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Winner take all
The climate we live in currently in our culture is “winner take all.” Politically, it’s suicide to think of “compromise.” Horrors! In the Christian life, there is a particular way to think of “winner take all” in a proper perspective. It is in the pursuit of Christ. Jesus is Victor. He gets all of us. We then get the opportunity…
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The ordinary radical
In the current tension between “radical” (via David Platt, Francis Chan, et al) and the case for the “ordinary” (latest from Michael Horton), there is some sort of balance to strike. We don’t want complacency in our lives, but we should learn something of the term Paul calls content. We don’t want our lives so set on edge we burn the…
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It’s hard to kill a dead man
I’ve met several missionaries who are part of the “Live Dead” teams being raised up to go into the hardest places of the world. They have been to my church. I’ve sat with them at lunch. They are incredibly determined people. Meeting one in context is somehow a very different story. Sitting in another country, listening to them almost casually…
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The deck is stacked
Last night in our prayer group we were catching up on the past two weeks. As I talked about what God was speaking to me concerning Ethiopia, I was listening to what God was saying to people in our church while I was away. One phrase that stuck out as we talked was, “The deck is stacked.” Someone had heard…
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Seven Days to Ethiopia
I am leaving for Ethiopia in a week. A prayer I’ve had for two years is coming to its next step in seven days. It’s only a next step. The two week trip will be a teaching assignment at Addis Bible College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. But this is also a prayer trip. Two years ago it was the Spirit…
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Live Dead Challenge: Good News isn’t “Self Help”
We are just into a series on “LIVE DEAD” at our church. This week’s reflection is on Romans 12. Next Sunday we reflect on Romans 13:8-14. The process of “LIVE DEAD” begins with Paul’s urging in Romans 12: So, brothers and sisters, because of God’s mercies, I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy…
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Chosen
16 You didn’t choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you could go and produce fruit and so that your fruit could last. As a result, whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. (John 15:16) Father, you have empowered me. You have chosen me. I am empowered to bear lasting fruit. What…
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How much do we REALLY believe in prayer?
My challenge in prayer the past few days has been a question from the Spirit: “Do I REALLY believe God can change the course of nations? Do I fully understand what I am asking, and WHO I am addressing, in prayer?” Today in our church service we are praying for the nations. For the persecuted. For the enemies of the…
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The shallowness of our thinking
We don’t hear modern versions of this too often: Then go, plunge yourself in the Godhead’s deepest sea; be lost in his immensity; and you shall come forth as from a couch of rest, refreshed and invigorated. I know nothing which can so comfort the soul; so calm the swelling billows of sorrow and grief; so speak peace to the…
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We have the mind of Christ
Those words from Paul are so challenging. As I am about to embark on some the craziest adventures of my life in the next few months, I have to keep saying: While I can’t be 100% on this being the mind of God, I can say with 100% certainty I WANT the mind of God!
Category: Spiritual hunger
