If you have ever faced long odds, been the underdog, or been afraid to move forward in faith, take a few minutes and read this from the Introduction to David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell: “But the Lord said to Samuel, Do not look on his appearance or on the...
Seedbed posted a weblog by David Hull this week entitled “Perfectionism: The Glittering Demon”. Hull works within the Inspire Movement in the U.K. and the U.S. assisting local churches to develop and implement the vision and practice of robust Wesleyan-style...
From the time I was in high school until I was nearly 40 I tended to rise to leadership in whatever endeavor I pursued. Highest GPA in high school, winner of a number of awards for academic and athletic pursuits, Little Sister of the Year in my sorority,...
In Isaiah 1:18 the Lord invites us to “Come, let us reason together”. . 1.) “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall become like wool. 2.) “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat...
“……the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous person availeth much…..” As I think about prayer, there are a number of things that challenge me. Keeping a prayer journal or prayer list, written or mental, of all of the prayer needs...
Margaret Manning of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries writes: “As a Christian, when I read the gospels I find that Jesus mastered the art of being misunderstood. He often asked questions rather than giving answers. Or he answered those who questioned him...
What experiences in our lives inform one’s faith and practice of it? And is it any different for clergy as opposed to laity? Episcopal Priest Underwent Abortion to Finish Divinity School, Later Tanked Parish This is a disturbing report of a parish priest...
“In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:26-27 My penchant to rise to anger has given satan a foothold for sin many times (and not just in me, but also in those who found the...
What does being in “covenant” with someone mean to you? Answering one another’s calls or emails? Being available to assist or provide guidance in times of need? Offering concerns about one another’s conduct promptly? Being willing to help seek...
Today in our Sisters in Christ Bible study on Acts, we were discussing how Paul was often well received at first, then had the Jews turn on him (not unlike the experience of Jesus himself in the synagogue in Nazareth and elsewhere during his ministry.). Several verses...
