Bill spent two weeks at the Mater Dolorosa monastery at a "Spirituality and Ministry" Doctor of Ministry class with Dallas Willard. Bill share some of the things he learned about bringing the whole person into the kingdom of God.

From the Old Testament kings and prophets we learn that it's by listening to God that we live. To listen to God is not about hearing with our ears, but obeying with our heart. Usually God speaks in a whisper to our heart and if we're listening that's enough to restore our souls -- that's how powerful God's Word is!

Our concept of grace needs to be renewed. Grace is more than "unmerited favor" -- it's God acting in my life to do what I cannot do for myself. The Bible says it's up to us to "Grow in grace" (2 Peter 3:18). Grace and power go together in the Bible. Our part is to look for the mighty hand of God to move around us and then to join in with what he is doing.

Longing for God is the breath of the soul. If we sense God's goodness and beauty then we will long for more of him and draw closer. We can cultivate our appreciation of God through stories and art that depict his love. We meditated on Psalm 63:1 and paintings of Jesus.

Behold the Lord was the topic for this month's edition of Thirst! To behold the Lord is a special way of praying the Scripture that fosters ongoing intimacy with Jesus. We shared in an experience of meditating on Psalm 28 and Philippians 3:7-14.