As I learned the examen practice, I discovered that I wasn’t examining myself nearly as much as I was examining the presence and movement of God in my life.
All in Discipleship
To the Discouraged Minister
The church minister occupies a unique space. It is a difficult space inhabited by critique and pressure both from within the community and from without.
An Empty House: Luke 11:24-26
Self-righteousness is simply an empty house, a risky spiritual condition that attracts all kind of demons. Our house must be filled with God’s Spirit.
Punishing to Pruning
God is wanting to yield in us a fruit of righteousness and holiness. To do that, God must prune us. Jesus talks about this pruning that God does through Him.
Just Breathe
When the weapons of anxiety, anger, stress, and loneliness are being used to disconnect me from God, it helps to remember: Just breathe.
The Complicated Task of Forgiveness
When we offer forgiveness it is not of benefit to that person, but instead we can see the true benefit to ourselves of forgiveness
Waiting on the Lord
Waiting is a major theme of Scripture. God is always faithful to his people… yet he often seems to keep them waiting.
Heaven in the Here and Now: A Holiday Reflection
No matter what feelings the holidays bring up for you, I pray you have a moment where time stands still, and the love of heaven descends upon you.
Pocket Phrases
The intent of these little pocket phrases is simply to equip you with a diplomatic way to open the lines of communication and to acknowledge that everyone has a point of view worth hearing.
You Matter to God
Our true identity is not found in a man, or in their roles, titles, jobs, beauty, intelligence, accomplishments, or children. True identity is found in Jesus Christ. Period.
Shine Bright
Because Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12), we become a beacon when we live according to his statutes and commands and act as his hands and feet.
Servants Called and Set Apart
What kept Paul’s fire for Christ burning even in his old age? I believe it was the conviction of his calling. He knew exactly who he was and what he existed for.
Begin with the End in Mind
The time is short. In the military, you often get 18-30 months to make a difference where you are assigned. Depending on your faith tradition, the timeline is often the same.
Offering a Posture of Praise
Our ability to enter into His presence with thanksgiving and praise comes only from His power within us. Often, we find that the cards we have been dealt could never warrant thanksgiving or praise.
Jesus Does Not Mess Around with Sin
Quit playing around with your sin. Stop it. Cut it off at the source. Be radical in stopping your addictions. Stop rationalizing and making excuses
Lessons From a Child
I learned something that day. My daughter’s actions reminded me that it is not important what others think about you. What is important is who you really are.
Pastoral Portraits
We do not lead with advice, guidance, or correction. Instead, we pay careful attention to the emotional and spiritual location of the person to whom we minister.
When the Cold Sets In
This image of warmth and coldness is a great primer on how to develop spiritual disciplines and is helpful as we try to improve our quiet time as the year winds down.
Loving “Non-Believers” with the Love of God
Love is at the center of God’s most redemptive act. If we are to be reflections of God in this broken world, then we are to love others with the love of God.
Coloring Sheets Have Corrupted My Knowledge of Scripture and I Don't Like It
Details must be simplified because we want our children to know the love of God, however, as adults, do we let the coloring pages limit scripture in our memories?