When it comes to testimony, there are the Mary Magdalenes (those whose list of past sins could fill a ream of paper) and there are the John the Baptists (those whose past sins are so inconsequential they’re not even mentioned in the course of their story). I know some John the Baptists—people who made goodContinue reading “Are You Burdened by Regret?”
Category Archives: Holy Romance
The Fear of God: More than Just “a Healthy Respect”
First, my apologies for being so lax about posting! What a season this has been! For months and months, I focused on finishing my book (Seven Days of Fearlessness). Then it was time to jump into grant-writing season (yes, I’m also a grant writer). After 4 1/2 months of that, I’m finally coming up forContinue reading “The Fear of God: More than Just “a Healthy Respect””
Remembering the Shadow-Seasons
“Now I am hidden in the safety of Your love. I trust Your heart and Your intentions. Trust you completely, I’m listening intently. You’ll guide me through these many shadows.” —United Pursuit/W. Reagan This song has been wrecking me all day… but not because I’m in a place of “many shadows.” This season is goodContinue reading “Remembering the Shadow-Seasons”
How to Create a Prayer Closet
I was dumbfounded at the difference between sitting in that little closet in the near-darkness versus just a few feet away, on the other side of the door, in the bedroom itself.
The Contemplative Life
I’ve always been intrigued by the writings of monks and priests—Thomas Merton, Brennan Manning, Brother Lawrence. Manning used to spend months alone in a cave, with no companion except God, and though part of me cringes at the idea of such solitude, another part of me understands it. I live continually with a relentless longing to beContinue reading “The Contemplative Life”
The Nature of Grace
There are a variety of opinions in regard to the homeless, and most of us have heard (or even voiced) the following: They don’t deserve a handout. No one is twisting their arms, forcing them to shoot up or buy another bottle. No one forced them to leave their families to go live under aContinue reading “The Nature of Grace”
Our Beloved Church Props and the Presence of God
How have we, the American Church, managed to make the Sunday experience so complicated while simultaneously stripping it of the presence of God? Perhaps it’s because we suspect that God is insufficient—that His sweet, savage presence is not enough—and so we’ve overwhelmed and burdened ourselves with props. We tell ourselves we’re promoting God with ourContinue reading “Our Beloved Church Props and the Presence of God”
2016: Holding Nothing Back in Pursuit of God
Do you already feel defeated in your resolution to pursue God in 2016 like never before? Let’s talk about that. (Forgive the video editing glitches, I’m still learning!)
The 2016 “Let’s Put an End to Facebook Christianity” Challenge
Let’s talk honestly for a minute about the growing prevalence of “Facebook Christianity”—you know, those 101 ways we equate burying ourselves in social media with interacting with God. Just one example: those posts that claim that a Like = Amen, or that a Comment = a prayer—or, better yet, a Share = a hundred prayers. It appears that all weContinue reading “The 2016 “Let’s Put an End to Facebook Christianity” Challenge”
Rationing Worship
When we ration our love for God, we set boundaries as to what we will and won’t do to express our devotion to him: “It’s okay to clap our hands in church—a little.” Or, “Lifting one’s hands is nice, but let’s not go too far.” We’re afraid… of what others might think… and of what God mightContinue reading “Rationing Worship”
