Understanding culture and it's influence is very important in our times, especially as we encounter diverse people and people groups. While this is especially valuable in our interactions with people from other nations / ethnic groups, it can be equally valuable much closer to home. Everyone has had a unique group of experiences and inputs that have helped shape who they are. This is true on the individual level, as well as the group level, regardless of size, regardless of location. Continue reading “Reflections on Culture and Culture Change”
2013 – The Year of Promise!?!
For some reason it seems that we want to perpetually attach themes to years around this time. I wonder if anyone goes back and compares the year to the theme that was prominent, or if they just forget about it and go on theming the future? And we like a theme that is bright, big, promising and so forth. Nobody wants to hear any half steps toward the positive in prognostications! Let's make it big and bold guys, okay?
I know that some of the things I have forecast in certain years have been hard to see in the exit interview of the year I pinned them to. Probably is pretty common thing, but that doesn't make it good. I think it does us good to be honest when comparing predictions to what actually happened, instead of trying to save face or spin things. And we can also benefit from other perspectives and input, even if it is contrary. We could benefit from some honesty in our times, and acceptance of responsibility for things we have gotten wrong or misunderstood. Humility is refreshing. We learn by contrasting expectations with what actually happened, so don't stop, and don't fail to examine.
Advancing into Fruitfulness
A Process, Not an Event
There is a process the Lord takes us thru on the path to being a useful and contributing member of his body. Keep in mind that the parable of the sower tells us two of the four seeds don't result in any fruit, one brings no fruit to maturity, and one is fruitful. (Seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest. luke8:15) Notice the word patience, as it is an essential ingredient. This writing is intended to shed a little light on this process in hopes of helping you advance into ultimate fruitfulness! Continue reading “Advancing into Fruitfulness”
Trespassers
You may find this post disturbing, but I don't write it for that purpose.
Some years ago my family and I attended a church where we had a been for a few years which had a pretty large percentage of passers-thru. People would come, sometimes just for a Sunday morning meeting, sometimes for a few weeks, and some would come for months. This particular congregation was unique (in my experience) in this way while we were there. Seems like people from the past would just turn up, make a meeting, and then move on, and you might not see them again for years, some never. Continue reading “Trespassers”