Have you ever wanted something so much that if God didn’t provide it, that lack became a block between you? Maybe being healed, or prosperity, or a relationship? Or…just fill in the blank. The classic problem of pain. God’s omnipotence says he could; his love says he would. So if he doesn’t act as we ask, then we question either his caring or his power. Or both. But maybe we err.
Read MoreA Desired Beauty
Ever wonder why wrong seems so right, or why good seems so difficult? Ever wonder why we do wrong so often and so easily? Me too.
A welcoming smile
a keen mind...
Read MoreBe Filled
Growing up, I sincerely yet shallowly gave my life to Jesus. That superficiality caused enough spiritual struggles to leave me feeling guilty, so in college I left faith. Four years of searching and studying brought me back to Jesus, much more deeply, but some struggles remained. Then Wayne, the custodian at the Christian junior high where I taught, encouraged me to study about the Holy Spirit. Understand that in reaction to some overemphasis on charismatic gifts and some weird stuff going on, the church I grew up in minimized talk about the Holy Spirit. My study revealed one reason for my struggles...
Read MoreWho IS This Guy?
After the political year we’ve had, with politicians of all stripes (an intentional animal allusion) promising what no human could possibly deliver, I hesitate to make this claim. But out of over 200 posts on Unconventional, this week may be the most central to following Jesus. Seeing Jesus as he truly is will radically change how we follow him, so I ask you read it carefully, apply it to your life, and share the post if it blesses you. Here’s why...
Read MoreJump Into The Flames
God and I have an unusual approach/avoidance issue. I love him and am drawn to him, yet simultaneously draw back. I see the threat he represents to my complacency and self will, and resist some changes. Ironically, unless I resolve that paradox, I’ll be torn, stuck in the middle, and will never receive the best he offers. So, why does God scare me?
Read MoreYour Best Life Now?
No, you won’t be reading a critique of this book by the pastor of a huge church, but Unconventional will touch on the concept. What is our best spiritual life? Is it now? Can we have it now? If so how do we grab it?Two issues arise that keep us from the best. First...
Read MoreThe Look of Faith
What does authentic faith look like? For a clue, check out the pic above and the story of Abraham in Genesis. A pretty good example of faith, he set out blindly following God, and became the father of the Jewish people, who in turn gave us Jesus. But his journey included some missteps. Serious ones. Sometimes repeated ones. So, let’s...
Read MoreGarden Walking
Just what does it mean to “follow” Jesus? Not long ago, for many it just meant being an American. That day is done. Obeying God? That’s important, but being good is not good enough. Telling people you follow? That expression is crucial, but not central. Going to church? Nope, going to church makes you no more of a Christian than going into a barn makes you a horse. Years back I came across a verse that began a change process in me.Jesus proclaimed...
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