Blog
I've heard self-overconfident statements of personal bravado being spoken and used in an attempt to convince people of the unfailing nature of a person's faith. The truth is none of us know how we will respond when a real test of our faith comes and our life is in...
False messiahs and false prophets will arise at the end of the age, but they will also appear in times of great cultural transition leading up to those final days. The most dangerous attitude to have in those uncertain times is the assumptions we form that are not in...
As we live a life of faith, we can experience times when our prayers go unanswered. It can happen because we are being protected from the results of an immature prayer that can put us in a place of danger that we cannot yet see. Being out of God’s timing can also...
I once read there are four phases of development in a Church movement – Man, Movement, Monument, and Mausoleum. A group of followers will initially be formed and ignited by a person of faith. That original faith will gain momentum and become a movement. After a season...
Jan and I had just repented and reconciled after having one of those marriage “moments.” All was made right after we humbled our hearts over a small and foolish issue. Joy returned to our relationship along with a feeling of refreshment that only repentance can bring....
The vocabulary of the world is not the language of the Spirit. When followers of Jesus use over-simplified definitions to define other believers, we align ourselves with the spirit of the world and lose the distinction of our union in Christ. Labels like “Christian...
In some cases, our faith can assume a comfortable, non-confrontive posture. In that condition, a weaker faith will emerge that is unable to push through and confront the afflicting presence of evil. Only a faith that demonstrates the presence of Jesus Christ can...
Our greatest protection is not the armies of the world and their armament or how many soldiers can be summoned for war. Our greatest protection is the voice of God in a season of turmoil. God’s voice will come to those who have learned to recognize its sound. The Lord...
Here is a quick two-minute video of why we pray for Jerusalem. https://www.facebook.com/1442665059/videos/1854740528281384
All leaders will fail from time to time by not leading people with integrity and truth. There are some leaders, either by determination or abdication, who will go deeper into evil even bringing it into the public square for all to see and accept. Manasseh was that...
Jan and I were discussing the Church and how each of us has a unique part to play. As we spoke, I saw the image of a symphony conducting a concert. There were all kinds of instruments present. Violins stroked beautiful notes along with clarinets, saxophones, oboes,...
“Rumor Has It” is never an enticement we should follow to create conversations and form our opinions. Only something we know to be true is what we should allow to direct our lives and form our speech. This will keep us from following the lure of foolish and unfounded...
When so much is happening in our world that is negative and contrary to the truth, it is too easy to let our love grow cold when we relate to people who hold a differing opinion about life and faith. A cold love is an unresponsive love based on our limited perceptions...
Forty-three years ago, Jan and I were two church planters living in Kalispell, Montana. We had just moved all our belongings and our two preschool kids in a U-Haul truck to a rental house. The house was out in the country in an open pasture. We felt alone and...
In the last few hours, news reports have declared that a war between Israel and Iran is imminent. Forces on both sides are now on a war footing and positioning their assets. As this conflict unfolds, we are about to witness a divine intervention. Israel, as...