My rooster often crows loudest on a Monday. I don’t mean to imply I deny Jesus on a weekly basis. The rooster I speak of is the inner critic, the ever-present whisper of self-doubt I try so hard to keep silent all week as I go about my pastoral work. The rooster can leave me questioning my call, my giftedness and my effectiveness as a pastor. We are wise to know what to do when the rooster comes crowing. … More Monday Morning Rooster
Our friends Sarah and Doug are back with another deep dive discussion of a meditation I am preparing for an upcoming pastor’s conference. Looking at John 21, we explore God’s grace in the midst of our worst failures, and the invitation to throw ourselves overboard into the ocean of God’s love and forgiveness. What is Jesus’ main qualification for his servants? Listen and find out. … More Podcast #198 – Job Interview With Jesus
It’s the 4th quarter of the Super Bowl, you’re down by 5 with 20 seconds on the clock. Quarterback gathers the team into a huddle to draw up one last play to try to score the game winning touchdown. That’s one fateful huddle to be part of! But I can think of an ever better huddle to eaves drop on. … More A Super Bowl Huddle for the Ages
If God is the true Sculptor and we are the clay, then we need to sit still on God’s workbench more often so he can do his job. Imagine old Geppetto trying to put the finishing touches on his masterpiece Pinocchio if he were already a living boy, jumping up and down and running around the room. That’s much of American Christian spirituality. We’re working too hard for God to work on us. We’re moving too fast for God to move in us. … More Sit Still, Pinocchio!
Peter stands naked in the boat, both for practical fishing purposes and to symbolize a man laid completely bare before God-in-Christ. Instead of hiding his shameful nakedness, he wraps himself in a garment of grace, plunges himself into the waters of forgiveness, and swims into the arms of his loving friend. … More Laid Bare, Yet Lavishly Loved
What message does a father preach at his firstborn’s baptism? Well, if his name is Peter, he loves adventurous sea stories, and desires to be a bold disciple, how about Matthew 14:22-33? … More Waters of Faith: A Baptism Sermon
Thanks for sharing this, Keri. :)
We just snapped that classic milestone photo of our 6-year old, Peter, climbing up those enormous school bus steps, turning around for that split second with a proud smile, and the look of excitement with tinge of apprehension in his eyes. Snap photo. And just like that the driver pulled the lever and the doors … More The Upward Climb: First Day of School Reflection
My oldest son turns 3 today! When he was born I shared a series of reflections on the significance of his name, Peter. I’m reposting this one in honor of his birthday and as my continued prayer for Peter who at age 3 already has the strong personality of Simon Peter shining through. Happy Birthday Peter! … More Happy 3rd Birthday Peter Bjorn
Reposted from April 2011 and worth repeating…daily. -JB I often get asked, “How is the church plant doing? Are you succeeding?” That moment you must decide which measuring rod you’re going to use for gauging progress or failure. I decided years ago that success in the Christian walk is measured by our FAITHFULNESS and not any sort … More How God Measures Success: Effectiveness or Faithfulness?
Here’s a reposting of a message I gave to the Confirmation class in 2009. 22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to … More Confirmation Message: Walk the Plank!
My firstborn buddy turns 3 years today, and I’m reposting this series from his birth on the meaning of his name. Enjoy! -JB What’s in a name, anyways? In a culture where most parents choose names that sound nice or are currently trendy, we find ourselves far from the world of the Bible. Names were … More His Name Is Peter 1
Jeremy L. Berg 