Dysfunctional Family Roles as Spiritual Formations
Today “spiritual formation” means many different things. Self-help. Learning Bible doctrines. Inner spirituality. Being like a monk. But Jesus’ idea is simply to “love one…
Blessed Are the Merciful?
Following Dallas Willard’s line of thinking in The Divine Conspiracy, we don’t believe Jesus is saying, “Be merciful and you will be blessed.” Rather, his idea…
Blessed Are the Peacemakers?
We may (mis)use Jesus’ beatitude to be a people-pleaser, conflict-avoider, referee for other people’s conflicts, or fixer of problems. But in Matthew 5:8 Jesus is…
A Prayer for You and Your Ministry
What do you feel after you put yourself out there to minister to others? Many people struggle with self-doubt or self-criticism. Pastors may wonder if…
Come!
When you’re reading the Bible, do you ever just stop mid sentence to pray because your heart is warmed with appreciation for Jesus? This morning I…
The Power to be Kind to Difficult People
Most days we find ourselves up close to someone we’d rather not deal with. (And often it’s a family member or friend!) Perhaps the person…
The Curb of Shame
“There’s your curb of shame Bill!” My friend riding on the bike next to me laughed as he pointed to the spot on the street…
Selah for a Busy Pastor
Kent was ten minutes late for his meeting with me again. He tried to make a joke of it, “I’m sorry. I guess I need…
Here and Now
“Teach us to number our days aright,” is Moses’ prayer of wisdom for us. “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we…
Lord, Make my Life a Miracle!
I was restless and discouraged, so I turned to some words by Ray Ortlund Sr., the father of my spiritual renewal in Christ. These reflections…
Lust No More
We talk with a lot of people who struggle with sexual lust and most of them are committed Christians, even pastors and ministry leaders. And…
Walk with Good Shepherd in Psalm 23
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” so begins the journey of a lifetime! (Psalm 23:1). Yes, Psalm 23 is a spiritual journey…
