(note: this was supposed to go out Monday, but I messed up! So here it is. I'm back from my Retreat and it was amazing! More to follow - Doug) As you are reading this blog, I am at a spiritual formation retreat led by author, Ruth Haley Barton, in the greater Chicago area. This … Continue reading Retreat with Ruth

I have a confession to make: there are days when I don’t spend time with God. I don’t like it and I try to keep this from happening, but sometimes it just does. Last Friday was one of those days. After my morning workout at the gym, I had to take a quick shower and … Continue reading Ambushed by God!

Do you remember the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11)? It is a very profound story in many ways. First, it is a sign of Jesus' divine nature - only God can bring a dead man back to life. Second, it shows the compassion of Jesus - before He raised Lazarus, … Continue reading Doing the Possible as God Does the Impossible

God has called us to live a “large” life for Him. He wants to give us His blessings, His power, His love, His forgiveness, His joy, His hope, His peace, His transformation. These are all things that make life LARGER. They, if we will receive them, enable us to live ABUNDANT lives (see John 10:10, … Continue reading Getting Rid of Life-Shrinkers

There’s a internal radio station that the world seems to be dialed into: WIIFM, which stands for “What’s In It For Me?” It’s the whole attitude that we don’t do anything except that which benefits ourselves. Unfortunately, that mindset has thoroughly infiltrated the Christian community. People worship in order to get spiritually moved. People pray … Continue reading Moving from Station WIIFM

I had just finished doing my elliptical workout in record time (don’t ask me how slow it was!) As I lay on the ab bench, staring at the gym rafters, I was laboring to find my wind again! How thankful I was for God’s gift of air!! It was then I had one of those … Continue reading Exercising Eternal Life Now

The other day I reflected on how the economy of the Kingdom of God is different than the kingdom of earth. In Jesus’ Kingdom there is always an abundance of resources, whether that be in terms of time, power, love or finances. At the same time I was thinking these thoughts, I was making a … Continue reading Listening to the Lasagna!

(Happy Resurrection Day! This concludes the week long devotional blog focused on the Passion of Jesus Christ. I encourage you to read the Scripture passage first before reading the devotional blog - Doug) Sunday (John 20) Theme: Rocking Your World Try to read this passage as if you were Mary Magdalene. When Jesus died, your … Continue reading The Week That Rocked the World – Holy Week, Day 7

(This week is a special 7 day [yes - Today and Sunday, too!] blog devotional that gives perspective on Holy Week. I encourage you to read the passage listed before reading the devotional blog. - Doug) Saturday (John 19) Theme: Sharing in His Sufferings Yes, Good Friday was yesterday. But let’s take another look at … Continue reading The Week That Rocked the World – Holy Week, Day 6

(This week is a special 7 day [yes - Saturday and Sunday, too!] blog devotional that gives perspective on Holy Week. I encourage you to read the passage listed before reading the devotional blog. - Doug) Friday (John 18:33-38) Theme: The Tale of Two Kingdoms The Gospel of John gives us this extraordinary dialogue between … Continue reading The Week That Rocked the World – Holy Week, Day 5