Most of us desire intimacy in our relationships, whether relationships with spouses or friends or God. But when it gets right down to it, are we willing to pay the price for greater intimacy? Too often we want the rewards of intimacy without being willing to go through the often arduous process it takes to […]
Spiritual Leadership is God and People-Focused
One of the writers that I?ve continued to learn from over the years as a person in ministry is Eugene Peterson. Listen to this insight from his book with Marva Dawn, The Unnecessary Pastor: ?The ?herbicides and pesticides? that promised to revolutionize the work of spiritual leadership are rationalism and functionalism–the scholars in their attempt […]
Recognizing Soul Hunger for God
?Thus every part of us is, at its core, a desire for love?s fulfillment. Though we seldom recognize it, our senses seek the beauty, the sweetness, the good feelings of God. Our mind seeks the truth and wisdom of God. Our will seeks to live out the goodness, the righteousness of God. Our memory and […]
Are You Tempted to Give Up?
Wise spiritual mentors over the centuries have pointed out that a common struggle in the middle places of their lives is acedia. It?s a word derived from the Greek A (for ?not?) and keedos (meaning ?to care?). Acedia is ultimately a failure of love. It?s that place of life apathy or spiritual boredom?an umpteenth lap […]
How to Engage Lectio Divina: Forgiven Much
One of the practices that has been personally meaningful, as well as an important element of our spiritual leadership training, is engaging the scriptures through Lectio Divina. (We?ve developed a free Lectio Divina resource you can download from our website.) Read: Luke 7:36-50 NIV Reading 1 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been […]
Grace in Weakness
?And so His people are still taught to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. When He strengthens them, it is not by taking away the sense of feebleness, and giving in its place the feeling of strength. By no means. But in a very wonderful way leaving and even […]
From Thorns to Fragrance
The time in my life had been extremely difficult, and my body was physically and severely responding to stress. A friend stopped by my house to share a gift of encouragement. With it came this quote: Note this bit of gorse bush. The whole year round the thorn has been hardening and sharpening. Spring comes. […]
