-
We’re ALL afraid…
Every mass shooting reignites the same debate over guns – gun owner rights vs. gun law reform. Before I go any further, I should confess I don’t own guns, and I don’t like guns. I never have, and likely never will. I don’t feel a need to own one. In…
-
Is Jesus helpless?
Is it possible, these tragedies keep happening, because we’ve rendered God ineffectual by our collective disbelief? Have we, as a society, drifted so far from God, or believe so little in God, that we’ve effectively shut the door?
-
Spiritual Leadership
Somebody needs to be asking, “What is Jesus’ vision for our church? What is Jesus calling us to do and be? How is Jesus calling us to learn and grow? How does Jesus want us to spend these offerings? How does Jesus want us to use these buildings? Who does…
-
The Deep Center
Here’s my concern. If the United Methodist Church divides, which seems increasingly likely – and possibly necessary – what happens to the deep center?
-
What’s My Purpose?
What’s your purpose? What are your particular “roles,” and how does your sense of purpose align with your list of commitments, obligations, and duties? What is your identity? Who are you, when all of the external trappings are stripped away? What does it look like for you to “be,” and…
-
“I am” or “I am not”
When I’m specifically asked about my association with Jesus – by friend or foe – I want my response to be consistently faith-affirming, truth-filled, love-laced, unwavering, and invitational!
-
Anticipated Restoration
I find remarkable comfort and encouragement in these stories from Holy Week. If Jesus couldn’t find twelve better disciples than these, then maybe there’s hope for me and my ministry. If Jesus, knowing the disciples would fall short when he needed them, still planned to forgive and restore them afterward,…
-
Lent, Yoga etiquette, and other opportunities for growth…
If we could just accept that everyone is doing the best they can – given their maturity, morality, manners, etc. – perhaps we would have more reasonable expectations and be a bit slower to judge.
-
The Conversion of a Recovering Spiritual Realist
As of today, I’m going to try a spiritual experiment. For the next weeks, months or maybe even years, I’m going to intentionally focus my prayers on what Nouwen calls my “beloved-ness.” I’m going to strive to keep my eyes and ears, my mind and soul focused on anything and…
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
vancerains.com 