I love how sunflowers remind us to keep our faces lifted up, looking to Jesus throughout the day. Scientists call it heliotropism. Jesus calls it discipleship.
While running our race, we have to fix our eyes on what is unseen and eternal (2 Cor. 4:18, Heb. 12:1-2). Peter learned this that windy night while walking on the Sea of Galilee. "When he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!'” Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” (Matt. 14:30-31). That word, doubt, carries the idea of being pulled in two directions. We don't know which way to take (Vines). Doubting is when a believer wavers between trust and fear. Peter learned when he kept his gaze on Jesus he could fully trust, but when he looked away, there were plenty of reasons to fear.
Read More
Practical atheism—saying we believe in God but living our lives as if he doesn't exist—is one of the challenges we face. We believe and then we don't. It was a problem for Peter, too. Remember what Jesus said to him after he tried to walk on water? "You of little faith...why did you doubt?" (Matt 14:31).
We want to live hour by hour aware of God's active presence, but it's challenging. Rolheiser says, "Learning to see the finger of God, divine providence, in the big and small events of our daily lives is the...spiritual exercise we must do to move beyond our practical atheism" (Shattered Lantern, p 170). So how do we learn to see God throughout the day?
Read More
Unearned suffering is redemptive. When we meet suffering with grace rather than bitterness, it transforms us into women our younger selves wouldn't recognize. So don't lose hope. God is at work in you, even in the mess—especially in the mess.
Read More
We often talk about the power of prayer and share stories about godly men and women who moved mountains with their prayers. In Jr. High, I remember reading a book on prayer that encouraged me to claim the promise of James 5:16, "The fervent, effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much." So, I prayed fervently, multiple times a day, the most effectual prayers I could
Read More
This prayer draws my attention to the hearts of people “within my reach.” And I wonder, if I carefully look at all the people God has placed within my reach, is there someone far out on the margins who longs to be embraced, who is waiting there, hoping to be seen and welcomed in?
Read More
Do you find your mind wanders when you are trying to listen to the Lord during prayer? The church fathers thought wandering thoughts were dangerous because they dissipate the warmth of the soul and our heart grows cool. As I read this, I was convicted. What should I do about my wandering thoughts?
The church fathers gave practical advice: Spend time focused on heightening your sense of the fear of the Lord.
Read More
Are there prerequisites for Christian ministry? I think so.
Jesus really wants us to know His love. When we get to heaven, I think He will ask us, “Did you know that I loved you?” He wants us to float in the river that is His love. He doesn’t want us to just stand alongside the bank of the river getting splashed every so often. He wants us to jump in, be fully immersed, letting the current carry us downstream. That's a prereq for ministry.
Read More
I’ve been surprised to notice how often the Puritans prayed that they could enjoy TODAY one of the blessings we are promised in heaven. For example:
"Let there be unrestrained fellowship with Jesus, today.”
“In heaven we will hear the Divine Accolade, may we hear today, “Well done”.
“In heaven, we will breathe joy. May we be filled with joy as we receive the gifts You give.”
Read More
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:18)
This is a wonderful verse for anyone who thinks there is only one way to pray!
The Lord is a creator of variety!
Read More
