Beyond Slot Machine Praying

Beyond Slot Machine Praying

How do you know what to say when you pray? Should it be formal? Are we supposed to talk about the little things in our lives or just the big stuff? It’s a common dilemma. When surveyed, over 70 percent of Americans say they pray weekly. But for many of us, prayer...
Breaking Free from Shame for Good

Breaking Free from Shame for Good

One day a piece of Scripture set up camp in the back of my head. It would waltz into my morning devotions to say “hi” but wasn’t satisfied with such an obvious setting. It chose to show up at night, during a meeting at work, or in a conversation with my wife. The only...
“I Don’t Want to Be Pushy” – And Other Fears

“I Don’t Want to Be Pushy” – And Other Fears

Does everyone in your family actively follow Christ? How about the people you know at work, in your neighborhood or in your social circles? If you are like me, the answer is no. Of course, I would love for everyone I know to experience the personal forgiveness,...
All That Really Matters

All That Really Matters

Many of us feel stuck. Our job no longer brings life. Our friendships feel stale. It feels like our dating life is going nowhere, or we find our marriage in a holding pattern. We can’t lose the weight we don’t want or say no to an addictive behavior that is pulling us...
The Power of Empty

The Power of Empty

Where have you stopped praying for a breakthrough? At a conference a while back, pastor Craig Springer talked about a miracle-stopping mistake revealed in an empty jar. The story found in Second Kings begins as a terrible dilemma. A woman’s husband had just died...
Everybody Needs a Little Jesus

Everybody Needs a Little Jesus

It’s the little things, really. Yesterday I had a chance to share my faith with the woman who cuts my hair. As she was putting the black apron around me, she shared one of her kid’s latest escapades. Even though I have never met them, I feel like I know her children....
How to Lose Your Soul – Virtuously

How to Lose Your Soul – Virtuously

I have a confession to make. I am busy. At first blush, that may not sound so bad, but over time, I’ve discovered the insidious nature of non-stop activity. On the surface, busyness poses as a virtue. We compliment a person by saying, “She is one hard worker.” We...
Has God forgotten me?

Has God forgotten me?

It was a text I received one day. There was no explanation given. I had no idea what prompted it, but I could sense the seriousness behind the words. My friend wanted an answer – something to soothe the lingering ache of his soul. He’s not alone. I saw an article...
I Didn’t Know How Prayer Worked

I Didn’t Know How Prayer Worked

I didn’t get it. Growing up in the church, I tried prayer. I really had. But I couldn’t figure out how it worked. Ask and it will be given to you I’d ask for something specific and sometimes I could see the answer, but most of the time I couldn’t. Why was one prayer...
Your First Question

Your First Question

One day, it hit me. I had no rhythm. I’m not referring to dance floor moves (although I don’t have those either). It had more to do with an inner sense of timing. I was working hard, trying my best, but things just weren’t coming together. Below the emails, activities...