Progress To A Transformed Christian Life
Last week had a little bit of everything. 29 people from all corners of the country converged on Wichita, Kansas for five days of study, worship, reflection, direction, fellowship, celebration, conviction, relationship developing, and encouragement.Some of us were pastors, some of us were lay people, some needed deep restoration and healing, some were working toward... Continue Reading →
I remember being at home on the Friday morning after September 11, 2001. I was watching our 2-year old daughter as she played oblivious to the images and sadness that was on display as a memorial service played on our TV. When Billy Graham got up to speak and to pray I shed a few... Continue Reading →
Kevin DeYoung begins his book, Crazy Busy: A “Mercifully) Short Book on a (Really) Big Problem, with the declaration that he is “not an expert” in living an unhurried life. As you read his book, you get the sense that he hasn’t really captured what he preaches, that he is in the process of figuring... Continue Reading →
Some of my favorite non-fiction, non-Christian books are "looks under the hood" of movements, organizations, and individuals. Books such as Moneyball by Michael Lewis and The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell take an objective look at situations and people who have changed the landscape of their particular field or context. Their formula is fairly simple... Continue Reading →
I spent last week traveling and relaxing with my family. It was a classic summer vacation with beaches, interstate rest stop picnics, and peculiar road sign sightings. Should I have used the additional down time and scenic locales for more intentional spiritual exercises and thought? What should my spiritual life do while my vocational life... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, I met three other guys at a Starbucks to talk about life, God's word, and anything else that popped into our heads. Two of us have had seminary training but one has only been a believer for a short time. Refreshingly, no debates broke out. No one felt like they had cornered the market... Continue Reading →
I often have been confused by the role and responsibility of the Holy Spirit in spiritual growth. One book that helped clarify this for me was James Bryan Smith's Good and Beautiful God. In it he presents a model of four components to life change - personal narrative (the way we think), spiritual disciplines, community,... Continue Reading →
As we pursue doable spiritual formation, one of the first places we start is with our minds. I used to think that hard work and determination was the only path to change. I used to think that I didn't need Jesus to be Lord of my life, just a helpful resource in times of need.... Continue Reading →
Here is the entire list of the 23 Things. I hope you discovered some new practices and ideas that you hadn't been exposed to before. Feel free to share the 23 Things with your small groups and disciple groups. Congratulations to Cary Jester who commented on the most items and wins the free book. Thanks... Continue Reading →
I blog because I like to write and the regiment of a blog is good practice. I blog because I get tired of reading "look at me I can write about hermeneutics" theological pieces that are more about impressing people or starting debates than it is about helping people or God's kingdom. I blog because... Continue Reading →
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