Steve's Blog

In the biblical account of the fall in Genesis 3, the curse on the serpent included eating dust and experiencing enmity. Crawling on his belly, the serpent would forever be considered the worst of all livestock and wild animals. In other words, because of the serpent’s deceit of Adam and Eve, his role earmarked forever the dust and enmity of a sinful, disobedient life. Instead of enjoying life in the abundance of the Garden, mankind would know both good and evil, be banished from the Garden to toil by the sweat of the brow among the thorns and thistles of life. Not a pretty picture for Adam and Eve…not a good fate for you and me.

Eating dust and experiencing enmity are accurate depictions of the fruit of a disobedient life. When we don’t listen well to the basic instructions of the Lord, eating disobediently from the forbidden tree, we will surely die. Our deaths may be subtle and small (death of a dream, a disappointment, or an unmet expectation, etc.) or dramatic and large (death of a relationship, death of joy, even physical death itself), but death nonetheless. You know the feeling, not listening to God and choosing your own way tastes like dust and feels like enmity, producing more death than life.

I’ve been there way too many times myself. I have the propensity to be selfish, the ability to be controlling, and have plenty of bad habits that have tripped me up along the way. I’ve landed on my face on several occasions and been humbled by eating dust and experiencing enmity. Not because I want life to be this way; I guess you could say it’s in my DNA…and in yours too I might add. We are all cursed with the same disease: sin. We have made and will continue to make choices in this life that demonstrate how poorly we listen to God and decide on our own how strength and willpower how to traverse our own garden of life.

But there is a better way. It’s the way of God. It’s walking along the pathway that leads to the abundant life in Christ. When we submit our lives into the gracious, merciful, loving hands of God we become new creatures in Christ Jesus. The old passes away; the new way ahead is pure gift. The God-blessed life takes us back to the Garden of joy, where we have freedom to partake of the abundance of God at the river of delight through the breath of His Spirit, the forgiveness of His Son, and the renewal of the Father.

The process of crafting a personal rule of life reminds us of our humanness and our desperate need for God’s reign over our head, our heart, and our hands. Instead of toiling by the sweat of our brow in the gardens of our own making, we are invited to come home to His wide open field where we partake with Him and the family of God in the joy of a plentiful harvest. Visit http://www.RuleOfLife.com and witness for yourself how your brothers and sisters are no longer consuming the dust and enmity of a self-absorbed existence but instead are breathing a renewed spiritual life in their garden with God today.

This past weekend we joyfully graduated our 3rd Selah cohort as they completed their certificate program in spiritual direction. It was a glorious day in Mystic, Connecticut as we concluded our residency retreat on Enders Island, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, under the grand wisteria trellis, in worship and celebration. The bright sunshine and cool ocean breeze were visible reminders of God’s hand on the lives we gathered to recognize. This new breed of spiritual directors have worked very hard over the past two years of their training, integrating spiritual direction into their personal rule of life. They are now prepared to come alongside those who hunger to grow in intimacy with God. Praise the Lord!

There are few programs across the country that train spiritual directors with a Trinitarian, biblical, and contemplative approach. Selah has become one of the premier offerings for those in search of a program for evangelicals that embodies and encourages such a distinctly Christian understanding of spiritual formation. Directed by Dr. Susan Currie, she is joined by a distinguished and gifted team of faculty and supervisors: Angela Wisdom, Jeremy Stefano, Adele Calhoun, David Vryhof, John French, and Genalin Niere. I am delighted to serve with this group of godly servant leaders who themselves are devoted to the ministry of spiritual direction.

We will welcome Selah Cohort #5 in August, who will join Selah 4 (set to graduate in June 3013) in the fall and continue the 2-year rotation toward program completion. It’s exciting to see how the Lord has blessed this unique ministry of Leadership Transformations. We look forward to how the training of new spiritual directors will impact the ongoing growth of the spiritual formation movement. More importantly, we rejoice in seeing how those who come for spiritual guidance are led into a deeper walk with God.

