You brace yourself for the change, you rally the forces, you organize every detail, and you convince yourself that you have created a foolproof plan for a perfect and seamless transition.
All tagged wilderness
Foundations for Worship: Jewish Feasts
Foundations provide support for structures, but that does not mean that the structures will look like the foundation. A house does not look like a basement.
Chronic Pain and Unmitigated Joy (or "we just sold our house")
A day will come when the burden will be lifted. In a flash the situation will improve, and I will feel joy. Or perhaps the situation will improve gradually, and I will feel my steps growing lighter and easier.
The Devil's in the Details: The End Doesn't Justify the Means
I would like for us to think about a lie that the devil has been hawking since the beginning of time: the ends justify the means.
Breathe
The truth remained unchanged; I was not enough. So whatever circumstances are causing you to ask the question, “Am I enough?” breathe with me and say, “My grace is sufficient for you…”
But Who Will Pick Up the Pieces?
May we recognize that our futures are in God’s hands, being reminded that God has been there in the past, is here now, and will be there in the future.
The Devil's in the Details: To Serve, Not to Be Served
We began exploring how “the devil is in the details,” as his deceptions are designed to sound appealing, and maybe even right, until we examine them more closely.
Can These Bones Live?
As God breathed the breath of life into the man in Genesis 2, God puts the ruach into these lifeless human forms and they come to life.
The Labor of Longing
The suffering of Paul, of Julian, and of a mother carrying an unborn child are all sufferings that can “effect by labor” deep spiritual longing. And this labor of longing gives birth to hope.
Soul Care in the Wilderness: A Preacher’s Journey
I learned how to take care of my soul in the wilderness of small town and small church ministry.
Faithful Disappointment
It is in these seasons of distress that we can experience quite a bit of theological disorientation. We start to question God’s involvement in our lives. We wonder if God has forgotten us.
The Devil's in the Details: The Purpose of Our Privilege
The devil tempts us in this same way. He entices us with luxury, or causes us to fixate on our needs until we forget that God put us here to do more than eat and drink.
How I'm Changing As a Minister
I'm still a work in progress and have come to believe that I will always be changing as a minister. I thought it might be helpful to someone to consider my path as a preacher.
A Discipleship Prayer
Lord Jesus, show me your heart Give me your heart I'm desperate for you Lord I want to know you, even in this life. Lord give me a glimpse and then empower me to live it.
A Meditation on Psalm 23
So today I will say yes instead of no to what is gained in darkness. I will take my hands off my ears and stop closing my eyes to the invitation to intimacy that is found uniquely in darkness.
When Churches Listen to Victims of Domestic Violence
Why does God listen to women like Hagar and my friend? And why should the church do the same?
"Are You the One?" An Advent Reflection on John the Baptist, Christ, and Us
There are a great many people today who are a bit confused by who God is.
