“I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands.” (Isaiah 49:15-16) We are never too late, old, or insignificant to make a difference. When Moses was eighty years old, God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. I imagine after forty years tending his father in-law’s flocks,…
inspiration
Path of Spiritual Formation
A couple months ago, a bizarre weather phenomena blasted through our neighborhoods. The derecho or “widespread, long-lived, straight-line windstorm that is associated with a fast-moving band of severe thunderstorms” wrought devastation across many miles. Fallen trees and broken limbs snapped powerlines. Thousands of homes and businesses went weeks and weeks without electricity. Utility workers labored…
Parable of the Cracked Pot
Adapted from an anonymous folk tale… A water bearer had two large pots, one hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. By the end of the…
Distractions Become Choices
“I have no prayer life. I am constantly interrupted by the phone.” “I have no time to spend with the Lord because my schedule is so full.” “I can never find the time to ____ (fill-in-the-blank with any spiritual discipline).” A Shift in Thinking During the evening worship of a recent mission project, our entire…
Progressive Interview with Fellow Writers
In a cybergroup with fellow writers, we post fun … wacky … thought-provoking questions. Joining one another’s ruminating can bring a good laugh! Many thanks to Patty Wysong for casting the vision and cooking up the progressive interview feast! Here is my question and the articulate responses to a question we’ve all pondered … Wonder…
Greatest Hindrance to Missional Living and Ways to Overcome It
Me. I am my biggest hindrance to missional living. When my desire for personal time outweighs the needs of my neighbor, missional living dies. My need for a substantial 401K ties up my God-given resources from their use for Kingdom needs. When my focus is on ME … the Lord blurs into the distant horizon….
My Neighbor’s Crisis
Adapted from a true story… Yesterday, my neighbors had a baby. A baby girl. I’ve never seen a more beautiful child. That may not sound so amazing, but this family has been through… well… way too much. They had more than their share of problems. ( I’m in awe of the dad, and the way…
12 Months to Becoming a World Christian
Adapted from January 2012 article in San Diego’s Christian Monthly…. In one short year you can become a World Christian to help fulfill the great commission. Maybe even become a super-hero (see below). What is a World Christian? Someone who takes prayerful, thoughtful action for Christ that has impact across the globe. Many calendars come out…
7 Simple Ways to Pray
1) Pray the scriptures. Choose the Lord’s Prayer (Matt 6:9-13), Psalm 23 or another passage. Speak the verses meaningfully, from your heart, as if for the very first time. Choose a psalm that reflects where you are today. Fear, anger, praise, frustration, gratitude. No emotion is too great for God to bear. 2) Pray through an…
