To some people, “faith” in God is right doctrine or action. But actually faith is relational — it’s trusting God. As we keep seeking God with our heart, our beliefs and behavior come along. To strengthen our faith means we are developing greater trust and confidence in Holy Spirit’s presence with us and his power…
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…
There’s so much life in the Word of God that some people have sacrificed their lives to put a Bible in people’s hands. Bill and I (Kristi) have been inspired by the stories of men like Luther, Tyndale, and Wycliffe who translated the Bible. They treasured Scripture and endured terrible persecutions, even death, in order…
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…
God created us to think in images. If I (Kristi) tell you not to think of a red apple you will probably see a red apple. Jesus told us parables that inspire our imaginative thinking. When He calls God “Abba” we picture a little child’s relationship with a loving Dada or Papa. In the 16th…
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…