If you’re interested in learning more about Selah, be sure to visit http://www.leadershiptransformations.org/selah.htm

Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday, the day we remember the powerful arrival of the Holy Spirit after Jesus’ ascension. It came suddenly…a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came down from heaven and filled the whole house where the disciples were sitting. Tongues of fire came to rest on each of them and all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit. Utterly amazed and perplexed, they asked one another about the meaning of their shared experience (Acts 1,2). At that moment they were confused, but this was all in fulfillment of what God had ordained long ago, “I will pour out my Spirit on all people” (Joel 2:28) and “I will not leave you as orphans…the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things” (John 14: 16, 26).

The Counselor (also translated Helper or Advocate) comes from the Greek word parakletos, which identifies what the Holy Spirit does for us – He comes alongside to help us sort, sift and discern the tender voice and loving call of the Master. Helper or Counselor is probably Jesus’ favorite name for the Holy Spirit. Each time that term is used in the Scriptures (John 14: 16, 26; 15:26; 16:7) it is a reference of intimacy and warmth, repeated by Jesus during the Upper Room Discourse. It relates to both our salvation and our sanctification. The Helper guides us into the Kingdom and He aids us daily in navigating our way as Kingdom builders.

In what way do you most need The Helper today? All you need to do is whisper a prayer of salvation, confession, petition, or protection and the Spirit is there to lead you into all truth. His indwelling and filling keeps genuine spiritual renewal within your grasp…therefore, turn your hearts toward the Spirit and He will most certainly Advocate in your behalf. Trust that indeed this will be your experience today and reclaim your inheritance as a beloved child of God.

This past weekend we celebrated the accomplishments of our wonderfully gifted masters and doctoral students who graduated from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Next weekend our family will come alongside our daughter Rebekah as she collects her Bachelors degree in Business Administration and Communications from Gordon College…we are very proud parents!

Commencement is a ceremony that looks back on successful academic achievement, and forward to new vocational chapters of life yet to unfold. Past, present and future all wrapped up together in one event. The pomp and circumstance adds color to the day, and with the crossing of the stage and the collection of the engraved diploma comes new opportunities to grow, serve and live.

When we craft a personal rule of life (www.RuleOfLIfe.com) we too look back with remembrance and thanksgiving for all that God has allowed thus far. We take stock of where we are in all aspects of our daily lives, describing the many ways we are choosing to live today. And, we look forward prescriptively to where we sense God inviting us to both DO and BE for His glory as dearly beloved children.

Each new season of life – including all the inflection points that serve as markers along the way – is like another “commencement” exercise. We don’t turn the pages of our lives too swiftly, but instead we trust in the Lord to guide, direct, and sustain us for the journey ahead. That’s the joy and beauty of a well-ordered life!

Happy Graduation one and all – moving forward with renewed trust, dependence, and attentiveness to the loving hand of God is all you need for the new seasons ahead.

“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well,” Matthew 6: 33.

The signs outside the ancient church in a central European city were clear: a red diagonal line through the image of a camera meant no photos were to be taken inside. Thankfully I wasn’t one of the rule breakers – those who did, however, had their cameras snatched away by the security guard on duty. I witnessed one such confiscation and patiently refrained from succumbing to the temptation to sneak in my own picture taking.

Instead, the more leisurely stroll through the basilica Sacred Heart brought me back to the role of pilgrim rather than tourist. Pilgrims saunter slowly and take in the multi-sensory experience of the moment; tourists move swiftly by with camera and stop watch in tow.

As I walked pilgrim-like through this beautiful edifice I found myself noticing much more detail. The colors of the stained glass, the beauty of the frescoes, the detail on the paintings, the enormity of the statues, the brilliance of the silver, the woodwork, the organ, the altar, all seemed to come alive. What changed for me? No camera to focus and no distraction to keep me from enjoying fully the gorgeous handiwork and skilled labors of love that gracefully erected this amazing church.

The question I asked myself is one I offer to you today: are you running through life like a distracted tourist or are you strolling carefully like an attentive pilgrim? Choose the latter and not only will the slower pace feed your soul but the gracious gifts of the moment will too!

