Month: July 2017

Do You Want To Be Wiser, Stronger, And More Sane? Then Practice Self-Examination

/ Russell Smith / Leave a comment

If you would grow spiritually, self-examination is an essential practice. This should come as no surprise.  We are a culture obsessed with tracking and feedback.  Our fit bits and our wearable tech collect valuable information about our health and wellbeing.  We track money and time to make sure we squander neither (though habitually we do).  … Continue reading Do You Want To Be Wiser, Stronger, And More Sane? Then Practice Self-Examination

Jesus Based His Ministry In A Home, Not An Institution (a Footsteps Friday reflection)

/ Russell Smith / 6 Comments

This post is part of a series reflecting on my Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The Pilgrimage was a guided experience called “The Footsteps of Jesus”  - every Friday, I’ll be posting a “Footsteps Friday” reflection (see index here). I look forward to your sharing your thoughts and comments.  Capernaum is a village of archaeological … Continue reading Jesus Based His Ministry In A Home, Not An Institution (a Footsteps Friday reflection)

What’s More Powerful For Spiritual Growth: The Answers Or The Questions?

/ Russell Smith / 1 Comment

Do you ever get the impression that Christian discipleship is about little more than getting the answers right?  It’s as though you just had to read enough books and know the answers better than anyone else. But if it’s true that the answers you get are determined by the questions you ask, then isn’t it … Continue reading What’s More Powerful For Spiritual Growth: The Answers Or The Questions?

If You Would Be Truly Free, Then Learn The Skill Of Forgiveness

/ Russell Smith / 3 Comments

Forgiveness isn’t an art.  It’s a skill.  It’s an essential skill for your mental wellbeing and your spiritual growth. If you don’t learn to forgive, you will stunt your spiritual growth - you’ll stay prisoner to resentment or ill feeling. When you learn to forgive, you experience deep growth in grace and you get a … Continue reading If You Would Be Truly Free, Then Learn The Skill Of Forgiveness

Learn About The Person Of Peace Principle (A Footsteps Friday Reflection)

/ Russell Smith / 3 Comments

This post is part of a series reflecting on my Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The Pilgrimage was a guided experience called “The Footsteps of Jesus”  - every Friday, I’ll be posting a “Footsteps Friday” reflection (see index here). I look forward to your sharing your thoughts and comments. Sepphoris. I’ll wager you’ve never heard … Continue reading Learn About The Person Of Peace Principle (A Footsteps Friday Reflection)

I’m A Small Church Pastor, And I’m Quitting My Complaining About Megachurches. Here’s Why.

/ Russell Smith / 10 Comments

I have a confession.  I have been very cynical and snarky about big-box megachurches.  I’ve been jaded about the light shows, the worship bands, and the hipster pastors in skinny jeans.  I may have, once or twice, even referred to a certain big-box church as “Six Flags Over Jesus.” Maybe you’ve been there too. I’ve … Continue reading I’m A Small Church Pastor, And I’m Quitting My Complaining About Megachurches. Here’s Why.

In The Shadow Of A Great Cathedral, I Learned That Ordinary, Daily Life Has Great Dignity (A Footsteps Friday Post)

/ Russell Smith / 9 Comments

This post is part of a series reflecting on my Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The Pilgrimage was a guided experience called “The Footsteps of Jesus”  - every Friday, I’ll be posting a “Footsteps Friday” reflection (see index here). I look forward to your sharing your thoughts and comments. The Basilica of the Annunciation in … Continue reading In The Shadow Of A Great Cathedral, I Learned That Ordinary, Daily Life Has Great Dignity (A Footsteps Friday Post)