During graduate school, we attended the Vineyard in Anaheim, California where John Wimber was the pastor. Like David, Gideon, or Mary Magdalene, he was an unlikely leader. No one would’ve thought he’d be great for God. He grew up in rural Missouri in the 1930’s and 40’s in a poor family that cursed and fought…
Lectio Divina is a delightful way to pray through a Bible passage. In our Soul Shepherding ministry, we use an especially refreshing and encouraging approach to this ancient discipline. The best way to understand Lectio Divina (Latin for “Divine Reading”) is to experience it personally, especially with someone who is experienced with this quiet, reflective,…
Jesus invites you, “Come with me… to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31). Most of us know the Lord wants to bless us but we struggle to make space. I (Bill) would like to share with you from my personal journal about a day I was too busy and too stressed and…
One day on retreat I had a deep experience of the Father’s love and I want to share it with you. It’s inspired by what may be the most compelling story about God in the Bible and the greatest short story ever told anywhere: Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). I spent some quiet…
Do you know that the Lord Jesus is glad to see you? That when you walk into a room he notices you and his Spirit walks up to you with a beaming face and an enthusiastic hug? When you minister to people do they know that you are glad to be with them? We all…
You may feel like God is angry and mean when you read particular Bible passages. The story of Job in the Old Testament is designed to renew our heartfelt image of a loving God. Job was one of the most righteous people in history. It seems he’s especially blessed by God with health, wealth, and…
If God seems angry and unkind you may need to re-map your brain through loving relational engagements that improve your self-image. Scientific research shows that our gut-level beliefs about God change our brain circuits. When we worship the true God with our hearts it activates brain pathways and turns on higher brain regions that help…
Brennan Manning’s relapse with alcohol left him in a gutter. The best-selling Christian author and retreat leader hit bottom again. His clothes were in tatters. His face was unshaven and his eyes were bloodshot. His belly was bloated. His body reeked with rancid odor. He was clutching his last ounces of vodka. “My marriage is…
The warmth of God’s presence can be elusive. In his secret journal, Henri Nouwen is vulnerable about a dark season in which he couldn’t feel God’s love. He’d helped millions of other people around the world into a more tender and intimate experience with God, but he was in a Dark Night of the Soul.…
Many Christians are stunted in their spiritual growth because they don’t understand or express their deep emotions and desires. As pastors, ministry leaders, caregivers, or parents we may get so busy or so focused on other people that we become disconnected from our own emotions and needs. But being self-aware is crucial to our abilities…