In Ephesians 5:18, the Apostle Paul exhorts the Ephesian believers with a command, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit (NASB)”. The phrase “be filled with the Spirit” is a present, plural, passive imperative, meaning that God commands (not an option!) you, me, and allContinue reading “Filled to Overflowing”
Category Archives: Spirituality
Before I Sleep…
Two things you can do tomorrow to strengthen your walk in the Spirit and resist the realm of the flesh are: Evening Prayer: Gracious God, As this day comes to a close, I come before You seeking guidance and strength to walk in the Spirit and resist the realm of the flesh. Thank You forContinue reading “Before I Sleep…”
Lessons for Life…
From the text written by the apostle Paul in Romans 8:5-11, there are several valuable insights and lessons we can glean: Overall, Paul’s text prompts us to examine our mindset, prioritize the things of the Spirit, and rely on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. It reminds us of the contrast between the realmContinue reading “Lessons for Life…”
Servant Leadership
Humility is essential to spiritual leadership that pleases Christ. Jesus said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first amongContinue reading “Servant Leadership”
Passing on Leadership
As you grow older, you increasingly find yourself at milestones that feel a bit surreal. For instance, this July, John Piper and I will mark three full and wonderful decades of ministry partnership that, by God’s grace, resulted in the birth of the mission we call Desiring God. Why does the milestone feel surreal? Well,Continue reading “Passing on Leadership”
Is Pacifism Returning?
Though many Christians including many Protestants have ignored the literally millions of Protestants who are Christian pacifists, and even considered them anti-American, their tribes keep increasing. There are whole denominations of them— various kinds of Old and New order Amish, and various sorts of Mennonites, and Brethren and Quakers as well. And scattered among theContinue reading “Is Pacifism Returning?”
For Those in Pain This Week
I venture to say that the greatest earthly blessing that God can give to any of us is health, with the exception of sickness. Sickness has frequently been of more use to the saints of God than health has. – Charles Spurgeon For the past two months, I have been experiencing pain that will notContinue reading “For Those in Pain This Week”
Why I Left Atheism for Christianity
I’m often asked what led to my converting from atheism to Christianity. The answer sometimes surprises: reality. Reality is the way the world really is. It doesn’t change according to our likes and dislikes. Because of this, when you don’t live according to reality, you bump into it. As an atheist, when looking for answersContinue reading “Why I Left Atheism for Christianity”
Our Samaria
I sometimes wonder what the disciples were thinking when they said yes to following Jesus. Today we have the New Testament to let us know what we are getting ourselves into, but they did not have that. What did they have to go on? Jesus was already presenting differently than the Jews expected Messiah toContinue reading “Our Samaria”
When Life Is Broken
Some sorrows run so deep, and last so long, that those who bear them may despair of ever finding solace, at least in this life. No matter how large a frame they put around their pain, the darkness seems to bleed all the way to the edges. Perhaps you are among those saints whose lotContinue reading “When Life Is Broken”
Intentional Faith 