Blog
There is something called Closed Loop Thinking. It is a mental process we go through that requires closure. A closed loop is created by the assumption that we have a complete understanding of a concept or a reality. We use the information available at the moment to...
This morning in a moment of frustration, the Lord said, “Go silent - go deep.” Immediately, I knew what He meant. His word brought to mind a submarine going deep and silent to remain undetected by the enemy. In military parlance the phrase is "Run silent - run deep."...
Last night, I was awakened by the Lord. He wanted to speak to me. His word was simple, “Prepare.” This wasn’t a call to head to the local Army-Navy store or to buy a supply of food for survival in hard times, yet both of those choices have some merit. It was a word to...
In the center of the valley where I live is a midsize city – Medford, Oregon. We have a large shopping mall anchored by several national chain stores. Sprinkled across the valley are other malls where you can get most anything you would desire. The Rogue...
Our primary model for how to do anything is Jesus. He is our example for how to love. He is our model for leadership. And He is our method of evangelism. Whenever you need to find a way to do anything – go to Jesus first and find out how He did it. I...
Recently, I sent a private Facebook message to a friend of mine who leads an international ministry. My message was prophetic in nature and would seem somewhat cryptic to the casual reader. I trust this leader and knew he would be able to move past the nature of the...
Many people are crossing spiritual frontiers. People are leaving old seasons of life and entering new ones. It is important to understand what is taking place in these passages. One of the most profound crossings ever made was when the nation of Israel walked...
Last summer, I camped by the Salmon River for the first time. The riverbanks spread wide their stony shores, the August waters low. I drove shuttle for kayakers and practiced the art of waiting by water. After a few hours, the water begins to speak. Beneath...
Older preachers like me see the treadmills of passing ministry as foisted rides in some clergy amusement park. To roller coaster rides of success we were drawn the rising then the falling, stars on the upward climb the ticking, clacking sounds of...
One of the interesting things I have noticed in my years of public ministry are the different ways people can choose to see the life of a leader. On one hand, someone loves and respects you and says nice things, and on the other hand, someone else makes unkind...
When Moses died Joshua became the leader of the nation of Israel. Joshua made this leadership transition at a critical time in the nation’s history. Where before Joshua could rely on Moses, now he would carry the mantle alone. In Joshua 1:3-4, God said, “I...
Recently, I heard someone say how sad it was that some Christians were seeking an experience from God instead of focusing solely on Scripture. When I heard those words something didn’t set right with me. This morning, as I read through 2 Peter, I came...
My wife, Jan, received the following word during a recent worship service at Living Waters Church in Medford, Oregon. I wanted to post this for that person(s) who needed to hear the hope these words contain. "During the worship, I saw myself swimming in...
When we moved to Newport, Oregon in the 1980’s we were impressed with the beauty of the Oregon coastline. For 363 miles this coastline exposes a raw beauty that resembles Big Sur without the crowds. Thanks to the 1967 Oregon Beach Bill the entire length of...
We have all read the story in Exodus 17 about Moses on the mountaintop holding up his staff while Joshua and the troops were down in the valley fighting the Amalekites. If Moses held his staff up above his head the troops would win, but if he dropped his hands...