Today, I received an e-mail from my seminary alma mater, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. It was sent out to all of their alumni, inviting them to share some "words of wisdom" for those who will be graduating in about a month. Since that sounded like a lot more fun than what I was supposed to be … Continue reading Pastor Note #25 — Words of “Wisdom” from One of the Old Guys
Tag: discernment
Pastor Note #24 — Getting in the Habit of God
Some things you must understand in order to do them. Surgery is one example of that principle that comes to mind. Conversely, some things you must do in order to understand them. Fasting is a prime example of this latter principle. From an intellectual perspective fasting is hard to understand. All sorts of plausible reasons … Continue reading Pastor Note #24 — Getting in the Habit of God
Prayer Note #19 — A Christian’s Prayer at the Turning of the Year
A Christian’s Prayer at the Turning of the Year Lord Jesus, you are the Word through whom all things were spoken into existence. You are the eternal Word who was present before the beginning of time itself. And you are the Word who became flesh to live in this world of days and nights, … Continue reading Prayer Note #19 — A Christian’s Prayer at the Turning of the Year
Prayer Note #17 — Heavy Burdens
What heavy burdens life seems to lay on me, Lord! Is it because the burdens are heavy or because my shoulders are weak? Is it because I needlessly toss burdens on my back that you haven't given me? Is it because I am prone to name as burdens things that you name as gifts and … Continue reading Prayer Note #17 — Heavy Burdens
Prayer Note #16 — A Pastor’s Sunday Morning Prayer
Lord, I know less than usual what to expect during worship today. Help me to trust you more than usual. Pour your Spirit out in fullness on our worship. Quiet the fears the people may have at your Spirit's coming upon us, and instead open us to receive him in all power, grace, … Continue reading Prayer Note #16 — A Pastor’s Sunday Morning Prayer
Prayer Note #14 — Potted Plants and Perching Birds
A PRAYER OF THANKS FOR GIFTS THAT LIVE AND BREATHE Thanks you, Lord, for my plants. They pour life and earthiness and calm into my study. Even the fierce crown of thorn plants, which scratch me and puncture me, add an untamed elegance to this space where I spend so much time. There is an … Continue reading Prayer Note #14 — Potted Plants and Perching Birds
Bible Note #5 — Deuteronomy 13:1-5
Deuteronomy 13 1 If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, 2 and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, "Let us follow other gods" (gods you have not known) "and let us worship … Continue reading Bible Note #5 — Deuteronomy 13:1-5
Pastor Notes #18
Vision means being able to see. We have natural vision – eyesight – that enables us to see the physical, material world around us. God also grants his people spiritual vision which enables us to see spiritual realities as God moves in the world. The writer of Hebrews tell us that spiritual vision is an … Continue reading Pastor Notes #18
Prayer Notes #9–Wanting What You Want, Lord, Then Doing What I Want
Savior, thank you for your unfailing presence with me. Thank you for reminding me that everything I do is filled with meaning in you. You know that I struggle against and resist so much of what you lay before me to do, because I don't "feel like" doing it. So very much of my meaning … Continue reading Prayer Notes #9–Wanting What You Want, Lord, Then Doing What I Want
Prayer Notes #6–Choosing to Hear
My Lord, how you work in faithful purposefulness! You give me a heart that is able to listen. You intentionally choose to place me where I can be of use. Though, all too often I fail to pay attention. The failure is in my attentiveness, my alertness, not in the clarity of your voice. You … Continue reading Prayer Notes #6–Choosing to Hear
Gary Chorpenning's Notebooks 