It is by trial and error, by frustration and dryness that I have learned that I cannot order up a praying heart. I have had to learn how to get myself in the frame of mind and condition to pray. It is important to understand how to start yourself off, and it is in this place that is crucial that … Read More
Tyranny of the Urgent
t The demanding moments in life can crowd out more important priorities that ultimately are of greater consequence. When we are in a constant state of emergency we can find it difficult to step back and make thoughtful decisions. Urgency was the culture of the company in which Deb worked. She was very task oriented and reacted to the demands … Read More
Power of the Positive
Mental energy is derived from positive thinking. Negative thoughts can help to direct our attention to important needs that are not being met. It could be a need for food, rest, or an imminent threat of danger that is presenting itself to us. Amanda had a very negative way of looking at the world. It robbed her of satisfaction and … Read More
Sabbath Compass
We have a desire to succeed, to meet every growing expectation. We do not rest and lose our way. We miss the compass points that would show us where to go. We miss the quiet that gives us wisdom. The pressure of frenetic activity is corrosive and has an effect on us and others. We push our bodies beyond what … Read More
Discernment
Interest is growing among Christians who want to deepen their experience of God and to discern their life choices in a prayerful way. We need a method for discerning major life decisions and noticing God’s presence. In counseling we are often asked to assist people facing major life changes. They want to make a decision congruent with God’s call on … Read More
Are You Only Halfway?
There are plenty of us who are half-way Christians. We will give up possessions, power, position, and friends and still not be able to submit ourselves in total obedience to God. It is difficult for us to submit ourselves in complete unreserved obedience to the Lord. Luke 11:34 says, “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye … Read More
Rhythm of Rest and Work
A couple of weeks ago I was at a leadership retreat where we were to arrive on a Monday evening and meet with our small groups for dinner. We were asked to come with a question that we wanted to present before God for the discernment of His will. I came into the retreat so tired I felt like an … Read More
Alert and Attentive
Stillness as a spiritual discipline before God can be appealing and a bit threatening. Stillness suggests a way of being before the Lord that might seem a bit alien to us. We go through our weeks with our minds occupied by all we have to do. Our thoughts are so set on the to-do list that over time it seems … Read More
Fortify Your Life
How many of us ever really pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness? This is Paul’s admonition to us in 1 Timothy 6:11, “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” Have we ever dealt with hearts that grumble and become critical when things don’t go our way? Do … Read More
Laughter Heals
Over the holidays I was at a family gathering enjoying good food, good friends, and laughter. I was talking with the family matriarch affectionately called “Memaw” by her grandchildren. Looking at me she made a comment about the embroidered decorations on her sweatshirt and the effects of their strategic placement. We started to laugh about the private joke between us. … Read More