Might: Spiritual, organizational, personal and positional sources and resources are appropriately used to make decisions and develop people

Two Types of Judging – Condemning and Evaluating

In recent posts we have been examining the definitions and differences in using judgment, being judgmental, and what the Bible says about judging others. In this article we use Jesus as our hermeneutic to mine the meaning of judging. “Thou shalt not judge” is a phrase that Christians hear frequently, from believers as well as non-believers. Both groups tend to... Continue Reading

What Does The Bible Really Say About Judging Others?

In our last post we examined the definitions, examples, and differences in using good judgment and being judgmental. In this article we take a look at specifically what the Bible says and means about judging others. Jesus’ command not to judge others is one of the most widely quoted of His sayings, even though it is frequently quoted in disregard... Continue Reading

Is There A Difference In Being Judgmental And Using Your Judgment?

It’s a complicated question…..one I have wrestled with as I often question, as an individual and as a church leader, whether I am being judgmental or simply using my God-given judgment. Scripture surely helps, and we will examine what the Bible says in our next post. But, to begin with I have found that determining clear definitions and guidelines helps.... Continue Reading

The Ancient/New Spiritual Practice Of Centering Prayer

Centering Prayer is a simple form of Christian meditation rooted in the spiritual practices of early desert monastics and mystics such as Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross. The contemporary Centering Prayer movement has been popularized by the writings of Trappist monks Thomas Keating, William Menninger, and Basil Pennington. Father Thomas Keating emphasizes the source of centering payer,... Continue Reading

Leadership Is Not What It Seems

Regularly reading and watching the news makes it hard not to become cynical about current political, business, organizational, sports, and church leaders. People of all stripes are beginning to question and argue what leadership means, the qualities that make an effective leader, and the behaviors that are permissible for leaders. Many are jaded by the term itself, and for good... Continue Reading

Ushering In The Spirit Through Our Leaving

In recent months several of my friends in local church ministry have left their positions, some voluntarily, some forced. Inevitably, these are seasons of anxiousness about the future but also about the ministry and relationships we leave behind. This has reminded me that it is often in our departure that the Spirit of God is manifested. For example, at the... Continue Reading

10 Bible Verses Referencing Silence

I have written before about the value of practicing silence as a spiritual discipline. By and large I find evangelicals prefer extroverted and action oriented expressions of faith, so silence is not something we have traditionally placed a lot of emphasis on. That is why it is a joy to watch those who come to our Casita in rural Northern... Continue Reading

Overwhelmed? Three Surprise Findings And A Silver Bullet

My ministry peers frequently joked that I had the spiritual gift of “Overwhelming.” This was a kind way of saying that at times I could overwhelm them with information, data, and documents. The 21st Century reality is that we all have people, circumstances, and responsibilities in our lives that conspire to overwhelm us. What is being overwhelmed exactly? For most... Continue Reading

I’m Tired Of Wearing A Mask

Have you ever read a book, blog, or article and related to virtually everything the author said, or thought this guy is really inside my head? Have you ever read a quote and said, “I wish I had said that!” Recently, that was my experience when reading Tim Steven’s blog. Tim is the former Executive Pastor at Granger Community Church... Continue Reading

What My Dog Taught Me About Suffering and Death

 Recently, after a long slow decline in health, my wife and I had to put down our 15 year old Shitz Shu, Francie. Though we had been through this twice before and had been preparing ourselves for this eventuality, we were surprised by the intensity of our grief and sadness. I wondered what God was trying to say to me... Continue Reading

The Sabbath Diamond

It appears that we have forgotten the nature and definition of Sabbath, though it is a pattern written by God into the very core of our beings. While Sabbath can refer to a single day, as in the Jewish tradition, it can also serve as a larger metaphor for cultivating the qualities, customs, and practices of Sabbath keeping found in... Continue Reading

Spiritual Practices…….Seeking Greater Connection With God

  All cannot use the same kind of spiritual exercises, but one suits this person, and another that. Different devotions are suited also to the seasons, some being best for the festivals, and others for ordinary days. We find some helpful in temptations, others in peace and quietness. Some things we like to consider when we are sad, and others... Continue Reading