Cruciform When we walk in the back door from Sunday service, from the breaking of bread and thick intimacy of exchange, there’s this black pen lying on the table. I pick up the pen and turn my wrist over. How many years had I cut that paling wrist, wearing my brokenness on the outside? I pick…
You Can Have The Life You’ve Always Wanted
Success in any field requires work, practice, dedication, and the ability to learn from setbacks. When something is worth our effort, we throw ourselves into the task. What makes us think becoming spiritually mature is any different? The Apostle Paul used terms borrowed from the sporting world. “Work out your salvation,” “run to win,” “buffet…
Transformation: The Reluctant Journey
Everyone faces a reluctant journey: A wounded vet looks at the pain-filled path toward uncertain healing. A young schoolteacher discovers the terrors of the first year. A retiree faces uncertain years in an uncertain era. A college graduate examines the hardships of finding work. An angry son knows he should make amends with his parents.…
Expanding our Understanding of Discipleship
Discipleship: Giving to the Poor Is Not About Money Jesus was once asked point blank what we need to do to inherit eternal life; He was asked by someone who already knew all the rules. His response? Give to the poor. We know the law, yet this is probably the most obvious discipleship tool we…
In His Image, Under His Control
Let Me control your mind. The mind is the most restless, unruly part of mankind. Long after you have learned the discipline of holding your tongue, your thoughts defy your will and set themselves up against Me. Man is the pinnacle of My creation, and the human mind is wondrously complex. I risked all by granting you freedom to…
Transformation
Come to Me just as you are. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. I am aware of the many little stones that mar the beauty of your heart. Trust Me to do what you are unable to do: remove the stony bits one by one. Do not expect this work…