I hate Monopoly! I grew up in a home that did not condone excessive use of the word “hate”. Whenever I whined the word “hate” to show my displeasure, my mother would remind me that “Hate is a very strong word that is best used to describe such things as the devil.” With this in […]
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A Look Back and Forward at Faith
I wrote this three years ago at the beginning of March. I’m reminded of all the amazing things God has done in that time! I have literally had hundred of doors open and the opportunity to speak to thousands of people, based on the faith steps included in this short letter to my church. I […]
How I Understand and Communicate God’s Kingdom
A Theology of Presence Christian theology must be rooted in the abiding presence of God. Theology done well flows from authentic relationship. God speaks, God moves, God leads and we respond. Christian theology is initiated by our resurrect Christ through the guiding power of the Holy Spirit. God’s presence enlivens His sacred Word. The Bible […]
True Visionary Leadership Flows from God
There have been many words written about vision. From vision casting, to vision statements, to visionaries, the world is full of vision. On many different occasions I’ve been asked to describe my vision or the vision for Evergreen Foursquare Church. My first response is usually an issue of clarification. “What do you mean by vision?” […]
A Junior High Love Triangle with Soundtrack
In eighth grade I fell in love with two Stephanies. Which really isn’t saying much, since in the early eighties 1 out of every 5 girls was named Stephanie. A week before the school dance, word reached me that both Stephanies had indicated to close friends that they might possible want to “go with” me. […]
Living in the Ever Gray State
If you’ve lived through at least one Northwest winter, you’ve confronted the concept of gray. Gray usually hits me when I’m driving the interstate on a particularly drippy afternoon. This week I had one of those gray days. I was driving I-5, continually adjusting the rate of my intermittently oscillating windshield wipers. I just couldn’t […]
Dancing the Sacred Tune
God moves. He is rushing wind, raging water, consuming fire. God is gentle breath, sacred whisper, setting sun. God is eternal activity, peace in motion, and fluid glory penetrating exterior and interior walls. God is beat, rhythm, and song. He motivates the tune, conducts the band, and sets the pace. His theme swirls creation, makes […]
Hearing God?
Here are some ways to stir your ability to hear God’s voice and follow God’s leading. 1. Read the Bible: Find a small passage of Scripture and read through the passage at least three times. After you’ve read the passage three times, write out the Scripture by hand. Pay attention to sentence structure, verbs, nouns, […]
Managing the Cat Preserve
I’m on day two of five days without my family. My wife and kids headed out of town for a ski vacation while I’m stuck at the homestead taking care of the cattle. Actually, we don’t own any cattle, but we do have two cats, two mice, a turtle, and possibly two goldfish. The possibility […]
The End is Near (Once Again)
Nothing itches the ears like end times. Unfortunately, most of our discussions concerning the “last days” have revolved around who will be left behind. Interest spiked at the turn of the century, but for the most part, we are as last day ignorant as ever. You might ask “What’s wrong with a healthy ignorance of […]