“It is a very long story, with a complicated plot; and we are not, perhaps, very attentive readers.”
- C. S. Lewis, Miracles
It’s tempting to think of “finding God’s will” as a game of hide-and-seek. So, we look for a sign, a dream, a voice from heaven, a subjective sense, a favorable fortune cookie, or some other revelatory circumstance. But, rarely do we ask, “Is God’s will something to be found?”
Read MoreConcerning the many varied responsibilities of gospel ministry, Paul told Timothy to, “Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress” (1 Tim. 4:15). He didn’t say, “Wait until you have it all together”, or “Let all see your curated online persona.” Instead, he said, “Make progress.” How freeing. We can all make progress.
Read MoreThis question isn't relevant until it is, and when it is, it is really relevant. Most conversations about discerning calling into vocational ministry can be reduced to some form of internal, external, and circumstantial factors. These are great. But, what follows is a slightly deeper reflection I recently shared with a group of aspiring missionaries and church leaders.
Read MoreThis past Sunday, we walked through an overview of the entire Bible, and I closed with the following seven suggestions for improving your reading this year. These aren’t mind-blowing, but perhaps they’ll be of some help.
Read MoreOne of the things our church has done, since the very beginning, is carve out one night a month for corporate prayer and song. We call it our monthly prayer night. This is a step-by-step guide to what that looks like.
Read MoreBeing single can be hard. Here are eight encouragements, to guys in particular, to press on and leverage this season for all God intends to do through it.
Read MoreOn Sunday, January 26th, I preached a sermon on Mark 4:35-41 (“The Lord of the Storm”) and discussed, in part, the role of life’s storms as instruments in the hands of God.
Read MoreIn October a news report came out concerning a small Norwegian town, deeply tucked between steep mountains, that is stuck in shadowy darkness for six months of the year. In order to bring more light into town they installed mirrors - yes, mirrors - on a nearby hillside to reflect the sun into town. You can read more here. Though it is an imperfect analogy, I was struck by how similar this is to how we often view following Jesus.
Read MoreEveryone needs to reinvigorate their prayer life from time to time. When I sense a need for a fresh injection of vigor into my ongoing conversation with God, I find the most helpful practice is to revisit the names, characteristics, and attributes of the One to whom I am praying. There is a reason that Jesus begins his famous prayer with the phrase "Our Father". It is deceivingly easy to subtly slip into focusing more on what we are praying about than who we are praying to. When my prayer life wains, it is often because I have become more enamored with the results of prayer rather than the Receiver of my prayers. There is a selfish inertia within our souls that wants to make our prayers about us. Its no wonder we so often struggle with prayer.
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