Month: February 2015

John 12:24 There has never been an age so focused on itself as this one. It is in our songs, advertisements, entertainment, news, and schools, it seems to be everywhere,   Jesus tells us the simple truth. If we want a full life, one with meaning and relevance, we must die to ourselves. So much of … Read More

“I have wondered if the greatest loss we must grieve is our [own] limits.” In late December I sat in a quiet room looking over the past year; my blessings, failures and the ways I had grown. I realized that I’d grown to better understand my limits. The book calls it embracing the gift of … Read More

Psalm 37:7 “My greatest challenge in following Jesus Christ for over thirty years has been waiting on God when things are confusing.” Seasons of grief and loss create some of our most challenging moments as believers because we don’t understand the whys, hows, whats, and whens of what is happening in our world. The good … Read More

“Job screamed out in his pain, holding nothing back. He shouted at God. He prayed wild prayers. He doubted. He wept. He wondered where God is & why all this has happened to him.” (pg. 142-143) Have you ever asked God THE question: Why me Lord? Of course! It’s perfectly human & logical to wonder how … Read More

“When we are children, creating a defensive wall to shield us from pain can serve as one of God’s great gifts to us. The transition into adulthood, however, requires that we mature through our “defense mechanisms” of denial in favor of honestly looking at what is true – at reality. Jesus himself said, “You will … Read More

“There is no greater disaster in the spiritual life than to be immersed in unreality. In fact the true spiritual life is not an escape from reality but an absolute commitment to it. Loss marks the place where self-knowledge and powerful transformation happen- if we have the courage to participate fully in the process. Loss … Read More

1 Corinthians 7: 29-31 Some of us are more susceptible to distraction than others, but all of us are easily diverted from our mental focus. We are constantly forced to refocus our minds, which drift so easily. Paul’s teaching (1 Cor. 7:29-31) makes it clear that what we do in this life must be determined … Read More

“I like to know where God is going [and] what He is doing… [But] most of the time we have no idea…” (p 129) Journeying through “The Wall” with Jesus produces a stronger appreciation for holy unknowing and a greater ability to wait on God. Let’s face it, God is totally beyond our ability to … Read More

Luke 18:9-14 “Before we go through the Wall, we prefer to exercise the right to determine good and evil rather than leave this knowledge to God. Afterward, we know better.” The journey through the wall brings you to a place where you must fully depend on Jesus. Christ supernaturally takes you through the wall that … Read More

“God is the One who moves us through the Wall. … We make choices to trust God, to wait on God, to obey God, to stick with God, to remain faithful when everything in us wants to quit & run.” (pg. 126) Instantaneous! That’s how we want to get through the Wall. God has His … Read More