Entering the Kingdom of heaven is marked by continuous steps of faith. Faith that requires surrendour and trust in God. The rich young ruler came to Jesus and asked what must I do to inherit eternal life? (Matthew 19:16 Paraphrased) Jesus responded: obey the commandments. To which the Rich Young Ruler said: all these I have obeyed since a child - what do I still lack? The rich young ruler correctly identifies; something is…

I’ll be the first to admit that surfing is probably the most selfish sport in the whole world: my beach, my spot, my wave. It really does revolve around us. This mindset goes even further when we seek approval and respect—when we want to get clips or make a name for ourselves in the lineup. The world is so focused on self, and at the center of the surf world, it’s no different. But…

Right at the end of Matthew’s Gospel - before Jesus ascends into heaven, Jesus leaves his disciples with this final mandate: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19 This is…

I often surf a particular break here in San Diego that has both very high-quality waves and is also extremely crowded. It is a spot that clearly highlights those who surf it often and those who do not. It is a shifty wave that moves unpredictably. For those who surf it often, it appears they have special powers to know exactly where the waves will be amongst the many people. It is the masterful…

At the East Coast campout, the theme "Send It" was reinforced by our bonfire speakers. Jacob shared the story of the group who lowered their crippled friend through a roof so that Jesus would heal him. Kyle spoke about immersing ourselves in Scripture (by whatever method), because the Word transforms us to serve others. After returning home, we enjoyed some fun fall waves, with sets about 1-2 feet overhead. I paddled out before sunrise,…

Recently on a surf trip in central America, we were all surfing at a firing right hander. As set wave approached, I called my buddy into a wave at the point, "Go Go Go!" I was in the position but I had already gotten a few of the medium ones so I decided to be generous, or so I told myself at the time. As I was duck diving, coming up looking over my…

In Luke 6:38 Jesus said: "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." This month we are unpacking the concept of Christ-centered generosity. In Luke 6 Jesus gives us the principle for generosity. Jesus encourages us to be generous with our resources whether that be time,…

After being rejected in Nazareth, Jesus gathers His apostles and sends them out in pairs to preach the Good News in the surrounding towns. Now trained as His emissaries, the disciples cast out unclean spirits, anoint people with oil, and perform many healings. In the ancient world where medicine wasn’t the most refined, healing the sick and removing unclean spirits (or people who suffer from mental health issues) must’ve quickly turned you into a…

One of the greatest deceptions is believing that we can find true refreshment through Netflix, YouTube, Instagram, or whatever your preferred form of entertainment may be. In the book of Mark, after Jesus fed the crowd, He went up the mountain to pray. It was His time in the presence of His Father that brought genuine refreshment. As the book of John begins, it says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word…

John 1 says: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." I love how John starts his…