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…
I’m a Thinker. That’s a good thing. Jesus was a Thinker! But, unlike Jesus, I’ve gotten stuck in my head and needed help to learn how to engage my emotions. I want to share with you about being a Thinker who feels. But if you’re a Feeler, like my wife Kristi, I’m writing to you…
One of C. S. (“Jack”) Lewis’ greatest teachings is on Joy (with a capital “J”). It’s blessed me and I’m excited to share it with you! When Kristi and I vacationed in Europe with David and Bri (our son and his wife) we enjoyed a day on “The Happy Island” of Burano in Venice, Italy.…
“Be hospitable” the Bible teaches. You and the people around you need it — desperately (Romans 12:13, 1 Peter 4:9). Recently, Kristi and I were blessed to appreciate the hospitality of C. S. Lewis. You might not expect such a brilliant scholar to be warm-hearted. It started when we visited his home “The Kilns” in…
Have you heard of “Immanuel Journaling”? It’s spreading like wildfire across America and beyond! Kristi and I have found it to be a wonderful and powerful way to foster a greater awareness of God’s care. It’s a helpful tool for praying through your stress, hurt, intercessions, or whatever you’re experiencing, and appreciating God’s empathy and…
When I “stole” Kristi’s heart in college during a Valentine’s Day game I had no idea how God would bless me! My story is not as much about romance as genuine love. True love is the will-good-for-others kind of love; it’s the love of deep-spirited friendship; it’s 1 Corinthians 13 love that’s patient and kind;…
To help you deepen your intimacy with the Lord the people you live with and care for Kristi and I have started a new Podcast called “Soul Talks.” You can subscribe to these free, 20-minute conversations on iTunes. You can use the media player below to listen to our first broadcast of “Spiritual Hospitality”! Intimacy With Christ…
This article features simple, step-by-step instructions on how to lead a Lectio Divina group. These instructions are meant to go along with Soul Shepherding’s library of Lectio Divina Guides, each of which provide the format we use. I’m assuming that you have some knowledge and experience of with Benedict’s 6th Century way of reading and…
Some Christians are afraid of seeking to use their imagination for personal or spiritual help because they associate it with Eastern religions, secular psychology, hypnosis, or “New Age” philosophy. But there is a Biblical meditation. God has created human beings with the ability to imagine and the Bible is full of positive images and pictures…
Jesus’ John 17 prayer can used as a discernment prayer for Christian leaders and groups. This tool frames Jesus’ petitions as six key discernment questions. If we make Jesus’ holy prayer our prayer then we’re sure to get in sync with God’s will!