Leader || Preacher || Teacher
Prayer is the overarching keystone practice in having a faith that won’t quit. Jesus tells the story of a man who knocks on a friend’s door in the middle of the night because he is hosting a late night traveler and has no bread to offer him. The friend first tells him to go away, but eventually gives the man some bread not because they are friends but because of the man’s persistence. When your prayers are persistence your faith perseveres.
Continue reading “Unstoppable Prayer”
“Are you ready? Let’s Go!” You can hear these words echo through our suburban home each morning as we are desperately trying to leave the house to get to school on time. “Did you brush your teeth? Did you get your snacks? Did you fill your water bottle? Did you get your lunchbox, your eye glasses, your folders, your homework, your project? Don’t forget your jacket!” When are my kids ready to leave? When they are equipped for everything their day at school requires.
Continue reading “Live a Life of Love: This is How We Fight Our Battles”
The book of Ephesians contains two major themes: power and identity. Which leads to two other major themes: worship and prayer. In fact, a good portion of the letter is worship and prayer. Some believe the author, Paul prays through the first three chapters. What would give Paul a heart for worship and prayer?
Continue reading “Live a Life of Love: See How Much God Loves You”
Confession time. I do not love Mondays. When I first dreamed of preaching a series on work and faith, I dreamed of writing and preaching something from a place of consolation. In reality, this sermon series is from a place of desolation. “Loving Monday” is more for me than it is for you. I guess you (the congregation I serve, the online listener/reader) are just listening in.
Continue reading “Loving Monday: A Confession”
Comedian Jim Gaffigan has a bit about taking his family to Disney World in his special Mr. Universe. He compares Disney World in July to standing in line on the surface of the sun. “Remember when you were a kid and you would go on vacation and go, ‘why is dad always in a bad mood? Now I understand.’” It’s funny because it’s true. Vacation isn’t always what it appears to be. Continue reading “Left to Our Own Devices: Power Down”
“I don’t know what to pray for anymore or what I should pray, can you please pray for my mother?” My mother died of cancer in 2007. If you are a person of faith and have ever walked with a loved one as they are living out their last days and the hope of healing diminishes, then you may have experienced a weariness in your prayers. I have. When I struggled to find the strength to pray and what I should pray. I looked to someone else that had what I considered to be a bigger picture of God and his Spirit. Continue reading “Pray for My Mother”
Ministering out of a deep center. Becoming a less anxious person. These are two reasons why I chose to accept an invitation to join the first cohort called Contemplative Minister’s Initiative organized by the Siburt Institute for Church Ministry at ACU and funded by generous private donors. Thank you for this truly life changing ministry! I am more than blessed to have been a part of this pioneer group. Continue reading “TGIF Armchair Contemplative”
“For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.” – Acts 9:3
Saul, better known as Paul, persecuted Christians. He was zealous for it and he was really good at it. He was following a lead which took him toward Damascus. But his plans were interrupted. Read Acts 9:1-19
Jesus stopped him in a flash, with a blinding flash of light from heaven. Saul, a man who thought he saw the will of God clearly, was now blind.
In his state of blindness Saul prayed and fasted for three days. What Saul experienced, there was no denying it – there was no denying that Jesus was the Risen Lord.
Sign-up for FAST21 to take part in a life changing experience with God. Beginning January 1st and ending on January 22nd each day you will receive a scripture and prayer guide to couple with your fast.
What might change in 2017 if you chose to dedicate the first part of the year to God with fasting and prayer?
“…One of the deepest longings of the human heart is to be known and loved unconditionally,” says Ruth Haley Barton as she begins chapter six of her book Sacred Rhythms. A common desire among us is that we want others to be authentic and transparent. A byproduct of this desire is that it requires that we be open and transparent with others. We want people to “be real.” We also want to be known and loved for who we are. We fear though, that if we act as we want others to act with us, with openness, then they will reject us. Being open opens us up to unwanted ridicule and judgment.
Continue reading “One Spiritual Discipline You Must Practice”