The passing of another year brings a new year’s set of resolutions. Social media explodes with the discussion of goals, the affirmation that there’s another chance; another opportunity. Everyone, for the moment, seems to look in the same direction–forward. As a husband, dad, man, dreamer, imperfect person with a past who is also a…
We haven’t had heat at our house for a year. Well, not furnace heat. –We’ve been using space heaters. But, as you’re probably aware, that’s not the same thing. We’ve just been getting by without it. But with the KC winter intensifying, my wife thought it’d be a good idea to get this fixed, particularly…
Normally, the outdoorsy image of choice for spiritual growth is mountain climbing. You know how it is: new Christian at the bottom of the mountain, mature Christian near the top. I want to take you a different way…so let’s go spelunking! Spelunking is cave exploration, and it’s my suggestion for another way to think about…
Pee on the floor. That’s how my Monday began. It wouldn’t have been so bad, except for the fact that I worked late Saturday night and had another early day on Sunday morning. So I was just at a loss, on “E” in the tank –and my son, Hosea just so happened to have a…
One thing I appreciate is a sensible preacher. I value their down-to-earth approach that presents biblical truths in a relate-able and true-to-life way. Dr. Fel did that this past Sunday as he launched his new series: Be the One. Be the One offers the invitation to make a difference—make an impact—make a change in someone’s…
Just finished watching Game 3 of the NBA Finals last night between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and it sparked some thoughts for this week’s reflection. Anyone who is even the slightest sports fan has to admit one thing: When you watch sports, you can easily come to identify with the team…
Plan B is never preferred. We’ve all been there. You have so many ideas and expectations of how things will turn out, and for some reason…they don’t go that direction. So, you have to go with “Plan B.” This happened to us last week during our morning service at Gracepointe Community Church. Following our worship…
The throwback 1998 Sprite commercial comes to mind as I reflect on our special guest speaker this past Sunday: Huldah Buntain. Huldah and her late husband, Rev. Dr. Mark Buntain traveled to India in 1954 to serve the country of Calcutta. What began as a one year commitment would turn into a lifetime of missionary…
A cup, a pitcher, a multi-colored polyester shirt. That’s the visual as we re-visit last Sunday. Gracepointe’s guest speaker was Dr. George Westlake Jr., Pastor Emeritus at Sheffield Family Life Center Church, or as he’s been known to coin himself, “The Old Guy on staff.” Dr. Westake would continue the series that Dr. Fel had…
So two weeks ago, Dr. Fel began a new teaching series on a very interesting topic: The Holy Spirit. Now, for someone like me who has grown up in church, I–more than anyone, realize how the subject of The Holy Spirit can quickly be confounding to someone. I mean, it’s not every day you spark…
I’m sitting inside Gusto Coffee Shop in Lee’s Summit, MO on a comfortable 70 degree Monday morning. Across from me is my friend and pastor, Dr. Fel Bagunu – sipping a Raspberry Orange Italian Soda and sharing with me his thoughts on the message he had shared the day before with our friends at Gracepointe…
This past Sunday, Dr. Fel continued his series: 7 Miracles in the Gospel of John by sharing a famous story in John chapter 4 – The Woman at the Well. His main emphasis on the story was characterized by this idea: “Seeing is Not Believing” When you think about it, this idea can be immediately confronting. …
This past week I shared this with the men’s group from our church. Around 2007-08, I came across this devotional during some personal time with God. In a nutshell, it encourages the reader that You are loved by God – that you, (personally) are precious and honored in His sight. Furthermore, knowing this, make your…
Been thinking a lot lately about the rhythm of our lives, and how it affects us. I used to want to move so fast. Now, I look forward to the chance to slow down. What I’m realizing is that we as humans, especially in America, are conditioned for busyness–yet we actually crave rest. To put…
So this week I celebrate my 32nd birthday, and less than one month from now, I will celebrate my second child, Holland’s, first birthday. This last year of going from one to two children has taught me one thing: I need God. If we choose to receive God’s gift of Jesus–and then follow Him, we’re…
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