“Is God in Cyberspace?” Tom Friedman says that’s the best question he’s ever received on a book tour. He didn’t have a ready answer - it sent him thinking, pondering, asking other people. A good question deserves the respect of patience, wrestling, and consideration. Friedman could have given an impromptu answer. Instead, he queried others. … Continue reading Is God In Cyberspace? (Reflections on Tom Friedman’s “Thank You For Being Late”)
Holy Spirit
Now Available: Going Deeper With the Holy Spirit.
At the end of January, I gave a presentation to the CS Lewis Institute on "Going Deeper With the Holy Spirit"Now, that presentation is available online for free at Prezi (click here to view).There is audio for each slide, so make sure your sound is up. Please note that you'll have to manually advance to … Continue reading Now Available: Going Deeper With the Holy Spirit.
Is There Relief From The Imposter Syndrome? (Meditation on Ephesians 1:14)
“You are a fraud.” Imagine opening your mailbox - the real one, not your email - and finding those words handwritten on a tidy notecard. What would you feel? How would you respond?Next question:How often do you mentally recite those words to yourself?A lot of us do. It’s a condition called the “Imposter Syndrome.” I … Continue reading Is There Relief From The Imposter Syndrome? (Meditation on Ephesians 1:14)
5 Blessings That Come From God’s Fondness For You. (Meditation on Ephesians 3:1-10 part 2)
“It’s not about you; It’s all about God” That’s supposed to be the comforting message of Ephesians 1? Yes. It’s comforting because of a second foundational truth: God is very fond of His children. He’s “…blessed us with every spiritual blessing…” (Eph 1:3) Which means what? First there is the blessing of being chosen (Eph … Continue reading 5 Blessings That Come From God’s Fondness For You. (Meditation on Ephesians 3:1-10 part 2)
What is the Holy Spirit Up To? Giving Varieties Spiritual Gifts (I Cor 12)
You have something particular to give, something that no one else can offer. Sure, others can approximate it, but only you can give of the distinctive spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit has grown within you. Christians often look at I Corinthians 12 as a definitive “spiritual gifts list,” as though it were a diagnostic manual … Continue reading What is the Holy Spirit Up To? Giving Varieties Spiritual Gifts (I Cor 12)
What Is The Holy Spirit Up To? A Wealth Of Gifts For The Common Good
Ours is an era of suspicion. Don’t take my word for it; read this Nov 30, 2013 article from the Associated Press about their poll of Americans, asking how much they trust their fellow citizens. The results tempt me to fear for the Republic. Now, nearly 2/3 of the American public says they really can’t … Continue reading What Is The Holy Spirit Up To? A Wealth Of Gifts For The Common Good
Sanctified Intuition – the Holy Spirit At Work
The Holy Spirit will guide you in all truth (John 16:13)How does that work?Subtly, I think. I’ve listened to friends tell stories about powerful visitations of the Holy Spirit. Inevitably the tale begins with, “Now, promise me you won’t think I’m crazy.” Then comes the account: an angelic visitation at a young man’s bedside, a … Continue reading Sanctified Intuition – the Holy Spirit At Work
How Many Christians Are Functional Unitarians?
My friend Tim Fary told me once, “We Calvinists really love God the Father a lot; we like Jesus the Son; but the Holy Spirit is a total stranger.”It’s only funny because it rings so true.Fix your attention on some other group of American Christianity, and I’ll wager you’ll find a similar engrossment with one … Continue reading How Many Christians Are Functional Unitarians?
The Holy Spirit: The Introvert of the Trinity
One of my congregation members told me that he doesn’t have a clear mental picture of the Holy Spirit. He has no problem envisioning Jesus. He thinks of all the stories of Jesus laughing, Jesus eating and drinking, Jesus doing miracles, and Jesus spending time with people. But he doesn’t have much to go on … Continue reading The Holy Spirit: The Introvert of the Trinity
Who have you asked into your heart?
“Have you asked Jesus into your heart as your personal savior?” Growing up in the Bible Belt, I often heard the question. A question asked by well-meaning people, earnest people. For certain, that question played its part in many a spiritual wakening.But is it the right question? Are we even offered a question? Are not … Continue reading Who have you asked into your heart?
Horizons of the Possible 