Spiritual Growth, Christian Living, Wisdom, Identity
John Beeson
The Power of Ownership

One of the many disappointing realities about the American political landscape is the lack of ownership. It’s not just politicians who shirk ownership – we all do. When my microphone sounds wonky, my mind immediately goes to the sound tech wondering if he will remedy his mistake, not to the more likely responsible party: myself. I probably moved the microphone or pulled the cord.

Of course we know that avoiding ownership usually backfires. Our esteem falls for those who dodge responsibility. But even still, the temptation to blame shift is strong in all of us.

The Power of Ownership
Identity, Biblical Studies, Christian Living, Death, Spiritual Growth
John Beeson
Our Desires Lead to Death

“I am what I feel” sums up expressive individualism.  Our culture frames identity around discovering what our deepest desires and longings are. To know our longings is to know ourselves.

 

In Billie Eilish’s 2023 song “What was I made for?” written for “Barbie,” Eilish reflects on the confusing journey to understand her feelings. It’s this journey, she assures herself that will lead to her happiness.

Our Desires Lead to Death
Spiritual Growth, Christian Living, Forgiveness, Wisdom
John Beeson
A Dire Warning for Me? Where?

“The end is near!” “Repent!”

Have you ever seen a statement of prophetic warning spray-painted on a wall or in a subway station? got to be honest, I don’t take much notice to such warnings. But what if those warnings were for me and for you?

A Dire Warning for Me? Where?
Identity, Parenting
John Beeson
Do You Have a Graduate in Your Life?

We are feeling all the feels. Our youngest, Soren, is about to graduate from high school. This has been a season of reflection for Angel and me and a season of preparation. In our children’s ministry hallways at New Life next to each age level we have containers that represent how many days of influence remain for you as a parent before your child launches. I recognize, of course, that there is no finish line for parenting, but one’s influence and role changes significantly in each season.

 As we look back on our parenting, the most important things we taught our children were who God is and who they were.

Do You Have a Graduate in Your Life?
Fear, Identity, Prayer, Spiritual Growth
John Beeson
Exchanging Intrusive Thoughts for God-talk

Intrusive thoughts are unwelcome and hard to control. I can remember having intrusive thoughts from the time I was a child. When we drove, I often felt the compulsion to press one foot down on the floor between the telephone poles (and yes, I also hopped over the cracks in the sidewalk). At other times, when walking alone, I remember the persistent thought, “He’s watching you.” I would search the bushes and trees for the one my mind told me was watching me.

Exchanging Intrusive Thoughts for God-talk

Team

This week's recommendations

This week's recommendations
  1. The Big Story: The Gospel Project is putting out some wonderful videos, here is one of them. 
  2. Making Married Sex Mutual: Dorothy Littel Greco provides wisdom in the midst of the swirl of dangerous cultural messages about women's sexuality. 
  3. This Momentary Marriage: Crossway is offering this excellent book by John Piper for free until tomorrow (2/17/17).
  4. Man of the People: The Reply All podcast team shares the stunning but true story of a charlatan who built a staggering empire on a surgery involving goat testicles.
  5. The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni: I review this simple but impactful book.

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The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni

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The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni

You either love or hate Lencioni. I love him. But if you haven't read him, you need to. In his typical style, Lencioni tells a leadership fable over the first 2/3rds of this thin book and then lays out those principles in a more typical style over the last third of the book. I really appreciate his style. I put down my pen and just absorb the fable. For me, I find that I retain his concepts for much longer because of his style. He also never tries to do too much. In fact, he admits himself that this book is basic and almost painfully intuitive. Lencioni is not going to grip you with powerful sociological and psychological research. But he is always memorable and accessible.

And his insights in this book, even if not groundbreaking, are critically important. 

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