The New is Here
Today I think about all the times “new” shows up in the Bible in reference to our identity. Today is a day for new, fresh things. Out with the old! It’s time for new wine and new wineskins! Remember all the beautiful promises: We are new creations in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17); God gives us […]
An Affinity
Last week, I heard someone pray that others would have an affinity for that person. She was serving in an emcee role and so nervous. The person simply asked God that others would feel an affinity for her. I couldn’t stop thinking of that word and that wonderful prayer. An affinity means a spontaneous or […]
Back to It
After a long break, it’s time for a fresh semester and a fresh writing schedule. If you’re interested in setting a writing schedule to finish a book, I recommend writing no more than 4 hours a day, 2-3 days a week. Essentially, I aim for just 12 hours of writing a week. That’s not bad […]
Put Joy In My Heart
This morning, I read Psalm 4 and find the hope of the new year: David recounts a question that “many are asking.” The question? Who can show us any good? Or, in another translation, Who can bring us prosperity? I think of those who live in dire situations all over the world and those of us […]
A New Year Blessing
May the Lord grant you a new friend who makes you laugh so hard you cry. May the Lord give you deep, refreshing sleep. May this be the year something broken becomes mended, something sick becomes healed, and something lost becomes found. May you see marvelous things in God’s creation this year; you live in […]
Ready for a Fresh, New Year
I love the hope of New Year’s Eve and the joy of anticipating a fresh start. New wine. New wineskins. I’m eager to grow in my faith and step into situations that require faith. I’m eager to think about how to bless others around me and live a Philippians 2 life that takes on the […]
Some Speaking Photos
These past few days, I’ve been in Minneapolis to speak at Cru’s Winter Conference on Seated and Sent. I met so many vibrant, hopeful Christians and heard the most beautiful worship music from the college student worship team. What wonderful people! What a powerful event!
New Wineskins
I recently began to study a curious passage in Matthew 9: Jesus tells his disciples that His teaching and His new way of being are radically different from the old ways of living to try to earn God’s favor through obedience. But Jesus says it like this: “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth […]
A Needed Comparison
Sometimes we need a little comparison to refine our poor attitude. For example, I recently find myself wishing I didn’t have a boring two hour flight. It’s too long. What will I do for two hours? The kind woman beside me begins to tell me about her travel plans for the day. After this two […]