Here’s another letter from Fenelon (1651-1715): Dear friend, I am happy to hear of your frame of mind, and to find you communicating in simplicity everything that takes place within you. Never hesitate to write me whatever you think God requires. It is not at all surprising that you have a sort of jealous ambition … More Spiritual Letters: Fenelon (Letter 7)
We just returned from a week in Orland, Florida. My parents treated their grandkids and us to a week at a fancy resort and Disney World adventures. In the midst of meeting Mickey, visiting Hogwarts Castle, riding roller coasters and carrying tired kids and their souvenirs for miles in the hot sun, we also had … More A Lesson from the Lizard
Dallas Willard has been a guiding light and master sage for many pastors who believe at the center of their craft is the call to deeper inner transformation of the human soul. His writings are a goldmine of thoughtful wisdom and, more importantly, his personal life and legacy reveal a man who had the smell … More Renovation of the Heart
LECTIONARY REFLECTION | 18th SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c This week we’ll board a plane and take the kids to Disney World – the Magic Kingdom where all your dreams can come true with a little waving of the wand (and a lot of cash in your pocket)! If only “wishing upon a … More Magic Wand Spirituality
Here’s another letter from Fenelon (1651-1715) on “The Death to Self”: I cannot express to you, my dear sister, how deeply I sympathize with your afflictions; but my grief is not unmixed with consolation. God loves you, since He does not spare you, but lays upon you the cross of Jesus Christ. Whatever light, whatever … More Spiritual Letters: Fenelon (Letter 4)
While I am not sure if David Brook’s spiritual journey is leading him to Christ, I did find this conversation with Oprah filled with valuable perspective and hard-won wisdom worth considering. And, no, I do not endorse all the teachings and teachers Oprah promotes. But this is a great example of appreciating true spiritual insights … More David Brooks & The Second Mountain
“Sir, more than kisses, letters mingle souls. For, thus friends absent speak.” —John Donne As part of my doctoral thesis project at Northern Seminary I am exploring the role of letter writing in pastoral care and spiritual formation. In the ancient world, letter writing was a preeminent way pastors engaged personally with those under their spiritual … More Letters Mingle Souls
People often asked Dr. Jung, “Will we make it?” referring to the cataclysm of our time. He always replied, “If enough people will do their inner work.” This soul work is the one thing that will pull us through any emergency. -Robert Johnson, Owning Your Shadow (1991)
My pastoral counselor prescribed for me the daily practice of praying the famous Serenity Prayer for the next couple weeks. While this prayer is usually associated with recovery groups, it has much broader application for many other personal afflictions. I discovered two new things as I accepted this assignment. First, I was asked to look … More The FULL Serenity Prayer
by Pete Scazzero Benedict (480-547 AD) lived during a time when the Roman Empire was disintegrating and eventually founded twelve monasteries near Rome. To guide these monks to live a simple, orderly life around Christ, he wrote “a little rule for beginners” now famously known as the “Rule of Benedict” (RB). This “Rule” became one of the most … More Lessons from the “Rule” of Benedict
Ever feel overwhelmed by the number and size of the needs around you? Ever wonder how one person can make an impact in this broken world? One side-effect of the digital age of social media is that we’re constantly made aware of all the tragedies and suffering around the globe: abducted children, famine, sex trafficking, … More The Secret to Feeding 5,000
“You’re name is NOT Jeremy!” the large, black man shouted into my ear with his thick Caribbean accent. His hands were heavy on my shoulders as he stood over me as I sat helplessly in a chair in a dim-lit room. “Your true name is Jeremiah! You are the weeping prophet!” he continued in his … More The Weeping Pastor
“Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made” (Phil 3:16). Paul is first and foremost a pastor. Every pastor must grasp one simple but crucial truth of … More It’s a Long Slow Process
by Pete Scazzero Limits are often the last place we look for God. We want to conquer them, plan around them, deny them, and fight them. We attend leadership conferences so we can step out in faith and break through the limits before us. The problem is that when we fail to look for God … More God’s Gift of Limits
I worry we’re preaching the love of Christ while ignoring the wisdom of Christ. I worry we’re raising up a generation of Christians shaped by the shallow and spineless gospel of the Beatles: “All you need is love, love, love.” Yet, take away wisdom and all you have a bunch of “foolish lovers” driven along by fluctuating emotions and trendy causes. Love must be accompanied by wisdom. Wisdom guides us to love rightly. … More What Keeps Me Awake? Pt. 3
What keeps me awake at night is wondering if all of my pastoral efforts are actually producing disciples. Are we just keeping people busy with programs and gatherings, or are people being gradually (and imperfectly) formed into Christlikeness? I felt Paul’s exasperation lately over his beloved church when he wrote, “Oh, my dear children! I … More What Keeps Me Awake? Pt. 2
I know the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is over, but I just happened upon an old essay I wrote on Luther’s pastoral approach to the sick and dying I found interesting. Martin Luther’s book Comfort For the Sick and Dying provides a window into his faith and theology as it is worked out in the face … More Martin Luther: Comforting the Sick
Every Christian should want to know what keeps their pastor awake at night. What is his/her greatest longing and burden for his/her congregation? I’ve been asking myself this question a lot as I prepare for the next year at MainStreet Covenant Church. It’s year seven or so in the life of this church. The excitement … More What Keeps Me Awake? Pt. 1
Psalm 42 declares, “O my soul, why are you downcast within me?” For the past week I’ve been declaring, “O my nostrils, why are you so full of mucus and snot?” This raises the question: Are you one of those people who refuse to go to the doctor? Do you know anybody like that? I … More Spiritual Docs & Soul Pharmacies
Like a rock band with a new released album, we all tend to live our lives trying to climb up someone else’s chart, always comparing ourselves to those below and above us. We obsess over our outward appearance and reputation, neglecting to care for our inner selves. … More Music Artists & Soul Artisans
A few years back I had to write a paper exploring an image or metaphor that describes my personal vision for pastoral ministry. Here’s what I wrote. (Note: Keri was pregnant with Abby at the time). “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you…” Gal. 4:19 … More Pastor as Spiritual Midwife
Instead of giving up something for Lent this year, how about taking up a 28-Day Spiritual fitness challenge? Two amazing MainStreet friends — Jaimie Hanly and Melissa Noreen — created a wonderful tool for growing in one’s prayer life and relationship with God. It’s a great idea for this Lenten season. In invite you to check this out, and join … More 28-Day Spiritual Fitness Challenge
Jesus led me out of the Fishing Room, down a corridor, deeper into the mysterious Fish House. The walls and ceiling were all of warm, sweet smelling cedar planking. Lanterns lined the walls giving the place a cozy cabin feel. Under my feet, the ice was replaced by granite tile covered by a long, Persian … More Cabin 21: Sweat it Out
Then immediately behind me I heard the creaking hinges of a door swinging open, and turning around I saw Jesus standing in the doorway of a little wooden ice fishing shack. “Are you up for some more fishing?” he asked. As I walked over toward the shack I noticed I was still dressed in sopping … More Cabin 20: Ice Fishing
This Advent at MainStreet Covenant Church we’re unpacking the “7 wisdom gifts” from above found in James 3:17. Following Daniel Henderson’s argument in his book The Prayer God Loves to Answer, we’re exploring a higher wisdom that enables us to find success and health in our relationships. This is contrasted with a worldly wisdom that may get … More Mt. Rushmore of Gospel Virtues
Jeremy L. Berg 