Learning
Growth
Unity
Testimony: How People Can See Jesus in Our Stories
I became a Christian my freshman year in college. Naturally, it was my life's most changing experience. And early on in my life with Jesus, I was discipled by a campus ministry to tell others about what Jesus had done in me.
What (or Who) Is Your Obsession? (Part 3)
In Part 2, we looked at five questions that could help us define our true obsession. Now we finish by considering how obsession is worship and how that defines your mission.
Late to Class
A short while back, Claudia forwarded on to me a brief video. Award winning and in a language I don't know, the short captured my heart. I've watched it more than a couple of times. If you will, watch it yourself before you read on. It runs for 4 minutes.
People Don’t Grow Where They’re Planted
During the time it set under our Christmas tree, an Amaryllis stalk sprouted in the small box. No water, no light, no nutrition. A squashed, bent-over stalk.
My Secret Sister left an anonymous gift for me a couple weeks before the December holiday. Since I love the anticipation of opening gifts on Christmas Day almost as much as actually opening gifts on Christmas Day, I set it under our tree for a couple weeks.
And then I opened the gift to the damage I had inadvertently done.
Christian Jihad
In church one morning the message was from Ephesians 6:10 to 18. So in keeping with the message we began with the rousing old hymn, “Onward Christian Soldiers”. I’ve sung this great 19th-century English hymn many times.
But how is the message of this hymn perceived by a Muslim?…
What (or Who) Is Your Obsession? (Part 2)
Cartoon Calvin is obsessed. So are you. He has a purpose. So do you. He’s known for something. You are, too. What is it? Here are five questions that could help you discover your obsession.
Our Hope
What gets us through this life? What gets us through the anxiety, sadness, peril, stumbling, stress, and all the unknowns that plague our thoughts? What gets us through the battles and hardships that seem to be our constant companions? Just when we think we have it worse than just about anyone we run across someone who has it worse even still. What gets them through their situations?
Finding a Way Home
As a young boy I loved maps. Still do. For me, African maps were the best and seemed all the things my suburban surroundings were not: exotic, mysterious, dangerous and enticing. I imagined central Africa as nothing but jungle and filled with head-hunters, snakes and wild beasts. Little did I know how varied and wonderful the land and the peoples are in the region.
Sumo Wrestlers
Several dark mornings a week, I woke up with a rather large sumo wrestler standing over me, pulling my stomach into a tight knot of anxiety at the thought of widowhood and how I could afford to stay in this small rental on solely my salary.
Who (or What) Is Your Obsession? (Part 1)
For years I’ve used insight from Calvin-and-Hobbesian theology to illustrate points I’m trying to make in my teachings. This particular brand of Calvin-ism (as contrasted with John’s) is the quintessential representation of the world’s exciting-but-oh-so-bankrupt philosophy of life. Calvin’s obsessions, like ours, defines his purpose.
A Secular Creed (Part 4)
In my fourth and final post in this Secular Creed series, I conclude with three more practical ways to effectively share the gospel in your daily life. Remember to start with prayer and an honest self-assessment of the gospel’s importance in your own life. Review Part 2, which explained how to make small talk and pay attention to where God is working. The last three strategies follow…
It’s Simple: Stay Plugged In
Here's a memo to many of us, who at times just plain forget: We don't get to heaven by doing good things for others and the world. We can't earn brownie points with Jesus if we toil in selfless service. In fact, there is an argument that there really is no such thing as pure altruism, since, the theory goes, that any good done has a motive to make the giver feel better along the way.
My, that's an upbeat thought...
Shackles
Recently, I read Psalm 2:1-4 which says,
“Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against His anointed, saying, ‘Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.’ The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.”
These verses centered me today and calmed me in its reminder that God is sovereign.
I Like Clouds
I like clouds. As a young boy, living on the far west coast of Canada, I remember coming out of our house on the hill and seeing a beautiful dense fog covering the water below. Above, a radiant blue sky. Below, a calm blanket covering the troubled sea. Fog, to me, speaks of peace, tranquility, God's presence. It quiets the heart and obscures every distraction.
A Secular Creed (Part 3)
This is part 3 of my Secular Creed series, in which I present practical strategies for engaging the secular culture around you. Start by praying and evaluating the gospel’s importance in your own life. Then you will be prepared for the next two, as follows.
Talking To Myself
In our adult class at church we are studying a different Psalm each week. After a bit of background and teaching about the content of the song for the day, we gather at tables to discuss observations, questions, and applications for us today. It always proves to be a rich time of dialogue and insight. Recently, we looked at Psalm 57 that relates a time just after David, who was being hounded and tracked by King Saul, hid in a cave in the Engedi.
He Passed
I'm going to die. Well, maybe not this afternoon but eventually. And when I do, let no one say, "he passed". To me that sounds like I passed gas. While I may do a lot of that in my final years, it's not something I want to announce to the public, particularly at my funeral.
Don’t Pray for Strength
You can stop praying for God to give you the Holy Spirit, for God to be with you, to have more love for people and God, or for strength. Yes, really. Here’s why.
Now Powered By Then
My faith journey began in June of 1970 at a Young Life Camp in the California gold country NE of Sacramento. Over the course of a week the camp speaker led us to see Jesus like never before, as God's answer to our most intimate and immediate and eternal needs. At the end of the week, the camp held a time of silence for each person to contemplate what we had learned. I found myself behind our cabin sitting on a stump.
A Downtown Prayer Walk
“A heart for Bend in the heart of Bend.” This is a motto of Foundry Church as we are situated in the middle of downtown. God has used Foundry over the years to impact Bend, and we wanted to continue living that legacy. We decided on an evening downtown prayer walk to start.