Tag: soul

Dry Bones TV Network

May 16, 2024

Today I compare God’s transforming power to a home renovation project, emphasizing the importance of visualization and imagination. Did you know Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones played a pivotal role in the launch of MainStreet? I share how and explore the need for God’s transformative breath to revive and transform souls, and the need for a vivid, colorful vision of God’s desired future for us to enliven dead faith. … More Dry Bones TV Network

Exceedingly Fruitful

February 20, 2024

While we may be foolhardy and fumble footed in our efforts to bear fruit, God wants to step into our weed-infested lives and dilapidated dreams to grow something in us! And if God can make a wrinkly 99 year old on viagra exceedingly fruitful, then imagine what kind of a beautiful garden he can make out of your life? … More Exceedingly Fruitful

Sit Still, Pinocchio!

July 12, 2023

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!

The Enemy of Our Soul

August 12, 2020

“Every step closer to my soul excites the scornful laughter of my devils, those cowardly ear-whisperers and poison-mixers.” -C. G. Jung “We are not unaware of the Devil’s schemes” (2 Cor. 2:11). In 1978, spiritual writer Richard Foster wrote: “In contemporary society our Adversary majors in three things: noise, hurry, and crowds. If he can keep … More The Enemy of Our Soul

Selfie Spirituality

December 3, 2019

We are focusing on Christ as Wonderful Counselor this week. God’s plan for passing on his wisdom and guidance to others was to give His Spirit of Wisdom and insight to people who in turn share this wisdom with others. Who are the wise guides you turn to daily for insight and truth to live … More Selfie Spirituality

Reclaiming the Pastoral Vocation

October 28, 2019

Over three decades ago, my late hero and Protestant “Saint” (if Presbyterians canonized people) Eugene Peterson wrote the following in the opening paragraphs to his book on pastoral ministry called Working the Angles (1987): “American pastors are abandoning their post, left and right, and at an alarming rate. They are not leaving their churches and getting … More Reclaiming the Pastoral Vocation

Going Green 3: Do-It-Yourself or Hired Hands?

June 8, 2017

A National Gardening Survey revealed that 71 percent of all U.S. households (an estimated 82 million) participated in one or more types of lawn and garden activities in 2007. The most popular lawn and garden activities in 2007 included lawn care (48% of households), growing indoor houseplants (31% of households), flower gardening (30% of households), … More Going Green 3: Do-It-Yourself or Hired Hands?

Socrates & I: Corrupting the Youth

October 20, 2011

I’m reposting an oldie but goodie from several years back. -JB These days, teachers in the news facing charges of “corrupting the youth” are usually repeat sex offenders. But did you know that the great philosopher, Socrates (469-399 B. C.), was also charged, convicted and ultimately executed for “corrupting the youth”? Socrates’ mode of “corruption” … More Socrates & I: Corrupting the Youth