Since we all need to be learning constantly in order to grow, we need more: Humility – to listen Discernment – to sift through what’s been shared Be humble and discerning. Listen well, and learn from those outside your group/tribe. But don’t take what they say wholesale. Pragmatism generally lacks discernment. On the other hand, those too deeply entrenched in their own views/tradition/culture generally lack humility. Don’t be either of those. Be humble. Be discerning. Think. Reflect. Discern it through the lens of the Scriptures and the Gospel. (And don’t take...

Many want to do great and big things for God. This morning I had a conversation with a man who has a "God-sized vision" for mentoring. He’s right, for God has to show up to do this great work. I urged him in a few key things, and one of them was for do little things for God . It is only in our willingness to do anything, small or menial, that God gets the glory and can share it with us. While many want to be God’s instrument to accomplish great things, as D.L. Moody said over and over, God is looking for those people who are willing to do the little, unnoticed things for His...

I’ve been returning to some of my roots, reading the Nicene Creed a lot lately. In preparation to teach on the life of Athanasius — to our high school group, in a series called INSPIRED — I’ve been contemplating the first official church creed (AD 325). Here’s the modern wording of the Nicene Creed (edited again in 381 at Constantinople and of course translated into English, after the Reformation): We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only son of God, eternally...

Paradoxes are great things to explore. They are not contradictions, for their connection and equity simply are beyond our finite understanding. Like when the "peace of God, which surpasses understanding , will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" ( Phil. 4:7 ). How can we experience this peace, yet not understand it? Our knowledge is according to experiencing it, that’s how. Recently I wrote a paper, and the professor especially liked one section I wrote: "… two things become apparent to me. One, God does not use lazy people. And two, those who are greatly used...

A couple conversations yesterday got me thinking how Christians ought to be the happiest people on the planet. The first was an afternoon idea-ing and planning session talking about our church’s Advent series coming up the few weeks before Christmas. One theme will be JOY … and how much Joy there was when Christ came the first time, how much there shall be one day when He returns in the fullness of His glory, and the unending pleasure to be found as subjects and sons and daughters in His Kingdom. Being forgiven and right with God on the basis of nothing we have done in and of ourselves...

Some of us do speak of to/about God and people in the exact same way, making our communication with God (or lack thereof) truly profane. That is, we take something sacred and precious and make it common , just like everything else. There is a startling paradox to ponder in James 3:5-12 : "How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature,...

Reading Christ-centered Preaching: Redeeming the Expository Sermon as collateral reading for my preaching class. Great book. This paragraph by Dr. Chapell struck me: "In some ways, the entire process seems ridiculous. Common sense rebels against claims that eternal destinies will change simply because we voice thoughts from an ancient text. When Paul comments the foolishness of preaching — not foolish preaching — he acknowledges the apparent senselessness of trying to transform attitudes, lifestyles, philosophical perspectives, and faith commitments with mere words about a once...

Has it ever occurred to you that your life is far more fruitful than you are faithful? Oh, what a happy tension. Clearly, my impact for Christ is not limited to my finite ability nor imperfect obedience. “What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. ” (1 Cor. 3:5-7) SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Faithful = Fruitful?", url: "http://www.deTheos.com/2008/10/01/faithful-fruitful/" });

The Apostle Paul points us to two key paradigms (and exemplified them in his life, so we can imitate him as He imitated Christ, 1 Cor. 11:1 ). These two paradigms are: We are pilgrims in this world; and We are to be missionaries. The first, as pilgrims and sojourners, we must seek renewed minds : I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind , that by testing you may discern what is the will...

Keep in mind: most people we come into contact with each day are having a worse day that we are Let’s show others grace, for everyone is carrying burdens. Also keep in perspective that we all are having a better day than we deserve. Let’s take the time to listen to other’s stories. (Ideas formed today during our communication skills for ministry class) SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Happy tensions: listening + showing grace", url: "http://www.deTheos.com/2008/06/10/happy-tensions-listening-showing-grace/" });