Next summer I will be officially ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church (10 years after I graduated from seminary — its about time!). I’m reminded of a poignant lengthy quotation from Eugene Peterson’s The Contemplative Pastor. It’s a good reminder that we are weak and can, like Odysseus, be lured away by the sirens of people pleasing. We need God’s … More QUOTABLES: Lashed to the Mast (Eugene Peterson)
As we prepare to move houses soon we are sharing some memories from our little house on Cedar Lane. -JB Let’s be honest. When it’s December in Minnesota, below zero, the snow is falling and Christmas time is approaching, there’s no where more cozy than a little old farmhouse with a real wood burning fireplace … More This Old House 4: Winter Wonderland
“If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God.” (2 Cor 5:13) Do you make several “foolish” decisions a day? Do people often look at you strangely, shake their head with scorn and just walk away? Do you regularly get accused of being silly, foolish or extremely impractical by those … More The Absurdity-Driven Life
Our house on Cedar Lane will forever be remembered for some of the most significant ministry gatherings and conversations that have impacted the course of our lives. Here’s a few: Sometime in 2006 at a youth concert, I announced the launch of the “Way of the Revolutionary” Bible Study to be held in our living … More This Old House 3: God Bless this Home
How long, O LORD, must I call for help before you listen, before you save us from violence? (Habakkuk 1:2-4) He came closer to the city, and when he saw it, he wept over it, saying, “If you only knew today what is needed for peace! But now you cannot see it! (Luke 19:41-42) There … More Cruciform Justice 1: Introduction
We lived here for 5 years before we had kids. Keri had a little bit more time before Peter and Isaak (and our baby church) to play around in her gardens. When I think of our house Cedar, I will always remember Keri in her prime (oh, she’s still in it!) with her blue watering can … More This Old House 2: Gardens, Squirrels & More
Pastor John Piper on the supremacy of God in preaching: Christian preachers, more than all others, should know that people are starving for God. If anyone in all the world should be able to say, “I have looked upon thee in the sanctuary, beholding thy power and glory,” it is the herald of God. Who … More John Piper on Preaching
When I meet Christians who are infatuated with their own depravity because it supposedly puts God on display, I often wonder what they do with certain Bible passages. You’ve met them often enough. They have a “Get out of the Way” theology. They appropriately fear self-righteousness and pride in their faith. They rightly want to … More “Get Out of the Way” Theology
We’re preparing to say goodbye to our little old house on Cedar Lane this month. I wanted to share a few favorite memories and highlights from our past 8 years in our little yellow house on the hill. Today, a brief overview of this old house. Keri and I bought this — our first home — in our … More This Old House 1: Intro
When I was a kid, many churches didn’t engage my generation. Most of my friends “went to church” but we didn’t follow Christ. The American church (for the most part) lost touch with how to engage the younger generations. The church needed to change. And it did. We needed to become more relevant in the … More More Bible, Less Fluff (by Craig Groeschel)
I spent a long season of “waiting on God” for a vocation that would both utilize my gifts and impact the Kingdom. Nothing was more thrilling than those moments where God seemed to give me a glimpse of a vision of the kind of life I want to live. I wrote the following on August … More Hangin’ on a Vision
American musician John Mellencamp once said, “I know there’s a balance in life. I see it every time I swing by it.” There is perhaps no more profound realization in the entire Christian experience than grasping the necessary balance and tension between GRACE and TRUTH. Most individuals, churches, denominations, pastors, teachers, and movements tend to choose … More Grace & Truth
Co-dependency is my tendency. I worry what others think. I analyze every move considering if it was a wink or just a blink. Always apologizing even if I didn’t make a mistake is agonizing to take. I rely on the praise of people, but now I worship the One in the steeple. The Holy One … More Redefine Me (by Danny Evans)
“Mountain God” is a series of reflections I shared on a youth adventure trip climbing in the Rocky Mountains in 2009. “It’s not I who has caused trouble in Israel,” said Elijah, “but you and your government—you’ve dumped God’s ways and commands and run off after the local gods, the Baals. Here’s what I want … More Mountain God 6: Facing Idols (1 Kings 18)
“Then Elijah was told, “Go, stand on the mountain at attention before God. God will pass by.” A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before God, but God wasn’t to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but God wasn’t in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but God wasn’t in the … More Mountain God 5: God’s Quiet Whisper (1 Kings 19)
It’s blowing everywhere, covering everything. Cottonwood trees are spreading their seed indiscriminately by way of the warm spring breeze. Those of us too absorbed in our ordinary affairs will simply ignore nature’s process of procreation as pollen storms blow in and cotton-like snow accumulates on our lawns, car windshields, patio furniture and everything else. Until, … More It’s blowing everywhere, covering everything!
I’m reposting this series from 2009 when I was a youth pastor leading a trip to Colorado. Enjoy! -JB After all this, God tested Abraham. God said, “Abraham!” “Yes?” answered Abraham. “I’m listening.” 2 He said, “Take your dear son Isaac whom you love and go to the land of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering … More Mountain God 4: Faith & Obedience (Genesis 22)
I’m reposting this series from 2009 when I was a youth pastor leading a trip to Colorado. Enjoy! -JB God said to Moses, “Go to the people. For the next two days get these people ready (i.e., “consecrate them”) to meet the Holy God. Have them scrub their clothes so that on the third day … More Mountain God 3: A Holy God (Exodus 19)
“Mountain God” is a series of reflections I shared on a youth adventure trip climbing in the Rocky Mountains in 2009 with a group of teenagers. Enjoy! Three months after leaving Egypt the Israelites entered the Wilderness of Sinai. They followed the route from Rephidim, arrived at the Wilderness of Sinai, and set up camp. … More Mountain God 2: A Holy People (Exodus 19)
I’m reposting this series from back in 2009 when I was a youth pastor. Enjoy! -JB “The mountain is no ordinary place. It is a dangerous environment of holiness, the place where the ordinariness of human, earthly life has contact with the holy that destabilizes and consequently transforms. We have trivialized “mountaintop experiences” as though … More Mountain God 1: Introduction
No one likes being underdressed. A beautiful sunset off the coastline is hard to enjoy when you are shivering in a T-shirt and shorts. It’s hard to enjoy three feet of fresh powder on the slopes of Aspen when your fingers and toes are numb from the bitter cold. And a rainy camping trip is … More Dirty Laundry 7: Dress Accordingly
A repost from my youth pastor days. Enjoy! -JB “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” -Jesus A recent Barna survey revealed some less than optimistic stats on the percentage of Americans who hold to a “biblical … More Christianity 1.0: “Installing” the Faith
Fashion trends come and go like the ocean tide, but one fad that is here to stay is the style of being in style. And the drive toward conformity begins at a surprisingly early age. I still remember my first brush with the “fashion police” from way back in grade school. The popular brand name … More Dirty Laundry 6: Jesus en Vogue
Kingdom Harbor 