I met Eric on a street in Alhambra, California. He pushed his shopping cart past the window where I was sitting at Starbucks. He rummaged through a trash can finding a few treasures and placing them in his cart. I felt an urge to go out and talk to him but hesitated. He was gone. Then I felt guilty. “Lord, … Read More
In my zealousness to know God, I grabbed almost anything I could to help me. I tried multiple “spiritual disciplines.” I read dozens of books. I attended many conferences and seminars. I was a spiritual discipline junkie! How could that be bad? Right? Well, I got really frustrated with all the experimentation and “pick-and-choose-whatever-I-want-approach.” That is, until I realized that … Read More
I have discovered much about prayer the last 15 years. It’s not what I thought it was. I’ve moved from seeing prayer as primarily communicating with God to experiencing prayer as communion with God. Prayer is not so much about me talking and listening to God but about me being in God in silence. That’s why prayer has been a … Read More
I am a proud person. Pride shows itself in my life most often when I don’t get my way. When someone contradicts me, won’t do what I ask, or says “no” to me, my ugly ego rises and rebels. It doesn’t like to be dismissed. Can you relate? [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] Do you recognize how self-preoccupied you are? Have you developed … Read More
There is a strange idea abroad that in every subject the ancient books should be read only by the professionals, and that the amateur should content himself with the modern books. Thus I have found as a tutor in English Literature that if the average student wants to find out something about Platonism, the very last thing he thinks of … Read More
Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there prayed. Mark 1.35 [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] Jesus “got away” from work in order to spend time with His Father (notice both movements)… 1. He awoke in the quiet of the early morning hours (the original Greek says “in the night”). Perhaps you’ve heard of … Read More
Rhonda and I recently enjoyed an evening together watching the movie War Room. The message of the movie was good. But, it left me wishing for a more complete portrayal of prayer. The movie has become all the rave among evangelicals, some of whom are my family and friends. In this post, I’m not critiquing the movie itself. However, I am … Read More
The night before my daughter left for college, a drunk driver rammed his truck into the wall of my church office destroying furniture, books, and other treasures. After Jenna and Rhonda drove away the next morning, I went to my bedroom and bawled like a baby. I had never been so low. So much of what I loved was gone. … Read More
I ate lunch at a Subway this week. (I like their tuna sandwich.) I found a gospel tract on the sink in the bathroom entitled “Where Are You Going to Spend Eternity?” I brought it home thinking I might learn something. In the fifth paragraph I read, “He now wants to give you a home in heaven. ‘…the gift of … Read More
Why am I so passionate about “eternal life?” Because if I live in its reality, then everything…and I mean everything… in my life radically alters and transforms. This is the kind of revolutionary conversion my miserable flesh and mind cries out for. I need what only the life of the Father and Son by the Spirit can do. Enough of … Read More
