“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters. But one who has insight draws them out.” (Proverbs 20:5) We are all ministers. We minister to one another in the church, and we minister to the broader world. We want to grow the kingdom of Christ by inviting the people in our lives to take … Continue reading The Art of Spiritual Conversation: Asking Good Questions
Author: Russell Smith
What Does It Mean To Have Childlike Faith?
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell … Continue reading What Does It Mean To Have Childlike Faith?
Starry, Starry Night — Enchantment With the Stars
When was the last time you looked up at the night stars? When did you last let your gaze linger on the stars, pondering the expanse of space? Mornings and nights are often so cluttered, so frenetic, so hectic that it’s easy for me to miss the quiet invitation of the stars. Yet when I … Continue reading Starry, Starry Night — Enchantment With the Stars
Enchantment: The Shape of My Spiritual Life
The past year has been a season of change. In these waning years of my fourth decade, I’ve watched my father decline in health and die. We’ve closed our older daughter’s high school years and inaugurated her college career. Our younger daughter has blossomed into a distinctive creative force with ideas of her own. My … Continue reading Enchantment: The Shape of My Spiritual Life
Where Are You, God? (A meditation on Psalm 22)
It’s a natural question. “Where are you, God?” It comes to us in the crisis, the moment of pain, the season of doubt and suffering. When our plans and dreams have been smashed to fragments under the heels of careless narcissists, we instinctively cry, “where are you, God?” When the people we thought … Continue reading Where Are You, God? (A meditation on Psalm 22)
Modern Day Parables: Microfiction from February
Have you discovered the microfiction trend? If not, then take my word, it is well worth a try. A classic example is Hemingway's famous story told in six words: "For Sale. Baby Shoes. Never Used." It tells of heartbreak and loss in three pithy sentences. Of course microfiction need not be so spare. It can … Continue reading Modern Day Parables: Microfiction from February
Don’t Be Afraid of the Underminers (Meditation on Nehemiah 4:1-20)
Have you ever had it happen that just as you are starting to experience some progress in life, then the critics, the mockers, and the underminers increase their sabotage? Our own growth and development threatens the status quo. When people are threatened, they push back and seek to undo our progress. This is the kind … Continue reading Don’t Be Afraid of the Underminers (Meditation on Nehemiah 4:1-20)
A Fresh New Word for Christmas
I confess, I always feel anxious about writing the December church newsletter article. We’re entering the annual maelstrom of activity and merriment. The Advent and Christmas seasons have two thousand years of tradition, music, stories, musings, reflections, and observations. How can write anything that will be heard above the noise? How do I say something new … Continue reading A Fresh New Word for Christmas
Read This Game Changing Productivity Book: The Bullet Journal Method
Every 20 years or so, a game changing productivity book comes along that becomes the gold standard. This is it. The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll Consider for a moment the gold standard books of previous eras: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Published in 1934, this book was the … Continue reading Read This Game Changing Productivity Book: The Bullet Journal Method
Questions for a Pastor: How Do You Answer Stephen Hawking?
This question recently came in to the church Facebook Page (reprinted with permission of the questioner): There is a new book out by Stephen Hawking. Have not read it but the headline from it is that he says there is no God. I used to have solid faith, but it seems to be disintegrating. Reading … Continue reading Questions for a Pastor: How Do You Answer Stephen Hawking?
