Identity

We sometimes get ourselves in a spiritual rut. It’s okay and natural. Fear not and do not be anxious, dear brother or sister. The Lord is mighty and he will revive you!

In a Spiritual Rut? Explore What Ignited You Before Your Zeal Went Stale

This resolution speaks directly to being in a spiritual rut. Further, it points to our recurring need for revival of personal dedication and zeal. While reflecting on Edwards 42nd resolution, my own testimony came to mind. Something else that stands out about this...

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When Developing Character, Seek to Be a “Faithful Man to be Found”

When Developing Character, Seek to Be a “Faithful Man to be Found”

At its core, the Year of Listening Up is about developing character. It’s an annual project that’s an outgrowth of a book I wrote for my daughters, largely centered on the same ambition. Since Edwards made developing character a primary goal of his life, it made great...

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Edwards sought to attain much heavenly reward. This is shown in his 22nd resolution. One can only question if there will in fact be levels or degrees of heavenly reward. This post unpacks that and so much more.

Heavenly Reward and Our Greater Capacities for Happiness

We often speak of a heavenly reward. It's usually said in relation to the phrase “you can't take it with you.” The “it” in this case is all the stuff we acquire in life. Our homes, cars, clothes, gadgets, toys… even our money. This stuff is stuff we gather, collect,...

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God sometimes sends a key puzzle piece we didn’t know was missing. Here’s how he helped me understand the look of authentic love.

Authentic Love – Reckless? Inefficient? Messy? It’s Simply Love.

What does authentic love look like? It's a question I’m often pondering. Never really landed on an answer, until now. You know it when I see it. Every now and then, God sends a perfect illustration. It's sometimes like the missing puzzle piece that’s key to the whole...

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The shame of the cross was endured by Christ. He became less than human so we may live. In light of this unmatchable love, I am not ashamed.

Why We Must Strive for a Healthy Perspective of Shame

I don’t know how it goes in other countries, but the U.S. culture certainly has an interesting relationship with the concept of shame. On the one hand, it seems that nobody has any shame. In addition, people are constantly thrusting themselves into attention seeking...

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Being different usually comes with negative connotation. Yet, there are times where we must embrace being different. In Keep Christianity Weird, Michael Frost argues it’s the key to a successful modern church and an essential of personal discipleship.

Book Review – Keep Christianity Weird: Embracing the Discipline of Being Different by Michael Frost

Being different usually comes with a negative connotation. However, there are times where we must not just endure being different, we must embrace being different. In Keep Christianity Weird: Embracing the Discipline of Being Different , Michael Frost argues it’s the...

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Spiritual warfare is very real. We must therefore pursue of broader discipleship so we can stand firm in our faith while in a world that wants to call us guilty as we are fulfilling a divine calling.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare and The Battle for Your Heart

Spiritual warfare. It’s a term that conjures all sorts of visual representations. And it probably varies greatly by culture. I can’t claim to be all that knowledgeable about it, and I have kept my life mostly ignorant of the concept. I like to live in my little bubble...

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In Kingdom Citizen, Tony Evans presents a compelling case for renewed emphasis on the relationship of God in culture. We’ve forgotten a call to disciple believers and remember God as utmost in our lives. We’ve got to align ourselves under his covenantal rule.

God in Culture – a Book Review of Kingdom Citizen by Tony Evans

In Kingdom Citizen: Your Role in Rebuilding a Broken Nation , Tony Evans presents a compelling case for renewed emphasis on the relationship of God in culture. Moreover, he shows how, in our misguided pursuit of buildings and turnkey programs, we have forgotten a call...

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In The Life Giving Leader, Tyler Reagin pleads the case for learning to lead from your unique God-given design to help facilitate a similar pursuit in the lives of others.

Book Review – The Life Giving Leader by Tyler Reagin

In The Life Giving Leader: Learning to Lead from Your Truest Self, Tyler Reagin pleads the case for learning to lead from your unique God-given design to help facilitate a similar pursuit in the lives of others. With forwards by Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel, the...

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