Now that we know who our teacher is we have to watch out for a major pitfall - trying to do what Jesus says. Our goal is not to try but to train ourselves to become like Jesus. This is the power of off-the-spot training (spiritual disciplines) that reorients our lives and begins to work... Continue Reading →
Lord, Teach Us To Pray
We are discussing prayer and meditation this week on the blog. Check out this week's 23 Things here. Who better person to learn prayer from than our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: Matt. 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you Matt. 6:5-9 “And when you pray, do not... Continue Reading →
According to researchers, will power is not so powerful and those that possess the ability to avoid temptation are not mentally stronger than everyone else, they just know how to redirect their attention away from the temptation so that their weak will power will not be tested. Thankfully, Christians are not left with just the... Continue Reading →
The Addicts Among Us
Addictions are for street people and celebrities and psychopaths, right? I admit that I am an information addict that was really messed up by the internet. No, I didn't stay up until 5 a.m. every night playing online games and I didn't neglect my family, at least not abusively. Part of what makes me decent... Continue Reading →
Why Solitude?
Why is solitude a spiritual discipline? 1. Jesus Did It - Read Mark and pay attention to how often Jesus goes off by himself to pray. Being a devout Jew, Jesus no doubt participated in the daily prayers that all Jewish people participated in but scripture tells us that Jesus did more than the prescribed... Continue Reading →
Run The Race: Slow Burn
On Dec. 4 I will run in the White Rock Marathon in Dallas. Once a week, I will provide my observations on the connection between the spiritual life and training to run a marathon. Please visit my White Rock fundraising page to honor my daughter and contribute to a great cause. The biggest mistake a beginner in any new... Continue Reading →
Who I Turn To For Inspiration
Dallas Willard is a hero of mine. His book, The Divine Conspiracy, opened up a completely new way of living out the Christian life for me. Before I discovered Willard I was searching for a deeper, more meaningful faith that I didn't know was possible. Willard introduced me to what discipleship was really all about... Continue Reading →
The Focus of Christians Should Be The Heart
If you are a pastor and you want to get your name and face on TV just start criticizing everything around you in culture. You will get carted out in front of the cameras and show up on TV talk shows. Unfortunately, the minute you do this will be the minute that you cease to... Continue Reading →
Let Him Hear: Reading Revelation For Spiritual Growth (Final Reflection)
Listen to these words of Jesus taken from Revelation 22, the last chapter of the Bible: "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.13 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." "Yes, I am... Continue Reading →
Let Him Hear: Reading Revelation For Spiritual Growth #16
Here are the names for Jesus used in Revelation 19: Lamb Faithful True Word of God King of Kings Lord of Lords Here are my reflections on these words: Lamb - God's sacrifice on our behalf. Given to death in order to remove the penalty due to us for our sin. Faithful - He is... Continue Reading →
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