another area where we must not be quick to edit Scripture and use it to meet our needs or agenda. If we believe that God values life, then it means he values the lives of the unborn and the born who will need to be cared for. According to the book of James, pure religion is caring for orphans and widows -- the most vulnerable in our communities. As Roe v. Wade turns, the Church must be ready and willing to provide the life care that scripture calls us to.

THIRD, COMPASSION MATTERS

We cannot forget that Jesus, when He saw crowds of people, He had compassion for them (Matthew 9:36). He even wept over the city of Jerusalem (Luke 13:34). What concerns me as a pastor is how often I see in followers of Jesus (and even in myself) a lack of compassion. I have friends who have had abortions, and the amount of shame that they experience can be staggering. This is especially a tragedy when the shame comes from self-righteous "followers of Jesus" who have lost sight of their own need for forgiveness. 

For followers of Jesus, who hold to the authority of Scripture, we can't lose sight of our call to walk in love and compassion. I am not recommending that we engage with compassion that is void of truth, because that actually isn't compassionate. It would be unloving and lacking compassion if my doctor knew of an issue but didn't lead me to the truth.

Jesus follower, your compassion in this moment matters.

FOURTH, THERE ARE SAD COMPLEXITIES  

There may be some who read this fourth thought from this pastor and become frustrated. You may be thinking, "Tyler, it isn't complicated...life is life!" I agree with you. Life IS life. That isn't the complicated part. But there are circumstances that are sadly complex, and to deny that isn't helpful. There are horrific scenarios like incest and rape. There are complicated realities such as a mom’s life being in danger or a diagnosis that the unborn child may have to endure once out of the womb. These are challenges of living in a broken and fallen world. There are many "what about" and "what ifs" surrounding this. I wish that we never had to navigate dark realities like these. I'm not denying that those are very real challenges and complicated for the individuals navigating them and for the precious lives of those not yet born.

I do know this: hope can come, even in the most challenging and dark moments.

I am committed to the importance of Jesus followers protecting life. 

This is because life is a gift from God. 

Therefore, life is valuable. 

As a pastor, I feel a deep responsibility to equip followers of Jesus on how we navigate this moment. My hope and prayer are that if you hold to the authority of scripture, that you will see the importance of this moment. 

My hope is that you will pray. 

My hope is that you will sacrifice and serve.

My hope is that you will embody the love and compassion that Jesus has.

My hope is that every life will be valued for what it is.

Tyler

I still remember the first “real” Bible I received. I had graduated from my kids Bible with the pictures, and received what I considered the coolest Bible in existence…complete with a fancy cover and carrying case (I wonder if those will ever make a comeback?). It was the 1990’s Teen Study Bible.

I was so excited and I couldn’t wait to dive into it.

But then, the expectation and excitement quickly met reality for me. Even though I was reading it - I didn’t really get it. I was reading the words. I was hearing the stories. But I was confused by how others were so “impacted” and “transformed” by reading their bibles, and I wasn’t having the same experience.

My guess is you may have found yourself in similar places at different times.

Followers of Jesus often approach reading their Bible out of discipline or duty. Maybe we have heard or we know…

• It is the right thing to do

• I am supposed to do this

• It is good for me, my soul and my walk with Jesus

• I’m supposed to have “daily devotions”

• Etc. etc. etc.

But why is there a disconnect that all of us feel from time to time — myself included?

(Prepare yourself for a long, run-on sentence/question…)

Why is it that we can read from what is not only a sacred historic writing, but God’s authoritative and infallible revelation and communication to humanity (about who He is, His purpose and plan, how He desires to be worshiped, our need for rescue and redemption, His provision for our need through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, and what this means for us) — and walk away knowing we read words or stories or principles, and not be transformed, impacted, or seeing the significance about how this matters in our day to day living?

The other day, as I was reading in Psalms, something hit me.

It was a moment of clarity.

I found myself saying and sensing: THAT’S IT!

“Open my eyes so that

I may contemplate

wondrous things from your instruction.”

Psalm 119:18 (CSB)

As I read these words, a small, but important lightbulb came on that was helpful for me, and I pray is helpful for you.

Two transformative practices:

FIRST: ASK GOD TO OPEN YOUR EYES

We don’t just read the Bible for information. We also read the Bible to encounter God. We need open eyes for this. Have you ever finished reading your Bible, only to realize that you don’t remember anything you just read? You read it, but you don’t remember anything? Here is the challenge: we used our eyes, but our eyes were not open. When we ask God to open our eyes it draws us into a place where we expect that He wants to show us something and that we want to see and receive what He is going to reveal.

SECOND: CONTEMPLATE

Another important ingredient that, if missed, creates a disconnect: a lack of reflection and contemplation. The Psalmist asked not only for open eyes, but open eyes for a purpose: to contemplate the wondrous things from God’s Word. Creating space to pause, reflect, consider, ponder, and meditate on is vital to encountering God as we read His Word.

Jesus doesn’t just want to give you information. He wants you to experience Him!

So for those who have maybe grown discouraged in reading Scripture, or even bored with it — I encourage you to add these two practices and see how different that journey becomes!

If you are new to Scripture and don't know where to start, I would encourage you to grab a Bible reading plan and start following it. You can download one HERE and join with us in our Life Center One Year Bible reading.

I’d love to hear from you other ways that you have found beneficial to engage with Scripture! Share in the comments below.

Tyler