CHICAGO, IL (November 9, 2016) — In the wake of a grueling and often polarizing election season, Covenant president Gary Walter offers a prayer of healing for the church and nation. Lord, the election is over. A new president will assume office, and those who will serve our nation, states, and communities have been determined by … More A Post-Election Prayer
It was still only mid-morning when we had finished seeding the lawn. What else did Jesus have on the day’s agenda? I thought. “Don’t worry, Jeremy,” he answered my thought. “I have the entire day planned out for you, so just relax and enjoy whatever the day brings.” This was easier said than done. I began to realize … More Cabin 14: Singing in the Rain
There are two major building projects undertaken in the story of Scripture — they both continue today. In our study of 1 Peter we discover that each believer is called to be a part of God’s “spiritual temple” He is building. In the OT era, God’s healing, forgiving presence dwelled in the physical temple in Jerusalem. People … More A Tale of Two Buildings (1 Peter 2:4-11)
From 6:4 Fellowship: While many Christians are relieved to see a conservative victory in the recent elections, it changes very little about the current moral state of our nation and the effects of the moral revolution we have seen over the last decade. Pastor and author, John S. Dickerson, forecasts the moral future of our nation … More Beyond a Moral Tipping Point?
Later that morning Jesus told me to get my work boots on and meet him at the potting shed. The rustic shed sat cropped up on a hill with a wood chipped path leading down to the cabin. As I approached the shed, I saw Jesus come out the little red door in his grubs … More Cabin 13: The Potting Shed
Sovereign Lord: Foolish we are, believing that we can rule ourselves by selecting this or that person to rule over us. We are at it again. Help us not to think it more significant than it is, but also give us and those we elect enough wisdom to acknowledge our follies. Help us laugh at … More Election Day Prayer (Stanley Hauerwas)
After marveling at the framed masterpieces of key moments in my life decorating the walls, I realized this was only the beginning. The rest of the room Jesus’ prepared for me was filled with other personal touches. Photo collages decorated the dresser and night stands with candid shots of Keri and my wedding day, my … More Cabin 11: A Trip Down Memory Lane
Soul of Christ, Sanctify me Body of Christ, Save me Blood of Christ, Inebriate me Water from the side of Christ, Wash me Passion of Christ, Strengthen me O Good Jesus, Hear me Within thy Wounds Hide me Permit me not to be separated from Thee From the wicked foe defend me At the hour … More A Prayer of St. Ignatius
We were cruising across the country in my 1995 Chevy Monte Carlo (see photo above), from California to Minnesota, when my “Low Coolant” warning light came on the dash as we neared the Colorado Rockies. The temperature gauge was also running hot. I don’t know much about car engines but I do know you are wise … More Check Your Engine (1 Peter 2:2-3)
Today I want to share a personal update of sorts. Pastors wear a lot of hats. For example, today I was negotiating a lease with our landlord and consulting with our architect for our building project when I received a call from a person in rural Minnesota asking me to pray with him for … More God’s Gourmet Chef
Jesus led me down a series of hallways, making small talk along the way, until we finally reach the room that Jesus had prepared specially for me. He opened the door, led me in and then bid me good night. The door was closed for less than a second before it swung open again. Jesus peaked in and … More Cabin 10: Quaint Lodgings
Originally posted on Kingdom Harbor:
Here’s a repost from many years back. -JB “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Cor 11:14). Christians have always had a tough time with Halloween. The danger usually associated with the message of Halloween was its association with the occult — the glorification and celebration of evil,…
As the party died down and people began to disperse, Jesus offered me a tour of the Father’s cabin. “Now, as you probably already know in my Father’s house there are many rooms,” he said tongue in cheek. I chuckled as he quoted himself again. “Yes, I’ve heard.” As I mentioned earlier, the cabin was … More Cabin 09: It Just Keeps Going
“Now [God] uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. 15Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 16To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But … More Mailbox Podcast: “Smells Like Death”
“Man, I look good!” I said to myself as I tried on a new shirt and sport coat at Target this week. I rarely buy new clothes — maybe a couple new shirts each year and some new jeans when the old ones get too “holy” even for our church! As we continue our study of 1 … More Clothes Shopping with Apostle Peter (1 Peter 2:1)
I took in the beautiful landscape as we approached the cabin door. “Everybody’s waiting to meet you,” Jesus said. Gulp. Now what? I was anticipating a private weekend alone with Jesus. I was hardly in the mood for a party. As the door opened on the small cabin a rush of joyous noise greeted me. … More Cabin 08: Cabin Bash
As we neared the Father’s Cabin, I began to imagine what it would look like. Would it be a magnificent mansion on an imposing hill? Would it have all the modern conveniences of a royal summer resort? So far all my expectations had been turned upside down, so I tried not to even bother guessing. Jesus, … More Cabin 07: Come & See
This is a timely repost from about 2011 when MainStreet was just getting launched. It was during another local election season where people were passionately campaigning for and against a school referendum. You can sense my urgency and deep burden for our local community. Regardless how we vote on November 8, may we vote Jesus leader of our lives … More Political Fervor & Christian Apathy
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