Understanding Love

We need Jesus like we need oxygen. Like we need water. Like the branch needs the vine. Jesus is not merely a figure for devotions. He is the missing essence of your existence. Whether we know it or not, we are desperate for Jesus. In John Eldredge’s book Beautiful Outlaw he describes Christs' characteristics, His life, and His love in such a vivid way. Unconventional, yet refreshingly frank and true. Most of my life I had this image of Jesus that looked more like…

Wow, how ‘bout that question? It popped up recently in an email I received from Got Questions. If you’re not familiar check it out at www.gotquestions.org Always interesting Q&A. Whether you agree or not with the answers, I’ve found it extremely thought-provoking and Biblically based in responses. But then again, there’s interpretation, right? Back to the question. Here’s how it was answered. I’m providing context for you to think…

Earlier this week Dave Runyon, the author of The Art of Neighboring reached out to Water Street Mission to offer a new resource to individuals and their churches. Here is the resource he developed, called the COVID-19 Neighboring Toolkit (linked). Feel free to utilize this in any way you see fit with your friends, family or church. We think it is a great reminder and guide for loving our neighbors in this unique time. In addition to this toolkit, Right Now Media just…

Every once in a while, a ewe will give birth to a lamb and reject it. There are many reasons this happens. And if that lamb is returned to the ewe, she may even kick the poor thing away. Once a ewe rejects one of her lambs, she will never change her mind. Those rejected lambs walk with their heads hanging so low it almost looks as if something is wrong with their necks. Their posture tells the story—their spirit is broken. They are called “bummer lambs.”…

It was clear that God asked me to bring a meal to our neighbor this past Sunday. We had plenty of chili leftover after feeding friends and family. It just made sense that I would share it with someone close by. The back story being that our neighbor lives a pretty reclusive life. Very little interaction with us except an occasional hello or good morning. Which is why I thought this would be a nice gesture. The oddest thing happened. He turned down the offer. There I stood…

Do you know how things happen in three’s? Well, I got one for you. I decided to lead with “Imaginative Prayer”, an Ignatian contemplative exercise, in our Identity Practices class at the Mission where my wife, Colleen, works. The story of Lazarus in John 11 seemed like the perfect option. So, we read through it and had the group picture themselves in the scene as quiet music played in the background. The experience was deeply spiritual followed by a time…

God “speaks” to me in the shower.  I know, a little strange but it’s probably because my mind is settled there. Yesterday He decided to invade my world a little differently - standing over the sink - looking in the mirror while my electric toothbrush was buzzing around in my mouth. I was overwhelmed with joy and a sense of God’s love for me in an instant. I didn’t see it coming. As if I heard from on high, “I’m so proud of you;.…

There’s something about the healing journey that flies in the face of logic. Especially for folks that thrive on knowing. Those that research the heck out of everything before doing anything. Trying to figure out what God is doing in any give situation can be a nightmare for some of us - but a sweet dream for others. If only I (Steve) could make it a sweet dream, day in and day out. Boy is that a tough assignment. I’m deeply engaged in a 10-month program that…

……but a healing shelter. Colleen is on the Leadership Team at Water Street Mission. Some call it a homeless shelter. It is that - but it’s a lot more. She came to Water Street to help its free clinic get through the Affordable Care Act, then back to her consulting practice; at least that’s what she thought at the time. God had other plans. Seven years later her role has expanded exponentially. Her time there has been a life changing experience for…