Blog
I’ve never wanted to be prideful. Yet, I laugh because even that desire hides a point of pride. In fact, I’m full of it! And I am grateful when the Lord points out all the many facets. Here is a big one. I never want to be or appear to be weak. I’m the protector of my...
I’ve been thinking of new ways to appreciate, expect, and desire the Holy Spirit’s warnings and corrections. I’m well aware of how easy it is to try to escape the discomfort it brings. I have been praying for years to have and keep a teachable heart. In 1980, at a...
This morning, I turned on some quiet instrumental worship music. I listened and waited. Then I was impressed to say, “Lord, I love you above all things.” I began reciting a list of people and situations. I love you above my family and friends. I love you above the...
The day after we celebrated the events of the Lord’s resurrection, we needed to know our next step, just like the first disciples. After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to His disciples and did several things. We need to know what the Lord did when He called...
On this Easter morning, as we do each year, we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. But there is one more thing we fail to recognize. Each act leading up to the Lord's enthronement, His death, and His resurrection is a critical part of the events of that...
As I was finishing a hike in the mountains above our home, I walked out of the woods onto a city street. In the distance, I heard a crowd of children shouting and screaming with joy. When the crowd of kids finally appeared, I could see that a teacher and her...
Jesus and His disciples were straightforward about the need for a pure and undiluted faith - a faith in Jesus alone. They did not pull punches or dance around the truth about Jesus. John wrote that Jesus alone was the only way, the only truth, and the only way to...
I was walking through the cemetery in our town when I noticed a tree that was bent over. It was the victim of a recent windstorm. What was strange about the tree was that it was not uprooted or broken. It was still alive and growing. In the storm damage that took...
There are times when we are led to speak the truth to people. When the truth is spoken, some will accept it, but others will respond by saying something similar to, “How dare you interrupt my delusions!” When this happens, it is wise to exhibit patience by...
Jan and I have never viewed tithing as a form of law but as a way to honor the Lord. In some circles, it's popular to neglect, demean, or dismiss the practice of tithing, considering it an out-of-date practice from the Law. Posting what I am about to write will raise...
We tend to form our faith around people with similar beliefs and actions. We create systematic theologies and codes of religious conduct that limit our interaction with other believers. Once those things are in place, we can become exclusive. There is nothing wrong...
While our faith is secure and protected by the Lord, when we allow our assumptions to lead us, we position ourselves in a place of vulnerability where the devil can have his way with us. We can attend religious gatherings like a church service and think we are good...
Jan and I were returning home, driving along Interstate 5 south of Canyonville, Oregon. On this part of the freeway, the roadway is surrounded by steep canyons and sharp curves where Interstate 5 cuts through the mountains. It was on that stretch of road that we had a...
In prayer, I saw an image of believers who had experienced a fresh outpouring of the new wine of God’s Spirit. They did not just taste the new wine. It was poured upon them, drenching them from head to toe in a fresh experience with Jesus. When they returned to the...
Whenever we try to make things right, we will not always do so perfectly. In some of our attempts, we will make a mess before righteous change comes. This is not just in our personal relationships. It affects even how a nation is governed. We are seeing examples of...