The history of missions demonstrates this truth: cultures are transformed when Christians embody the gospel with integrity, humility, and love.
Continue readingAt its deepest, worship helps us simultaneously express both lament and hope, affirming that we can still trust God—especially when nothing makes sense. [Day 3 of the 21-Day Missions Prayer Guide]
Continue readingThe Christian year calendar commemorates specific events designed to remember and retell the story of Christ, from His birth to His resurrection and return. Orienting one’s spiritual life around the seasons of the Christian Year can be beneficial and profoundly enriching.
Continue readingThe beginning of a New Year is a divine opportunity to reflect, renew, and restart. This article explores the sacred space of John Wesley’s Covenant Renewal. This service marks this special time to close one chapter by repenting and wiping the slate clean, and to open another with renewed spiritual commitment.
Continue readingThe theme of hearing God’s voice is the opening motif of Jordan Peterson’s new book, We Who Wrestle With God. Peterson explores the meaning of Elijah’s encounter with the “still small voice” (1 Kings 19). Advent is a season of waiting, and a time to remember that God is not silent. He speaks to us through His Word, through His Spirit, and yes, through the “still small voice” that stirs in our hearts.
Continue readingAll Saints’ Day is an opportunity to reflect on the lives of those who have gone before us and what that means in our present time. All Saints Day helps us remember that all believers are connected across generations and cultures into one body through Christ. We are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses” who are cheering us on to persevere in faithfully trusting God. Finally, All Saints’ Day reminds us that we all can leave a legacy that will bless others.
Continue readingThe centurion's level of faith was equal to the need of that moment. His faith was in Jesus’ ability to heal. There is a special gift of belief, "a surge of faith above and beyond normal that appears at the moment to get the job done." [1] This spiritual gift is available for you and me now, just as it was then.
Continue readingThis Eastertide reflection considers the significance of truth in Christianity, particularly the disciples’ testimony regarding the resurrection of Jesus. An excerpt from the new revised Resurrection Power forthcoming.
Continue readingClarity of identity and calling is what propelled Jesus through the wilderness. Clarity of your calling in God is what will empower you to live your purpose with courage and resilience. Over time, your identity and calling may vary or adapt, but always seek to discover, re-discover, and clarify the core essence of who God created you to be.
Continue readingGod's story is not the progressive unfolding of Divine perfection, but rather a series of epic sagas interlaced with shocking messes. So, what does this tell us about God? God’s ways are full of mystery. God transforms messes into masterpieces —that is what He does, that is how he creates, that is how he manifests supernatural love in the natural world.
Continue readingThe season of Epiphany offers an opportunity to embody the spiritual energy of renewal and recommitment. Although New Years Day has passed, we can maintain the invigorating energy of making a fresh start by paying attention to the scriptural narratives and lessons of Epiphany. Spiritual energy is a grace gift of God that transforms our human perspective. When we gain the perspective of heaven—The Divine Perspective—it shifts and empowers our mental and emotional state of being. Thus, as new creations, are we re-created in Christ Jesus to do good works
Continue readingOne of the most important aspects of giving thanks is to remember. Think back over your personal history. What do you have to be thankful for? How has God shown you his kindness during the story of your life? This passage reveals the power of remembering rightly. We can thank God for positive relationships, for partners in the gospel, and for his faithfulness in seeing us complete our mission on earth.
Continue readingIn this series we are considering the Divine Perspective regarding the question, “what is worthy of giving thanks for.” Paul writes, “I thank Christ Jesus, our Lord who has given me strength …” All right, stop right there. First, we give thanks to Jesus Christ, who has given us strength.
Continue readingGiving thanks and practicing the attitude of gratitude is particularly healthy and helpful during the Thanksgiving Holidays. Giving thanks is one of the essential actions and attitudes of worship that is in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Furthermore, more than sufficient scientific, psychological, and theological research supports the hypothesis that giving thanks in the context of worship is good for you physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Continue readingThis article discusses the theological, emotional, and musical ideas behind my rambunctious Alt-Country song, “Though He Slay Me.” Based on Job 13:15, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him.”
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