Chapter 5 I Have Many People in this Town “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” So Paul … More Divine Summons 22
I wrote this caption below on December 28, 2009, after our youth group Christmas party. About a week later I found out that my ministry position was being cut in the spring and this would be my last Christmas party with Fusion. For some reason I didn’t post this, thinking it may send the wrong … More An Extended Photo Caption
“They Met In Their Homes” We spent the duration of the first school year meeting together with our small motley crew. One significant move we did make, and would become a hallmark of the Revolution, is we moved our gatherings out of the church and into our home. I felt that the church building carried … More Divine Summons 21
Keri and I had the wonderful opportunity to fly to Nashville and participate in an intense church leadership assessment process with some 13 other couples. For four days we were observed, went through several interviews, had some sessions with a therapist exploring our marital and emotional health, participated in a number of case studies where … More Seeking God in Nashville
The past week I’ve been mourning the loss of a good friend — though we never met in person. If you never knew the Internet Monk, Michael Spencer, it is never too late to get to know him. He has left us a treasure trove of writings and podcasts that will continue to reach many … More Remembering Michael Spencer (1956-2010)
My blogging friend and brother in Christ, Michael Spencer, the Internet Monk, has gone home to be with the Lord tonight. I’ll bet he was hanging on to celebrate one more Easter Sunday on earth before he went to thank Jesus in person for his costly sacrifice. I will miss Michael’s writings and voice greatly. … More Michael Spencer, 1956-2010
These are the words that came to me on a prayer walk last night around midnight.
I’m pretty sure I cannot post this little tribute to my angel too many times! Here it is again: “Angels In The Skies” by yours truly. A free cookie to anyone who can name all the instruments I played in this hack-job recording.
Regular readers of DI may have noticed a drop off in more personal, new content. As an internal processor and someone who likes to share my inward journey with God with others, the past 2 1/2 months have been hard for me. I have not been able to share openly about some personal circumstances that … More My Lenten Journey Through The Darkness
As a sophomore in college two friends bought me a new study Bible as a gift. I took that Bible to the dining center and began reading the Acts of the Apostles for the first time. Something happened that night as I read this seemingly harmless story of the birth and expansion of the early … More ESSAY: The Collision of Stories: An Exploration in Narrative Theology (2002)
Michael Spencer (Internet Monk) is a well-known Christian blogger who has been a special part of my journey the past couple years as I’ve enjoyed his daily writings and especially his western Kentucky accent and candor on his weekly Internet Monk Radio Podcast. I’ve never met Michael but I feel like he is a good … More Prayers For A Dying Friend
Two of my Daily Illumination movie reviews were published this past week — one at Youthworker.com and another at Jesus Creed. More of my reviews will be featured at Jesus Creed the next few Friday nights. I appreciate sharing my writings, but am humored that it’s my movie reviews that are getting the press. I’m … More Publication Notice
My good friends Dan Kent and Neil Berget, the theological mastermind and technological guru behind the creation of the Web of Theology, have graciously invited me in on the advancement and, most importantly, the marketing of this great tool. I am hoping to use my network of pastors, professors and blogging associates to spread the … More “A Match Made in Heaven” & WOT at Jesus Creed
This is an older post that fits this time of year when people are contemplating their plans for the new year. Grace and peace. -JB “Where do you plan to be three to five years from now?” I have been asked this question two or three times in the past couple weeks. For some reason … More My Crystal Ball: Facing the Future in Faith
Few teachers have been more influential in my spiritual journey through college and seminary (and beyond) than Greg Boyd and Paul Eddy. One of the lessons I’m trying to learn from them is not to take myself too seriously. Here’s yet another teaching moment. I’m taking notes. =) Remember Jesus’ words: “A student is not … More My Spiritual Mentors
What a ride it’s been — for me at least. One year ago I started the new Daily Illumination blog. Why? I have been reading obsessively for the past decade, intaking large quantities of biblical facts and knowledge, listening to lectures and podcasts, completing two degrees in Biblical and Theological Studies. Last January I felt … More Daily Illumination 2009: Year In Review
Once and awhile I like to post a video giving my readers a glimpse into the wonderful high school ministry I get to lead. Here’s a peak at our annual Christmas dance we call “Shimmer & Shine.” This year we went back to the 1940s to the Hollywood Canteen for some swing dancing. Enjoy!
So many theological, social and political debates rage on all around us and it’s so easy to get sucked into unnecessary arguments. The Church, tragically, is notorious for drawing unnecessary lines in the sand, splitting hairs and dividing over nonessential doctrines, political viewpoints, cultural debates and so on. Once in a while it’s refreshing to … More For the Record: “I Believe…”
What are your favorite Christmas movies? This is hard because I have two different categories for different moods. First, there are my favorite “meaningful” movies that are usually nostalgic and classic. Second, there are those fun, family favorites that you have to see each year. Here are my top 3 with some honorable mention runner-ups. … More My Top 3: Christmas Movies
Someday I might go skydiving. But today it’s enough to say I’ve gone sky-blogging. Yes, in this crazy world of technological conveniences one can surf the web, send emails, watch NetFlix, video chat with people across the world on Skype and blog from 30,000 feet in an airplane. Welcome to the 21st Century. Keri … More Blogging From 30,000 Feet
Now, for something completely different. Are the Muppets making a comeback? I hope so and it appears so. (Did they ever completely leave the scene?) Last week my friend and I stopped reading our current blogs and news websites to check out the Muppets perform Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” (see below). Tonight I watched a new … More My Top 3: Muppets
Testimonial Sermon originally given at Bethel Methodist Church in my hometown of Mound, Minnesota, on April 30, 2006. This is my story and I’m stickin’ to it. Thanks be to God! Introduction As I was preparing to preach this first sermon in my hometown, I couldn’t help but think of Jesus’ preaching debut in his … More My Faith Story: A Collision of Stories
December is here again. The season of Advent is upon us. We often complain about the busyness of this season full of holiday parties, shopping sprees, and endless traveling to be with our crazy families for the holidays. Yet, we all have those special memories and traditions that we try to recreate each year and … More Winter Dreams: Books & Hot Cocoa by a Cozy Fireplace
The “My Top 3” series is your chance to get to know some of my personal favorites. Today, on a lighter note, I share my favorite 3 bands. These are not necessarily my vote for the BEST bands of all time. I would have to place The Beatles, Led Zepellin, Elvis Presley and many others … More My Top 3: Rock & Roll Bands
Kingdom Harbor 