Over the weekend my wife and I went to a sprawling outdoor flea market with our friends. There were countless tables of “stuff” overflowing from cars, trucks, and trailers stocked with abundant inventory. We walked row by row past an endless supply of kitchen items, wall hangings, books, jewelry, tools, paintings, fabrics, music memorabilia, and home furnishings. It was a bit overwhelming to consider how much of this was absolutely unnecessary (to me) and yet how packed the market was with interested buyers (like me?).

As we enjoyed this fun outing with friends we actually found a couple treasures each. Before today those items were not in our lives; now they are a part of the flea market memory and have graced a few choice locations of our home. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure?

Our lives are a lot like that flea market. We are filled to overflowing with both the insignificant and the important. The stuff of our lives sprawls for acres before us and when we choose to walk the rows we see it all with greater clarity. Some have become like relics. Other parts of our lives are like treasures. Either way, most of the items are often forgotten, neglected, or buried away amidst the plethora of stuff that occupies and preoccupies our souls today.

One of the items I almost purchased was a tract from the American Tract Society, printed in the late 1800’s/early 1900’s entitled “To-Day.” It was tattered and torn, but filled with well articulated advice about the soul. In the middle of the flea market I read with interest, “Perhaps, reader, you are now in the busy scenes of life ; and what you shall eat, and what you shall drink, and what you shall wear, are considerations which swallow up all your cares. At present you say you can attend to nothing else. You remind me of him who, being asked if he had seen the eclipse, said, ‘No ; I have so much to do with earth, that I have no time to look at the heavens.’ O thoughtless mortal! Are you, then, seeking God, that your soul may live? How many prayers have you presented for an interest in Christ? How much time have you set apart for secret devotion? God and his glorious perfections, Christ and his salvation, the Holy Ghost and his blessed operations, are all nothing to the unconverted man. What are they to you? What are ordinances, Sabbaths, the Bible, and means of grace to you? ‘ To them that believe,’ all these things are ‘precious.’ As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there may be but a step between thee and death. Pause, ponder, pray. Sparing mercy, what a mercy! Of more worth than ten thousand worlds. Had he dealt with thee according to thy sins, thy body would have been in the grave, and thy soul in hell! But wonder, O heavens! Thou art yet on earth reading a little book, a messenger of mercy, which is telling thee that the God who can bless thee forever, or curse thee forever, is inviting and entreating, nay, even beseeching thee to escape his curse, and accept his blessing. O, if thou didst but know the value of thy precious soul…”

I thought to myself: a little old school to be sure…but these words both refreshed and challenged me in the midst of my flea market experience. As a result, I choose to-day to take time to look at the heavens, for God’s love for me outnumbers the stars in the sky. I’m determined to stop perusing and pursuing the flea market stuff of my life, if even for a few precious moments, and instead pause, ponder and pray. My soul finds rest in God alone…how about you?

This past weekend 80 year old Charles Colson passed away after suffering complications following a brain hemorrhage. Since his notorious role in Watergate, being known as Nixon’s “hatchet man,” Chuck Colson experienced a dramatic conversion to Christianity. Over the past few decades, Colson became an evangelical leader in prison ministry, justice reform, Catholic-evangelical dialogue, and was a thoughtful commentator on political and cultural issues of our day. He was a prolific author and captivating speaker, an evangelical statesman and modern day hero to many. I had the privilege of knowing him through my years at Vision New England and more recently in connections with him at Gordon-Conwell. I am grateful for his many contributions to building up the Kingdom of God and serving the body of Christ.

When I went on the Prison Fellowship/Colson Center website to read their tributes, I was struck by the following quote by Colson, “One of the most wonderful things about being a Christian is that I don’t ever get up in the morning and wonder if what I do matters. I live every day to the fullest because I can live it through Christ and I know no matter what I do today, I’m going to do something to advance the Kingdom of God.”
Chuck Colson crafted and fulfilled his personal rule of life! He knew with certainty his roles, gifts, desires, vision and mission. He lived with purposeful passion and as a result his legacy will live on in the ministries he started and served. I thank God for this great man of faith, and look back with fondness to the times I heard him speak, watched him interact with others, read his many books and articles, and observed firsthand the ministries he impacted and many lives transformed as a result.

