The favor of people is fleeting. It is also an emotional narcotic that can create an unhealthy need for its presence in our lives. This kind of favor is typically based on consensus and a shared worldview. When the consensus and worldview changes and is no longer mutual, those who negatively interpreted the change can initiate relational distancing and withdraw the needle that fed our need for their favor. This distancing is many times silent and polite, but hurtful, nevertheless. We then enter a favor addict’s season of withdrawal where we can become so desperate for approval we might put our ..read more

Perhaps one of the most significant things to come out of this pandemic and stressful election cycle is the revelation that a wide variety of interpretations exist within the Church of what is actually taking place in the spiritual realm. This is not the first time in history that the Church has gone through a season of winnowing within its ranks. Until the dust settles and we are finally able to discern what God has been doing, we need to guard our hearts. That is the only way to guarantee safe passage through these turbulent waters.    ..read more

With the announcement today that both President Trump and the First Lady have tested positive for COVID-19, I was reminded once again how fast events could change on the world stage. Just yesterday, I was lovingly corrected as to what my role and the role of the Church should be in these unusual times. Yesterday, I sensed something I felt could be a message from the Lord and shared it with Jan. The problem was not what I shared because it could be a real possibility. My problem was that I only saw a spiritual conflict and its possible negative outcome and not the solution offered from Heaven t ..read more

On my return home from a long hike in the mountains, I passed the plastic newspaper box in the attached image. I was drawn to the box, realizing the Lord was getting my attention for a reason. A couple of old newspapers were stacked inside along with pine needles, pinecones, and a leaf or two. It was obvious no one had picked up their newspapers for a long time. While standing in front of the old newspapers, the Lord began to speak.  For those who look at the Church from the outside, we can resemble the old newspapers in the box. We can get comfortable and settle into a previous revelat ..read more

Anger, frustration, bewilderment, disillusionment, confusion, and dismissal are prowling our nation this morning looking for a voice. Before you respond to the invitation offered by these feelings, guard your response. The Lord has something to say. The message He wants to deliver is not crafted from any of these emotions. He is looking for people who will speak the truth in love – a message crafted in Heaven and delivered into the turmoil of this world. Be that kind of voice ..read more

A revealing is taking place. This revealing is happening in the mix of the Covid-19 virus, a heated election cycle filled with social discord, and evolving worldviews. This reveal has been developing over time and remained undetected until uncovered in these challenging times. No longer will the distinctives of a denomination or a familiar circle of fellowship be what motivates our future affiliation or involvement.  Something personal and redefining has taken place as we have been absent from the familiar. Those who lead groups of people into the future will be challenged as to how ..read more

Today a beautiful moment occurred. I had prepared lunch and called Jan to meet me at the table on our patio. It was a lunch like many we have experienced together over the last 48 years. This time it was somehow different. Knowing our years ahead are far less than those we have lived together as husband and wife, a reality and beautiful finality descended over our conversation.  As a shared emotion arrived and displayed its intent, I said, “I love you, and I am so thankful for what we have had together.” Jan replied, “I feel the same.” In the next moment, tears formed in our eyes and bega ..read more

This is a time when God will intervene in the affairs of our nation. Historically, He has raised up the likes of Esther, Daniel, and Joseph to accomplish His will in similar times. These are people whom God chooses and uses to influence the decisions made in the highest positions of an earthly kingdom and its institutions.  As passionate as I am to see cultural reformation take place, to create a flourishing future for all, I realize this reformation will not come by the best of our efforts alone. God must intervene so that in the end, the glory that comes from such change is not attached ..read more

I’m index finger typing these words on my iPhone because we lost power last night and our house Internet connection is down. Last night someone was fleeing from the police and took down a power pole. At 4:00 am, I walked several blocks to the crash scene and spoke with the flagger who was monitoring the closed street. He said of all the poles to hit this was the one with all the neighborhood connections on it. A new pole is being installed. It will take several more hours for our power to return. Walking back from the crash scene it was pitch black. When I got to our house, I turned off my fla ..read more

This morning, Jan said to me, “Something has been birthed.” Around our house, that means the Spirit brought something into our realm that was not present before the birthing process took place.  This process has been very uncomfortable on many levels. Just like it is in the natural, a delivery is intense and fatiguing. At the height of the pain, it can also be disorienting.  What you have been feeling for months was not the norm of your life pre-pregnancy. You have questioned yourself at times, wondering if something was wrong with you and how you have been feeling. While a preg ..read more