What’s “True” About You?

December 31, 2013 by Leave a Comment
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John was the last person you would have expected God to use. But powerfully use him, He did. Growing up in eighteenth century England, from age 11 on John worked on slave ships; the family business. When he wasn’t sailing he was “collecting” slaves on the islands and mainland of the West African coast for sale to visiting traders. Eventually Newton became the captain of his own slave ship. His was a cruel and harsh experience. His skin was roughened by the harsh sea winds and his heart hardened by the life that went with it.Somewhere, somehow, something changed within John Newton. In addit … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Faith, Identity, Self, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , Leave a Comment

C.S. Lewis’ “Secret Society”

November 16, 2013 by Leave a Comment
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C.S. Lewis once referred to the Church as “a sort of secret society to undermine the devil.” Instead of exploding onto the scene of a lost, dying and sinful world, he saw the people of God rather emerging somewhat stealthily, subtly and surprisingly amidst a failing culture. Amidst a World War 2 ravaged world, Lewis questioned why the work of God did not land as did the Allies on the Beaches of Normandy: “Why is God landing in this enemy-occupied world in disguise and starting a sort of secret society to undermine the devil? Why is He not landing in force, invading it? Is it that He is not str … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bible, Church, Compassion, Evangelism, Faith, Following, God, Grace, Judgment, Salvation Tagged With: , , , , , , , Leave a Comment

One Thing God Finds Irresistible.

June 22, 2013 by Leave a Comment
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I have often pondered the question: What does God find irresistible? In other words, what attitudes and dispositions in man is he the most drawn to? Yes, I recognize that man is basically sinful and alienated from God. Still, the fact remains that God had to start somewhere as he began his plan of redeeming mankind. What characterized the key people he chose? One cannot consider such a question without taking note of two people who evidently captured God’s attention, one man and one woman. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Abandonment, Belief, Bible, Christ, Church, Discipleship, Faith, God, Jesus, Knowing God, Religion, Trust, Worship Tagged With: , , , , , , , Leave a Comment

5 Ways to Connect with God.

June 21, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Touching God

The Bible is a book of connections – connection with God and connection with our neighbor. It began with a man in deep and meaningful connection with God – personal, close, intimate, and consistent. Within just a few chapters of the Bible’s beginning, however, man forfeited this significant place of relationship when he allowed sin to enter the Garden.Most of Scripture after the Fall describes a roller-coaster of men’s weak attempts at getting to know the God of the universe. Throughout their stories and experiences, one thing stands clear. There is a God calling man back into meaningful re … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Belief, Bible, Christ, Church, Following, Friendship, God, Intimacy, Jesus, Journey, Knowing God, Soul, Spirit Tagged With: , , , , , , Leave a Comment

Does God Need to Move … or Do I Need to See?

June 6, 2013 by Leave a Comment
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For years as a Pentecostal Christ-follower, I have been taught by example to pray that God would “move”, that God would “work”, and even in some cases that God would “show up” on the scene of my needs and opportunities. Now, after several years of praying and following, I am beginning to think that while God can certainly “move”, “work” and “show up” in any way or at any time or in any form he sovereignly desires, that the critical need of the hour is not for me to try and compel God to do anything, but more so for me to have my eyes opened to see what he already is doing so that I can get in s … [Read more...]

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Getting Through YOUR Gethsemanes.

March 14, 2013 by 2 Comments
Gethsemane

Watching a 3-D movie without 3-D glasses is a bland and boring experience. Looking at your life through the wrong lens can be the same way. Without the proper lens, the picture is flat, the colors confusing and the characters lifeless. However, the moment you look through the right lens, the images come to life.The events in the life of Jesus bring meaning to the events of our own. As a matter of fact, the ups and downs, the joys and challenges of our lives as Christians can be quite confusing to us unless we learn to view our lives in the light of His. The final week in Jesus’ life i … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Belief, Bible, Christ, Church, Community, Compassion, Conflict, Cross, Discipleship, Discouragement, Emotions, Following, God, Gospel, Grace, Jesus, leadership, Ministry, Relationship, Religion, Salvation, Suffering Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

Theology and Waffles!

December 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Waffles

My daughter was excited. Driving home from work with dad several years ago, my 4-year-old was eager to tell me of her joy.“I’m so excited, Dad. ‘Know why?”“No, Sweetheart. Why?”“’Cuz Papa and Granma are coming to see me tomorrow and they’re going to bring me a surprise. I can’t wait to get my surprise!” Kristin asserted.Seizing upon an opportunity, I decided to teach my daughter a little lesson. … [Read more...]

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