For more inspiring information on this great man’s life story go to http://www.chuckcolson.org – amazing grace, how sweet the sound!

This week’s post is taken from Flora Slosson Wuellner’s book, Feed My Shepherds. In the following quote we are reminded of the always initiating presence of the living Christ. I offer it to you as a way to prayerfully consider your longings and desires as you seek to articulate your personal rule of life.
“I am with you always.” “This is the eternal source of our daily life of prayer. This is no technique. We are in deep waters of the most intimate of all possible relationships that flow to us – forever fresh and new – from minute to minute. And, as with all that lives, our relationship with the ultimate Person is organic, open-ended, unexpected, asymmetrical, and unfolding…
You might think of or picture yourself walking with Jesus or sitting across from him. Ask him as you might a beloved friend, “What can I do each day to respond from my heart to your presence? What is best and most real for me?” You may wish to ask these questions of the living Jesus Christ each day: “How can I best experience your transforming friendship today? What way can we best share and talk together today?”
It may appear that each day will differ. Or you may feel the inner suggestion to have one main way of prayer for a period of time. Whatever suggestion surfaces will be in rhythm with the type of person you essentially are – because that is the person GOD created and loves.”
The true GOD invites you to become the true YOU. Celebrate both and you’ll live the joyfully abundant life today, humbly and for the glory of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Join the conversation about Crafting A Rule of Life at http://www.RuleOfLife.com

Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” (John 20: 19, 21, and 26). In the midst of the shock and awe of the moment, what better words to say to His disciples?

John’s gospel graciously records for us the post-resurrection appearance greeting-of-all-greetings: Peace be with you! These were words of affection, comfort, and warmth. When Jesus spoke them, He put their fears and doubts at ease. He offered loving presence and blessing, assurance and hope. His words had been true all along, and now that He was no longer wrapped in post-crucifixion grave cloths and instead standing free among them, there was peace.

Peace is a gift we can offer one another as well. Our presence in each others lives can indeed be accompanied by peace. We don’t have to settle for anything less when coming alongside a friend or family member with our comforting presence and love. Yes, the alternatives abound – conflict, strife, animosity, hostility, jealousy, unforgiveness, hatred, and deceit – but the choice of our hearts can lead us down a different pathway. Choose today to be a child of God who offers peace to all who cross your pathway.

Looking to offer a friend the gift of your comforting presence today? Begin with the greeting “Peace be with you” and watch how your time together is transformed.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid,” John 14:27.

LTi Senior VP, Rick Anderson, and I recently returned from our fourth missions trip to Chisinau, Moldova. Previously (until 1990) a part of the Soviet Union, Moldova is still struggling to maintain democratic governance amidst heavy Communist influence, and remains one of the poorest nations in that region of the world. Dominated by the Russian Orthodox Church, the country acknowledges faith but isn’t known for their spiritual strength.

One pastor, however, believes his county is ripe for spiritual harvest. His name is Vitalie Fedula and he’s the pastor of Jesus Savior Church, the largest Baptist church in the country. Brother Vitalie is our host each time we visit and impresses us as a humble man of deep faith and tremendous gifts. In fact, we’ve seen him preach evangelistically, teach enthusiastically, and lead with the heart of a tenacious warrior. Most significantly, Vitalie is our brother in Christ, a loving husband and father, and a diligent co-laborer in God’s Church.

Each time we’ve journeyed to Moldova we are touched by the giftedness of Brother Vitalie. His stories about church life and ministry would stagger those who serve in a North American context. The spiritual needs of the people are captured by the pervasive poverty of soul and land, and Vitalie is ideally situated to use the gifts God gave him “for such a time as this.” His is a prophetic voice, and he leads others into Christ’s Kingdom with regularity. We praise God for this faithful, Spirit-empowered man of God.

As you lean into crafting your personal rule of life, remember that it doesn’t matter where you live or serve, but so much more important that you give of yourself in ways that reflect the uniquely gifted thumbprint of God upon you. Visit http://www.RuleOfLife.com and see how others are using their God-given gifts and talents for His glory.

“We all have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us” Romans 12:6.