Think about the last time you encountered the presence of God. When was it? How did it happen? In a worship service singing a song? In Bible study? In nature? Maybe at a youth retreat around a campfire? Now think about how long has it been since you encountered the presence of God? Maybe aContinue reading “When God’s presence is gone – Ezekiel 1, Part 1”
Tag Archives: Jesus
How a prophetic word can change your life (and the world) – Intro to Ezekiel, Part 5
I am excited to start studying this prophetic book of Ezekiel. Prophets are often conceived of people who predict the future. They seem glamorous. They hear from God. What I have come to learn, and this is only bolstered by my introductory studies of Ezekiel, is that the prophetic life is not glamorous, and itContinue reading “How a prophetic word can change your life (and the world) – Intro to Ezekiel, Part 5”
When God feels distant or fictional – Intro to Ezekiel, Part 4
Does God feel distant, or have you wondered if God is just a thing of the past? Maybe he wasn’t even real back then? While the stories of God’s work in the past sound great, and might even be encouraging and inspiring, what we really want is for God to show up in our livesContinue reading “When God feels distant or fictional – Intro to Ezekiel, Part 4”
Why prophetic ministry is not glamorous – Intro to Ezekiel, Part 3
The late singer Keith Green once gave a talk about prophets, saying that he met people who considered him a prophet and people who wanted to be prophets too. Green’s response was, “You might not realize what you’re hoping for.” Prophetic ministry can actually be very difficult. This week (starting here) we’re meeting Ezekiel theContinue reading “Why prophetic ministry is not glamorous – Intro to Ezekiel, Part 3”
What’s wrong with the world? – Introducing Ezekiel, Part 1
What’s wrong with the world? Ever discuss that question? It’s a popular one, and rightly so because of what we see going on around us, especially in our day and age when we have instant access to news from anywhere in the globe. It can get overwhelming thinking about the problems in our world, especiallyContinue reading “What’s wrong with the world? – Introducing Ezekiel, Part 1”
How to fulfill your calling – Colossians 4:7-18, Part 3
Editor’s Note: This week I welcome David Hundert on the blog. David is an MDiv student and member of Faith Church. He preaches for me 3-4 times each year when I am away, and this past week I was my denomination’s national conference. Thank you, David! Do you ever feel frustrated about how your lifeContinue reading “How to fulfill your calling – Colossians 4:7-18, Part 3”
How to show hospitality – Colossians 4:7-18, Part 2
Editor’s Note: This week I welcome David Hundert on the blog. David is an MDiv student and member of Faith Church. He preaches for me 3-4 times each year when I am away, and this past week I was my denomination’s national conference. Thank you, David! Is hospitality just for hotels, restaurants, spas…or hospitals? CanContinue reading “How to show hospitality – Colossians 4:7-18, Part 2”
How to encourage one another – Colossians 4:7-18, Part 1
Editor’s Note: This week I welcome David Hundert on the blog. David is an MDiv student and member of Faith Church. He preaches for me 3-4 times each year when I am away, and this past week I was my denomination’s national conference. Thank you, David! There is a story of a young man whoContinue reading “How to encourage one another – Colossians 4:7-18, Part 1”
How to speak graciously [even when you don’t want to] – Colossians 4:2-6, Part 5
I recently heard a story from a Mennonite pastor in my local ministerium. Nearly 25 years ago, his wife tragically passed away. One year before she passed away, she made the decision to discontinue wearing the traditional Mennonite head covering for women. After she died, he got lots of support, but he also got twoContinue reading “How to speak graciously [even when you don’t want to] – Colossians 4:2-6, Part 5”
What to pray for yourself and others – Colossians 4:2-6, Part 4
Think about the content of your prayer requests. Often the prayer requests in my church family are health-related. There’s nothing wrong with asking God to heal us. But I do get concerned when it seems we have a fixation on health. While it is okay to pray for health-related concerns, that should not be ourContinue reading “What to pray for yourself and others – Colossians 4:2-6, Part 4”
Engaging Scripture 