She was snoring in the middle of the service! But it wasn’t just a snore, it was that gasping, choking, loud kind. Her husband was next to her and seemed oblivious to it all.

The church was packed during this special conference, there were many guests among us, and the invited speaker was doing an amazing job with his message.

God’s Spirit was stirring and she was snoring – and it was startling to say the least.

Between the back row of seats and wall there was an uncarpeted walkway. She was sitting on a bench against the wall in direct line of sight of the speaker.

I was sitting in the back row right in front of her. My pulse and blood-pressure were rising; people were looking at her – and me – with that “pastor what are you going to do?” look.

I thought I had a good idea that would be both gracious and effective. I placed a book over my shoulder and dropped it with the hope the dull thud would gently awaken her.

Terrible idea!

Instead, the book landed perfectly flat on the uncarpeted floor with a slap that would wake the – well, you get the point.

She wasn’t just awakened, she was startled half to death, jumped, and did some version of a quiet shriek I’d never heard before.  

I was pretty sure her blood-pressure and pulse were now quite higher than mine.

Have you ever had someone stare right through the back of your head?

Have you ever tried so hard to hold it together, act composed but not be able to stop laughing though your life depended upon it?

Do you think God ever does that with us?

(If it’s happened, I’d love to hear your story. Put it in the community or reply to this email – I read them all!)

We’ve drift off in our spiritual development and don’t notice (Luke 8:11-15).

We’re asleep to how the Enemy is doing real damage in real time (Matt. 13:25).

We’ve fallen asleep in prayer and fall prey to temptation (Luke 22:45-46).

None of this is funny and let’s be honest, our life does depend upon it.

In that garden in Gethsemane, Peter protested loudly that his allegiance to Jesus was sound. Moments later he was sound asleep.

That woman in the back of the church, she wanted to be there. Her spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak.

Both needed a wakeup call. Occasionally we do too.

It might not feel good in the moment and could induce a little shame, but whatever it takes to startle you out of that stupor, thank God for it.

I’m hoping this gentle thud doesn’t turn into that startling slap!

So, here’s my question for you: What it the thing that is startling, jolting or so obvious you can’t miss that God is using as a wakeup call for you?

I’d love to hear your response. Reply and let me know or jump into the community and share it on the post there. I read every one.

PS. Who do you know who might benefit from this newsletter? Can you forward it to them and encourage them to subscribe? It just takes a minute or two. Thanks!

Do you know how a lot of believers familiar with Scripture quietly struggle because they don’t get more from their personal Bible reading? My book will help them by making the Bible easier to understand, build an enjoyable routine they won’t want to miss, and feel confident that their beliefs align with Scripture. Pray that it truly changes lives. You can also pray about your joining the launch team. It’s going to be fun and worth your while.

Book Release in December. New Excerpt (9/15):

…You might be like many who know what their church or denomination teaches but question some of it. Deep down you wonder if it's rooted in Scripture or tradition or worse, error. You’d like to have an easy and memorable way to evaluate the religious beliefs and behaviors of others who preach and teach the Bible. And you’d like to be confident but not arrogant about what you believe and why.

This short practical book will likely change how you read the Bible. And that has the potential to change your life. Enjoying and understanding Scripture is not as hard as you might think. I’d like to commend you for taking seriously your journey into the book of all books we call the Bible.

The material I’ve condensed into this book is what I’ve taught others in live classrooms and online cohorts for decades. It’s written out of years of experience and feedback from students in church settings and at ministry level training. It’s not the only book on this subject but there isn’t another one like it. I pray it will whet your appetite for more and accelerate your understanding of Scripture.

You're about to gain the understanding and tools needed for a lifetime of meaningful engagement with God's word. Give yourself permission to read it carefully and do the short daily exercises. It's how you'll get the most out of it. It's short, but I didn't write it to be a "quick read". There’s plenty in here you’ll want to put into practice..…

You can read the rest of the excerpt in the community space. Just click on the link below:

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🛐 How can we pray for you? Please let us know here.

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