Learning
Growth
Unity
When I Pray…
Ever listened, really listened to how folks pray? Better yet, have you ever paid attention to what you say when you pray? All too often it seems my prayers major on the stuff I hope God will do for me and mine. Don't get me wrong, we are encouraged to ask for what we need, but if we settle there time will show if we shrink down to a room of mirrors. For followers of Jesus, that is no way to live.
Things Jonah Can Teach Us
If you are like most folks, you have at least a passing recollection of the story of Jonah.
This reluctant prophet was called by God to travel east from Israel to proclaim God's message in Nineveh, the capital of ascendant Assyria. Known for brutality and ungodliness, this land of foreigners (in present day Iraq) was a direct threat to Israel. Understandably, Jonah scooted west and hopped a ride on a ship to Tarshish. Instead of going some 700 miles northeast, he intended to get as far away west as possible.
Give a Compliment, Give a Smile, Give Grace
What if, in addition to looking upon November as a time of THANKSgiving, we also emphasized it as ThanksGIVING?
Finding Our (Vocational) Identity
I believe I've been called to be a pastor. That calling is both internal (I sense in my heart God's calling on my life) and external (God's people, the church, recognize that calling in my life and ministry).
In addition, Scriptures like Jeremiah 23:1-6, Ezekiel 34, John 10:1-18, I Peter 5:1-4 have shaped my identity as a shepherd of God's people.
Desire and Mercy
So far, 3.5 years into Grandparentland, I'm a fan. Remembering back, I think I was so busy scrambling somewhat cluelessly when our girls were toddlers that I missed some of the magic of a young life. Now, I find it easy to watch our daughter's daughter wander through her territory of discovery and experience sheer delight at the small things I rush right by, like …
What If We Could Enjoy the Journey?
Some expanses of life’s journey are sweet. And some are unbearably heart-rending. But what if we make memories, and stretch our legs, and find the perfect kite, and feel the sand on our bare feet? Would that bring a bit more joy as we allow God to shape us through the hard places?
Who Do You Say I Am?
Two men have had a tremendous influence on my ability to verbalize my faith in the form of a credo—Simon Peter and J.I. Packer. And rather than diluting their statements, with which I concur, let me quote them directly.
Cycles and Circles, But…
In the midst of hard times, when we hope strong people will grow and emerge, folks of faith can wonder, "Where is God in all this?" Even in difficulties of our own making faith can waver and trust can wander. While we may not blame God for our circumstances we come close to that mindset. The difference lies in the God we follow.
What Season Are You In?
This is my favorite time of year, this golden-aspen-football-pumpkin season that extends to turkey-more-football-pie-gratitude season, followed by the snow-falling-tree-decorating-music-lights-gift-giving season.
Mudslinging
It’s election season, which means our mailboxes are stuffed with card stock treasures from a gaggle of brave and/or foolish public servants. And like the junk food that fills the sacks of Halloween trick-or-treaters, our recycling bins are packed with junk mail. The assortment of rainbow-colored ads is mostly bitter, not sweet, as the most effective persuasion technique appears to be good old-fashioned mudslinging.
Then There Was Mary
A bit ago a memorial service was held for a dear friend, Mary. Having a part of the service was a gift and the time turned out to be just what a celebration of a believer's life should be. Long ago I was taught that there are three goals of a good funeral: Highlight the guest of honor, Comfort the bereaved, and Challenge those remaining.
What Does Your Crew Look Like?
We were never meant to do life alone, to carry our heavy burdens by ourselves. And parenting is surely one of the heaviest loads because of the precious cargo. Hosting the grands is one way we partner with our kids to help ease their load from time to time.
Act or Hesitate?
For many of us, fall means football (and if it doesn't for you...hang with me for a bit). High School, college and the pros draw the attention of the nation. While soccer remains king of world-wide sports, American football sure moves the needle in the US. A couple of Fridays ago over 4,000 fans piled into Summit High's stadium and watched a great game between the Storm and the Bend High Lava Bears. It was a back-and-forth contest that hinged on just a couple of plays. Unless something weird happens, these two will see each other again, deep in the state playoffs.
Jolly Green Giant and the Cow
In Pakistan we worked with a relief organization that had interesting names for their vehicles. There was a tiny Daihatsu jeep that they named the bouncy Tigger. There were two Toyota Dinas that our kids had the joy of naming Dina Might and Dina Soar. Then there was a large green Toyota Land Cruiser affectionately called the Jolly Green Giant.
Lessons from the Road
The Psalms of ascent in the Hebrew Bible were road songs sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem for religious festivals and are found toward the back of the bible's songbook. The lyrics affirmed faith, they reminded of true truths and encouraged travelers to do the hard work of trekking onward. One of my favorites is Psalm 133. The first line reads:
How good and how pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity.
Why Vigilance?
I can’t be anywhere at the Oregon coast without thinking of my young friend, Charity, who watched helplessly, hysterically as a sneaker wave snatched her husband and 3-year-old son out to sea.
Lessons Learned at an Alaska Fishing Camp
Looking back at the articles I've written for the Forge, I'm finding a consistent thread: a desire to communicate the gospel to non-believers. To be sure, I'm still not very good at it, but I try. And I want the church to have that same desire. Isn't evangelism one of the purposes and mission of God's people?
So here again is another story of evangelism.
Not the Worst
Reading the Bulletin a bit ago, a letter to the editor had a headline that stopped me cold. The theme of the angry letter was directed to the paper choosing to publish negative details about a man from years before, but now is hailed a hero in a recent tragic shooting. The headline read,
None of us is the worst thing we have done
For the Thirsty
The poor and homeless are desperate for water
Their tongues parched and no water to be found.
But I’m there to be found, I’m there for them,
And I, God of Israel, will not leave them thirsty.
Working for Smiles
When I was first learning to love Jesus, I had to unlearn not just habits of disobedience, but also selfish motivations for obedience. My sin nature craves approval and acceptance from others. I possess an urge to feel important or validated which often leads me to good works, but also to sin. The reason we obey must be at least as important as the act of obedience.