There’s a guy named Jim that I have known for quite a few years. We have been in a number of small groups together studying the Bible, discussing various books and we’ve both attended a number of gatherings to explore social principles. We are friends on Facebook and it is clear that Jim and I […]
Claire…ificiation – Embracing Our Spiritual Gifts
Sometimes I hear common threads discussed through God’s people in more than one context and it makes me wonder what it is that God might be saying to me! The recent thread is related to a series of conversations that I participated in with others over the weekend related to our acceptance (or lack of) […]
Claire…ification – The Importance of Covenant Relationships
We can’t do it alone. There are very few things that I can think of that offer any way for us to move into a deeper relationship with God without moving into deeper relationships with others. Realizing that there may be a few people (like our Desert Fathers and Mothers) who left everything in search […]
Claire…ification – Getting Mrs. Betty Back in Her Home
In October of 2016 Hurricane Matthew passed through North Carolina affecting thousands of people. Almost a year later, there are still many people in Eastern North Carolina who are still unable to return to their homes due to flood damage. In many cases, these homes were not insured and FEMA funds were not sufficient. Some […]
Claire…ification – What I’m Learning About Race
Over the last week, I have attended the Convocation on the Rural Church where our excellent speakers (Ruby Sales, Rev. Dr. Michael Waters, and Dr. Robert P. Jones) helped us better understand the complexities of racism and the role that the rural church needs to play in addressing them. Upon my return home I gathered […]
Claire…ificaton – “Keep It Simple Sweetie”
Sometimes we try to make things pretty complicated when we seek to deepen our relationship with God. We buy books (some of which we actually read), we try all sorts of different prayer techniques, and we look for the next best guru to guide us. As Roger Owens shares in his new book “What We […]
Claire…ificaton – “Keep Being God’s Vessel”
“Keep Being God’s Vessel.” This was one sentence in a text that I received from a friend recently. In addition to warming my heart, this has given me something to think about. This friend was referring to one of the most memorable times in my life where I received a very clear message about […]
Claire…ification…BE the Change You Wish to See in the World
This little tag line inspires and challenges me. It’s imprinted on a bracelet that I wear occasionally and serves as a helpful reminder that if we don’t like what we see in our surroundings, we must try to make things better. Sometimes that’s easier said than done. This past Sunday while attending church […]
Claire…ification – Opportunities to Serve Others
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” [Psalm 23:1-3] Several months ago on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, we were […]
Claire…ification – Let’s Stop Putting People in Categories
Have you ever found yourself lumped in with a group of others where assumptions were made about you? A week or so ago, I was having a conversation with a man in Tijuana who had recently been deported. I had walked up to a group of men at Casa del Migrante, a shelter for men […]