Sister Saturday | with Special Guests

My sister and her family came into visit a couple weeks ago, so I had Melissa Warner (a family friend and great amateur photographer) take some photos. Embedded are the photos. Some together, some apart, some single shots... you get the point.

I am so grateful for my wonderful family! I know I don't say it (or show it) enough, but I love you all!

Thanks Melissa!

Modern Trust (Technology or God)

During my time with the text, I recently read Psalms 20:7-9

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,  

but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

They are brought to their knees and fall, 

but we rise up and stand firm.

O LORD, save the king! 

Answer us when we call!

I think a modern paraphrase could be...

Some think strength comes from military power.  

From tanks and bombs and technology, but God will bring them to their knees.  

However, those who start on their knees in submission to God will rise up and be heard!

Not A Know It All

I have seen God use many different kinds of speakers to spread the gospel... the apologetic preacher, the charismatic communicator, the relevant teacher.  All have their place and value.  I have recently wondered what kind of speaker I am?  And then I received this email...

I just wanted to let you know how much I have appreciated your teaching. I really like that you speak gently, as another flawed human, instead of from the "All-Knowing Pastor" persona. That approach seems to be much better at reaching my heart than others I've heard, and seems to be the method God's been using to reach me lately. I realize that it's OK if I'm not perfect - God loves me. I just wanted to thank you for that. It means a lot.

Glad I'm not the All-Knowing Pastor, and I'm grateful for her kind words.

Last Chance...

I just came from the printer where they ran off a few hundred pages of our newsletter (pictured above).  To sign up click here, fill out the form, and submit.  I will be mailing these out in the next couple days, so today is your last chance.  Don't worry if you don't make it in time for this months edition, sign up any way because I will be sending one out every month.

Pray this with us...

Jesus gave this charge... "What a huge harvest! And how few the harvest hands. So on your knees; ask the God of the Harvest to send harvest hands." [Luke 10:2 - MSG]

"I told you so..."

Proverbs 24:17-18 is one of many reasons an arrogant "I told you so..." shouldn't be in the Christian vocabulary.

Proverbs 24:17-18 (Amplified Bible) 

Rejoice not when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles or is overthrown, 

Lest the Lord see it and it be evil in His eyes and displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him [to expend it upon you, the worse offender].

After all aren't we saved by grace?  Then what makes us better than the person who is our enemy? God's favor, Christ's providence.  Nothing else!

Love Story for Valentines Day

Foolishly Seeking True Love from Jarrett Lee Conaway on Vimeo.

Finding Your Seat!

I am convinced that the purpose of this life is to grow in Christ's likeness. To essentially become "Little Christ's" (Christians) or Apprentices (Disciples) of Jesus.  This has a lot to do with how "we play the game" or live our life.

The key to this is to have the heart of God. And something of utmost importance is reaching the lost... Mark 2:17, Luke 15, Luke 19:10, etc.  In my own experience, as I help other people find their way I grow in Christ.

Watch this video that was filmed at a Knick's Game.  An improv troupe is doing an experiment to see how many people will help Rob find his seat and ultimately his friends...

Are we helping people find their place?  Find their seat in God's community, his family? After all your seats were paid for by the King, you've got free tickets, help them find their way!

Remember, "The game is important, but the focus needs to be on helping the lost find their way!"

Lots of Time in a Bar

I spend a lot of time in a Bar.  Seriously!

Yes, our church office is above a bar.

I also spend a lot of time in a coffee bar, better known as Starbucks.

Shown here is James Fruits and Curtis Teel....
(Arguably the hardest working men in MoBiz!)

Sister Saturday | Selah Meets Aliyah in Person!

Why Cleveland? Why Now?

I'm often asked why are you at Momentum? Why are you planting in Cleveland?

Momentum is working on a BHAG. What is A BHAG you ask?  It is a Big Hairy Audacious Goal that impacts the City.  Something that is in line with the heart of God and His desire is to bring freedom and purpose into the lives of the people of Cleveland.

Mo is asking their Parishioners to help the develop their BHAG by...

Watching our Right Now Cleveland video for some eye opening insights into the lives of Cleveland-ers.

Then Take one hour this week (1/31-2/8) and go to a public place (coffee shop, mall, park, etc.) and silently pray a simple prayer, “God, help me see what you see. Give me Your heart for the people around me.” At our next Leadership meeting we will have paper on walls for you to share what God has opened your eyes to see.

So again... Why Cleveland, Why now?

Because I believe when the darkness is at it's worst, his light will shine the brightest!
And I'm grateful to be apart of a team that has BHAGs to take down!

Are You Mature?

Something that I quickly noticed when Aliyah was born was how big Selah is. I went to pick Selah up and it was evident that she was growing up faster than I expected (or noticed). She started potty training like a "big girl" and she is learning to read words.  I'm so proud of her.  But I have new and clearer expectations for her, now that Aliyah is home.

When new life is brought into your family you recognize how essential it is to treat each child at the appropriate age or maturity level. As a church leader I believe it is essential that those in the Kingdom grow up. And nothing exposes  immatureity like bring in a true infant into the community.

Are you an immature Christian?  I have a way for you to find out.  Invest and invite in someone and help them find new life in Christ.  As you do, you will find out how immature you are, and how much God's Grace will mature you!

Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. // 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 // 

If you are a church leader, when was the last time you saw new "spiritual" life.  It is a great way to see how immature you are, your community, your church.  Just as Aliyah made me notice how well Selah is developing, so will a new life in your spiritual family. Think about it!

Masks of the Pharisee

Matthew 23:27 [Amplified Bible]
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders (hypocrites)!"


There are many different masks that people wear.  The most common mask is the over-confident, self-centered, self-righteous mask (aka Pharisee). This is what comes to mind most often when we think of Pharisees. They spend time cleaning the outside of the cup, but they are unaware that their insides are filthy.


A less commonly identified is the under-confident, self-less, self-doubting mask.  These people go with the crowd because they aren't willing to risk the status they have with their friends, family, coworker, etc.  They put this mask on and act like everything is ok because they want to belong to something to someone, even if they can't be honest, truthful or themselves.


I believe churches are filled with both.  However, the second group is more likely to be set free.  I know this because of an Elder brother (the Pharisees) who wears the first Mask end up angry refusing to enter God's feast. And then their is a Pharisee named Nic who wears the second mask who comes to Jesus at night to ask about eternal life.


Maybe you're wearing a mask and you need to shed it.

Music Monday | Multi-cultural Online Jam!

Digging this online jam. Multiple musicians, singers, and artists on one track and none of it was recorded in the same room.  Sweet

Jam Session 2.0 from Cain Mosni on Vimeo.

I love all generations, but have a certain place in my heart for my tribe.