Blog
Restoration begins with a revelation of God's holiness. Like Isaiah, we need to see more than our sinfulness and the sin of our nation. We need to see God’s brilliant presence, greatness, and authority. The fallen nation of Israel and her rebellion is so devastating...
On my summer breaks as a young boy, I used to help out in my dad’s construction business. Dad built houses, and he also owned a house-moving company. I was always working each summer. Dad would assign a project to me and then go elsewhere on the job site. When he...
The book of Isaiah is like reading what is happening in our nation and our world at this time in history. The prophet Isaiah has visions from God concerning Judah and Jerusalem. These strong words are for us as well. Isaiah began by saying, “Listen, O heavens! Pay...
There have been some strange beliefs about food. Some still hold onto Old Covenant restrictions that no longer exist in the New Covenant. Jesus said, “Food doesn’t go into your heart but only passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer.” (By saying this,...
I recall the first time I witnessed someone publicly challenge an evil spirit. It took place in the late 70’s at Faith Center, our home church in Eugene, Oregon. Jan and I had been attending the services for only a short time. Before the service began, our pastor, Roy...
Many of us have felt a sobering seriousness in these days. There is an intensity in the times we are living in. It’s not “business as usual.” We are told to be alert for strategic, opportune times of demonic attacks. This is no time to play games. The consequences of...
In 1981, when Jan and I journeyed to Montana with our children to plant our first church, we had no idea what we were doing. We simply had a word from God and decided to act upon that word in faith....
I will never forget the days, many years ago now, when I turned back to God. In the remaining season of the Jesus Movement, Jan and I connected with a fellowship filled with people who loved God. I can remember the feeling of coming alive. I had a hunger to be taught...
When I look back over my youthful, immature, unwise choices, my old nature dominated my thinking and controlled my mind. I chose my own path, led by my plans, based on my desires. God addressed my foolish choices, just as He did Israel. He told the prophet: “I gave...
Needing “Just one more thing” is constantly advertised to us, like it was for those who were following Ponce de León in search of the Fountain of Youth. I am reminded of King Solomon’s writings: “Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just...
A man I had come to know assumed the primary leadership role in a large international church organization. His appointment was a good fit and made sense. His respected life and ministry were well known across many denominations and church movements...
As young church planters, Jan and I knew very little about what it actually meant to plant a church. We had a calling and a measure of faith—and that was all. When we entered the ministry, few resources were available for church planting. I think our early...
If all the prophecies we hear and are willing to accept sound like a message of unicorns and rainbows without any warnings, we are not hearing the full counsel of God. His prophetic warnings are acts of love. His warnings will lead to the release of His mercy. His...
A month ago, I clearly heard the Lord give me direction that I did not expect. If I didn’t know the voice of the Lord, I might have questioned or resisted. However, I did ask Him to confirm what He spoke to me. I asked Him to tell Jan, my most trusted voice and...
Jeremiah gets a bad rap for being too tough on sin. He speaks with clarity about the oppressive consequences of sin, yet also about God’s mercy. Jeremiah wrote in the book of Lamentations, “Her oppressors have become her masters” (Lamentations 1:5). He described...