The Miracle of Pentecost

The miracle of Pentecost was not the sound of the mighty rushing wind filling the room where the disciples were gathered waiting for the “promise of the Father.” It was not the tongues of fire that settled on each one. Nor, was their ability to speak the gospel in the languages of all the people who were visiting Jerusalem for Shavuot, the annual Feast of Harvest. Although all of these were indeed miraculous. The history-changing miracle was God’s timing.

Speaking the Truth In Love

Ever heard the phrase, “It’s not what you say, but how you say it.”? That maxim comes from Albert Mehrabian’s research based on the 7%-38%-55% rule that suggests only 7% of all communication is done through verbal communication. Most of our communication is nonverbal: the tonality of our voice, our body language, and facial expressions.

As followers of Christ, how we communicate the truth matters.

Who am I pleasing?

Are you a people-pleaser? People-pleasers are known for doing whatever it takes to make other people happy. Although putting the needs of others ahead of your own may appear altruistic and spiritual, it isn’t biblical, nor is it wise. People-pleasing is not always God-pleasing!

Hospitality

“Am I interruptible?” Am I open to the interruptions God sends my way every day?

Interruptions are God’s way of getting our attention, drawing us into the center of his will, and opening doors of opportunity we do not see.

“Coming Forth as Gold”

Lectio Divina: Job 23:10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. There was a time when your favorite gold necklace was part of a bunch of other metals congealed together in a rock. When gold is mined, it is barely discernible. It is,

Security

What does it take for us to feel safe? A healthy 401K? A state-of-the-art security system in our home? Strong, twelve-letter passwords for our on-line accounts? The latest safety features on our vehicles? Carrying a concealed weapon everywhere we go?

Surviving and Thriving Under Pressure!

Today, perhaps more than ever before, we feel under pressure.  The pandemic has left us feeling like a titanic weight is crushing us.  How do we survive? More important, how can we thrive under pressure? In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the United States government developed and deployed nuclear powered submarines.  The USS Thresher was

The Joy of Easter

I love Easter and I love the springtime, don’t you? It is a time of Joy.  I would like to share with you a few thoughts about joy today, and what it means to have “the joy of the Lord” in your life. There is a verse a Scripture found in Hebrews 12:2. This verse

What Really Matters?

Priorities!  How do you set your priorities?  What comes first in your life?  Of all the things that you do, what matters the most?  Determining our priorities can be an illusive and difficult task, especially for people like me who are not wired to think like that. I think most people do things without really

Silence and Solitude

Have you ever thought about the importance of silence and solitude in your spiritual growth and formation? I come from a tradition and culture that places a high value on being busy and doing things for God, so much so, that taking time to sit quietly and enjoy the presence of God is often neglected.