Experiencing God is a mystery. Yes, there are minuscule aspects of God that we can understand – those aspects that God manifests to us. Yet, God is far beyond our understanding. As Thomas Hopko said: “God cannot be known. But, you have to know Him to know that.” [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] An Invitation to a Mystery Over the next few posts, … Read More
Here is a simple way to discover more peace in your life. Ask for it. Pray for it to the One who is Peace. Although you are surrounded by endless noise, political chaos, personal troubles, and societal concerns, peace is available. Yet, finding peace in this mess is not easy. But, there is hope. [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] I pray a prayer … Read More
The Way of Jesus: Bearing a Little Shame Wretched man that I am! Who will save me from this body of death? –St Paul [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] I just experienced a recent job change and move to a new state—another wearying “new beginning.” It caused me to reflect deeply on my life over the period of many months. Usually I remember … Read More
Do you struggle to understand grace? Is grace active in your life? Is grace transforming your life? Surfing Facebook a couple days ago, I noticed a quote by Tim Keller, a popular pastor and author. He is quoted as saying: “As long as we think we are not that bad, the idea of grace will never change us.” My response … Read More
Less is more when it comes to living an authentic Christian life. I didn’t always believe this. As a person eager to know God better, I grabbed onto anything I thought would help me – journaling, prayer, meditation, contemplation, study, solitude, Lectio Divina, retreats, and more. I read Foster, Willard, Whitney, Nouwen, Rohr, Peterson and lots of others (all very … Read More
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
