“Get up” is a common phrase used throughout Scripture. The Greek word for “get up” is anistēmi, and it means to rise up, to raise up from the dead, or to bring to life. The words “get up” are not a command; it’s an invitation, and it requires action on our part. In this invitation, it points to a pilgrimage, moving us away from what is no longer needed in our life and forward on a path which leads us…
Journaling continues to gain prominence. Churches are hosting classes, various ministries emphasize its value, and specialized Bible studies and programs regard journaling as a vital spiritual discipline. After the shocking and heartbreaking loss of several family members, journaling became an immersive process, meticulously capturing every minute detail, feeling, thought, and activity of each day. Eventually, the practice often felt daunting and exhausting. Over time, new vitality was brought to daily reflections. Entries should remain concise, focusing on essential details and…
What is the Spiritual Journey? It is a path which leads through the maze of personal motives, behaviors, attitudes and corresponding actions that seeks to liberate the believer from constraints, oppressions and confinements. It finishes with the believer living the God-kind of life (zoe), partnering with God to bring heaven to earth. Published in 2009, “The Road Home Is A Long Journey” book explains the seven significant events occurring in the life of Jesus. Each believer who wishes to fulfill…
There are 7 significant events in the spiritual journey. Sufferings is the third event, and this is where we begin to be aware of the old self-serving nature and recognize our heart must turn towards the Christ center. Sufferings is where all earthly attachments are broken from us, and preferences, such as likes and dislikes, are dislodged and laid aside. Earthly attachments must be identified and removed because they are hindrances to the move of the Spirit. A sense of…
Anyone take a road trip this year? Spring break, summer vacation, or the holidays? Directions have gotten a little easier with GPS in our cars and Google Maps on our phones. Every summer growing up, we would visit my cousins who lived in northwest Wyoming. It was an all-day drive—depending on which way we went based on the atlas and the fold-up maps in the back seat—but ultimately, we always pulled into their driveway right around dinnertime. In the account…
Growing up on a farm, we never raised goats, although we did have sheep for a short time when I was young. Not having raised both, it was still common knowledge that farmers separate sheep from goats. Why? There are many reasons, some of which include disease transference, dietary and feeding differences, and temperaments. Sheep are gentler animals, they leisurely graze together, and will loyally follow the one who takes care of them. Goats are rough, have a difficult disposition,…