by Sam | Nov 27, 2014 | Reflection
Happy Thanksgiving! We are so extremely blessed. We are thankful for a faithful God who always keeps His promises. A God who invites us into intimacy and partnership for His glory. We are thankful for this region! We are so thankful for those who have gone before us & for those who have contended to see revival with tears & sacrifice. Those who sought God in the secret place on behalf of generations not yet born. We stand on your shoulders. We are thankful for the harvest that is to come! For neighborhoods & cities mirroring heaven on earth. Last but not least, we are thankful for all the love & encouragement from our families, friends, Kingdom partners, & supporters! Thanks for believing with us. The best is yet to come! Revival or...
by Sam | Nov 12, 2014 | Reflection
I remember the day quite clearly… It was your usual summer day in August, and I needed a caffeine pick-me-up. So I did what I normally do, and drove to my local Starbucks. Yet when I walked in I was utterly in disbelief that they had already started to sell their beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte. Now don’t get me wrong, I am a big fan of PSL, but when it actually is autumn and a little cold outside, not when I am wearing shorts and flip flops. Even more recently on the first day of November, I saw that Starbucks had immediately started to push the Holidays. Red cups, holiday drinks, and trinkets galore. It’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but I feel like I need to start thinking about Christmas right now or I’m missing out. That somehow I need to get a head start and reach for things out of season. And that’s what I believe is the “Starbucks Syndrome”… We want what we want now or else. It’s my right to have what I want now. Quicker the better. Rest assure, I have nothing against Starbucks or any other businesses, but I feel like it hurts us when we apply the same mentality to faith. We either try to strive and reach for something out of season or we feel bitter when something doesn’t happen because we feel entitled. Whether it’s a new job, a promotion, a relationship, or even a promise from God, we feel as though we are owed it by God, and we deserve it right now. I believe wholeheartedly that God can act...
