Many folks report having spirit promptings – a compulsion or feeling of obligation seemingly from God. For instance, I once did mission work with someone who was convinced she was supposed to give her shoes to a resident of the area we were working in. Looking...
It had to be one of those God things. That’s the only reasoning I could muster for still being alive. It had to be. Only… I really wasn’t sure if I even believed in God. You see, my earliest memories of church and/or religion begin at a Catholic Church. (Note: this is...
“Be on the lookout for Jesus sightings.” That was the peculiar charge delivered to a group of mostly junior high kids embarking on international mission work. I was among them as a college-aged youth leader, though I felt quite inadequate for the role. I was certain I...
The value of things that come together is something Former Ford Motor Company CEO, Alan Mulally knows well. Leaving his role at Boeing and taking the Ford helm as outsider to the auto industry, he was asked why he thought he could turn the company around. He responded...
God uses ordinary. He does it for his mighty works and does it as part of the good plans he has for us. And, it’s not just the most charismatic, famous, skilled and educated he seeks. He used twelve ordinary men to filled with weaknesses and shared their story...
Who’s your favorite character in the Bible? It’s a simple and innocent question. I do, however, find myself often getting frustrated at that question. When we ask it, it’s sort of like asking who you favorite character of a popular movie or television show is. When we...
When bad things happen, people often begin intentionally seeking God. I have thought a lot about that in the context of I Kings as hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires are ravaging many lands. And, even as this is happening, citizens of the United States are...
I’ve long thought of life in the context of life seasons. Probably a throwback to The Outsiders and Robert Frost’s Nothing Gold Can Stay. The other night, as I was sitting outdoors while effectively commemorating the end of Labor Day weekend. I observed my...
Quitter. It’s such a nasty little word. I am sure – like me – when you hear it, you immediately think to the refrains of “quitters never prosper.” Or perhaps, “quitters never win.” That’s advice that is well-intentioned, but perhaps is misguided. Looking...
Gaining and having a balanced life is not an impossible goal. Of course, it’s not easy. It requires a lot of intentional focus and Biblical wisdom. Continuing in our Year of Listening up, here’s 7 resources. They’ll show us how to focus, what it takes, and...
What does a life marked by wisdom look like? Does wisdom just happen, or must it be intentionally pursued? How is wisdom best applied in one’s life? What the heck is the purpose of wisdom? These are all questions I’ve personally pondered and they all are...
As my home church was launching a young disciple’s study from Veggie Tales creator, Phil Vischer, I was reminded of his Vischer’s own tale. It’s one of brokenness, challenge, triumph, defeat, loss, sorrow, regret, and coming back. I thought more about it and...