Tag Archives: Spiritual Formation
Ministry Dreams: Spread Your Wings or Clip Them?
The path leading to the realization of long-held life and ministry dreams is amazing, exhilarating even. Ideas flow. Sketches, etchings, scribbles on napkins, tweets in the stillness of night, and prayers uttered when no one but God is listening. That’s … Continue reading
scarred hands
Each day of work exacts a price on my body. The toil of labor is like that and it should come as no surprise, given God’s judgment on Adam subsequent to his fall. This is particularly evident when considering my … Continue reading
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The Elephant and the Chain: Breaking the Chains of Sin
My pastor preached the gospel last Sunday in a singularly pointed way. He called out sin for what it is. Not mistakes. Sin. You know, the choices we make to deviate from God’s righteousness in order to fulfill our desires outside … Continue reading
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discipline of discipleship
We each are allotted a measure of time to enjoy the lives God has given us. It is a stewardship, a trust. For my part, I too often have fallen short on fulfilling my responsibility to steward my resources wisely. … Continue reading
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life is what we make of it
Each day is an opportunity. Stuff happens, whether by our choice or beyond our control. It is the clay which gives shape to our lives. Yet, our responses to these situations mold the clay. This is why several people can respond so differently to … Continue reading
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a view from the other side of the window
Often I take time to look out my back window. The Max train rushes people back and forth. Homes and businesses lurk in the distance, providing shelter for people living their lives and plying their trades. Once in awhile, small groups … Continue reading
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missing the point of grace
Come, join me in conversation. Turn off the tv. Yes, you. You know who you are. Just grab the remote and turn it off. We need to talk. Your heart is beating faster, I know. It’s okay. Relax. I don’t … Continue reading
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when dreams are a vapor
I have spent much time of late wandering through the dreams I once held dear. A vapor they are. Cold now. Nearly forgotten, but not entirely. It seems strange to revisit them in the aftermath of their dispersal. They once … Continue reading
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trains, preparations, and destinations
Trains and railroads long have fascinated me. The sheer power. The aura of mystery. The steam, payloads, and endless mazes of track. It is no small wonder how each train is able to be placed on the correct route. A busy … Continue reading
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choosing your influences
The household of Saul was a mess (1 Samuel 18-20). He was disobedient to God and therefore was stripped of his power. In essence, he became a lame-duck king over Israel. Not a glorious start for Israel’s first ever royalty. … Continue reading →
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Tagged as Biblical Commentary, Spiritual Formation