Nehemiah constantly faced outside pressure from opponents and inside issues from coworkers. He persisted, but he probably had to build some walls of his own.
All in Discipleship
Call Failed
As ministers, we are called to counsel those who are experiencing a prayer life full of “dropped calls.”
Minimum-Security Monastery
These moments of silence got me thinking about two kinds of people who live in cells: inmates and monks. So what if I could help these inmates see this jail as a monastery?
Joy in the Moment
What would happen if you saw each meaningful moment of your day as a potential expression of the presence of God?
Communication Lab with Professor Jesus
Try these two communication experiments and see how Jesus is revealed through you.
Spit on My Eyes
How are mere fishermen supposed to see and to understand the infinite greatness of the kingdom of God that Jesus is revealing in his life and ministry?
Pursuing Joy
As Christians, we are called to be a people of joy. But despite God’s wisdom in inviting us into this way of life, being joyous is not always an easy endeavor for us.
Spiritual Direction 101
What is spiritual direction, what does a spiritual director do, and how can someone find the right spiritual director?
Overwhelmed by God: Beauty, Transcendence, and Seeing the Savior
At some point I started trying to understand the world around me rather than be amazed by it.
Storytelling and the Good Samaritan
The story isn’t answering the question, “Who is my neighbor?” It’s a well-crafted invitation to an identity crisis.
The Same Old Thing This New Year
Will this new year bring anything that is actually new? Or will the globe keep spinning as it always has?
Six Clashes between Jesus and Evil
We may think of Jesus as one who brings only peace, but a big part of the mission of Jesus was a clash with evil.
The Morning after Christmas
Now that Christmas is over, it’s time to get back to the mission of turning the world upside-down.
The Really Big Thing
Leadership in our congregations must take into account a disciplined focus on being Jesus-followers.
Into the Wild: An Advent Reflection
We tend to think about wilderness as a place, but a shack is a visible reminder that wilderness is a force, always pushing back against order and security.
The Darker Side of Christmas
For the first time in my life I am having to balance the grief that comes with loss and the joy of the Christmas season.
Lazarus, Come Out!
As I sit imaginatively with this story, I find myself identifying with Lazarus. I find myself in a season of life with God that feels grave.
Marshmallows, Advent, and Waiting for the Best
Advent is the season of waiting, so they say. Waiting for the Messiah king to come. Waiting for God to show up.
In the Red
Because I’m such a conversation nerd, I’ve always been fascinated by Jesus’s actual words. Lately when I read his words, I’m awed by his laser focus.
The Alluring Lie of Performance
Productivity and achievement can certainly be good things. But gauging my own validity as a human being by how efficient and effective I am is perilous.