Life

One of the strange phenomenon’s of this generation is the rise of social media. If a celebrity eats a hamburger, we need infinite updates on how it tasted and went down.  Social media has also led to a refreshing amount of social accountability; but, it’s also led to an era of cyber bullying and hyper-critique. In…

As usual, I like to keep my friends and fam in the loop about some cool press and promo coming forth!  First off, for those wondering about my book release for Pharisectomy: Don’t fret! It’s coming!  I literally sold out of my advance reader copies (that were only for pastors, etc.)  And I’m awaiting my second…

If you’ve heard me preach, you’ll know that I love to share modern miracle stories.  I’m kind of a skeptic at heart; yet, I’ve seen some undeniable miracles over the years.  This tension between faith and skepticism is a pretty common one – especially in a day and age when urban legends can be created…

Almost every month, people come up to me and ask the common question:  “What do I need to do to find a mentor?”  As I look back at many of the successes in my life, it’s become clear that most of them were due to great mentors. Many of you have recently heard me teach…

The Bible says that the “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Prov. 18:21).  Interestingly, certain studies have proved this to be true when it comes to love and romance. In the October 2011 issue of the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Animal Behavior Processes, it explained…

At Substance, we’re constantly thinking of ways to empower people to experience success.  And we have a crazy ministry launching at our Operating Center this coming week called Financial Peace University (FPU). Of course, our goal as Christians isn’t to store up treasure on earth.  Some people believe in a “prosperity gospel” which is basically…

When Rob Bell’s Love Wins hit the shelves, I thought that there would never be an end to the questions:  “Pastor, what do you think?  What are your thoughts?” (And by the way, if you really want to know my thoughts on hell, check out the four-part series: “Hell, Fuzzy bunnies and Brimstone” from Easter…

A trip to Israel wasn’t very high on my “bucket list;” but, after going there this last week, I honestly can’t believe I’ve waited this long.  Seriously: I will never be the same.  It sounds so sensational but it’s true.  “And Why” you ask?  I’ll tell you! First off:  I finally got to use all…

"I want to use Substance's strengths and go to strategic nations and then work with carefully selected churches who are fully capable of fully utilizing our short term efforts for long-term gain."

Can they really cancel your flight while you’re ½ way across the north Atlantic Ocean?  Apparently so! As many of you know, I was off to South Africa via Amsterdam to preach at a pastor’s conference north of Johannesburg.  And all of a sudden, that naughty little volcano in Iceland (who’s name no one can…