Content and discussion blog for God's Living Stones by Pastor Bruce Kotila. en-us https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/summaries.html https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/simplify-slow-down-and-be-still/a651.html?app=1 Since the summer of 2021, God has been speaking to me about our pace of life here in America, even within the church. Virtually everyone I talk with shares in one way or another, how busy they are and how little margin there is in their ... Tue, 01 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0800 {44C6352D-3E28-D385-370A-D5837A483D93} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/realigning-ourselves-with-gods-plan/a650.html?app=1 I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in darkness,  but shall have the light of life. (John 8:12) The world most of us grew up in is gone.  It’s hard to fathom how quickly it happened but ... Thu, 01 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {28503A0D-4687-3743-D59A-D2D3A6EDE062} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/god-wants-to-make-you-the-hero-in-his-story/a649.html?app=1 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.   And he prayed again, and the sky poured rain, and the earth produced ... Fri, 01 May 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {6634AEFA-50EC-1080-FAF9-16ED1EB99E0F} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/while-we-head-for-a-new-reality-god-is-doing-a-new-thing/a648.html?app=1 Like many of you, I have been listening to others discuss what they believe life is going to be like once we have passed through the immediate crisis created by the COVID 19 virus. Opinions abound, and they vary widely, with some emphasizing the ... Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0700 {B8D43C8F-04CF-C7F7-578D-EEE2134E158F} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/experiencing-the-truth-you-know/a647.html?app=1 “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:31-32) In these words of Jesus, recorded for us by the apostle John, we find one of the key ... Sat, 01 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0800 {11078105-182B-BB21-FFAA-B4F5DF6EC077} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/forgetting-what-god-hasnt-done/a646.html?app=1 In my preparations for the Revive event, I was reflecting on some of what God has been doing over the past 12 months, and more broadly my past 11 years here in Omaha.  It’s been an amazing journey in so many ways and I am truly ... Wed, 15 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0800 {AE6DEB82-9273-1F40-3ABF-6C8EBCED4379} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/god-wants-to-set-your-heart-on-fire/a645.html?app=1 This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in ... Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 -0800 {05DED387-78BA-C091-CA12-625283FDA69F} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/a-season-of-waiting/a644.html?app=1 December 1, 2019, is the first Sunday in Advent, a season of expectation and waiting.  Most of us enjoy the expectation part, looking forward to the promised return of Jesus the Messiah.  It is not hard to let one’s ... Sun, 01 Dec 2019 00:00:00 -0800 {5D76D96D-88C3-3163-AA16-C28E0BE0E686} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/are-you-resisting-the-holy-spirit/a643.html?app=1 While leading one of our Doorway to Discovery retreats this past weekend, God surprised me with a general warning that I think we all need to be aware of.  It isn’t that we have already, necessarily, been guilty of this violation, its ... Fri, 15 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0800 {D6AC5680-5F74-6E14-4DF3-63DEB6B3E75F} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/obstacles-to-gods-best/a642.html?app=1 The human heart is an interesting study.  Understanding our own is a challenging pursuit and rightly discerning what is really going on in our heart generally comes by way of revelation by the Holy Spirit.  Human pride, the fountainhead ... Fri, 01 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0700 {29F2FAD4-B3D5-AB1F-AAD6-8962969E2BE9} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/viewing-life-through-another-persons-experience/a641.html?app=1 A few days ago, I had the opportunity to connect with an old friend, someone I have known for over 30 years.  We used to see each other regularly when we both lived in Minnesota but he moved to a warmer climate for health reasons and I ... Tue, 15 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0700 {185AF882-0260-FD2C-C65D-A5FD17F5DA65} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/how-is-fear-stealing-from-you/a640.html?app=1 Like many people, I used to be afraid of public speaking.  I could speak without fear one-on-one or in small groups but the thought of being upfront in a group of people, even a relatively small group of people, was terrifying.  This ... Tue, 01 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0700 {5C5F6F0A-14B1-EAFD-3A0C-D373416B457F} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/are-you-misreading-your-pain/a639.html?app=1 In the spring of 2018, I began to notice that my lower back was sore all the time. This seemed a little bit unusual but Barb and I were doing lots of landscaping work in the yard.  We were moving dirt, laying landscaping stones and putting ... Sun, 15 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0700 {B61C1894-A25E-3E13-805A-A4A0665D590E} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/finding-life-direction-and-encouragement-in-the-bible/a638.html?app=1 One of the best investments I made in my life was the time, energy and money it took to learn to study the Bible.  Soon after I made my adult recommitment of faith, I spent several years developing a personal approach to studying Scripture ... Sun, 01 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0700 {89075D19-459B-8D29-AA11-761C28437DED} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/becoming-amateurs-again/a637.html?app=1 Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it. -  (Isaiah 43:19a) On a recent trip to Nashville, TN I was listening to a prophetic minister by the name of David Wagner.  It was a ... Thu, 15 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0700 {FDF7E725-85B6-BC00-BC4E-E04E3A372863} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/setting-yourself-apart/a636.html?app=1 Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you (Joshua 3:5) I have for many years been both comforted and challenged by the book of Joshua.  Using our imaginations, we can put ourselves into Joshua’s life ... Thu, 01 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0700 {5EEF3F4F-6821-BF73-BFDB-AB616C8A94EB} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/our-time-is-now/a635.html?app=1 In September of 2018, I wrote an article on the importance of our paying attention to the seasons and stages of our lives.  It is critical that we understand what God is doing around us generally and where we are at in life currently.  ... Mon, 15 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0700 {E9D1CC15-6455-5613-F286-5C7B0FAA649C} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/staying-teachable/a634.html?app=1 2 Timothy 2:15 - Be diligent to present yourselves approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. Over the last 6 months God has driven home for me our need to remain teachable, especially ... Mon, 01 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0700 {51A1455A-554A-A638-649A-EEE022FEA886} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/walking-in-forgiveness/a633.html?app=1 Matthew 18:21-35 Every follower of Jesus Christ has experienced the power of forgiveness.  They know the transforming energy that comes with knowing they have been forgiven of their many sins, have been cleansed and restored to a right ... Sat, 15 Jun 2019 00:00:00 -0700 {996D2798-9438-09F1-0EBA-0E22F1A6EFBB} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-unexamined-life-is-not-worth-living/a632.html?app=1 Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life (Proverbs 4:23) In about 400 BC it was Socrates who first said, “the unexamined life is not worth living.”  It was spoken by him at his trial ... Sat, 01 Jun 2019 00:00:00 -0700 {A016A8A1-CEE2-454D-F032-9A8C21251ACC} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-kingdom-fourishes-in-a-good-heart/a631.html?app=1 In our Transforming Together meeting this month we looked at the power of words, words we believe and words we say.  Speaking is such a normal part of our daily experience it is easy to grow complacent in monitoring our speech, though we ... Wed, 15 May 2019 00:00:00 -0700 {1FA88648-8986-F5ED-38BE-AC9790167A10} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/finding-your-place-in-gods-story/a630.html?app=1  “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why?”  -Mark Twain    The Bible records for us God’s salvation history of humankind and it is primarily ... Wed, 01 May 2019 00:00:00 -0700 {F7B8B77C-7F46-9980-203B-4948BE9E4C03} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-call-to-surrender/a629.html?app=1 On March 10, 1974, Lt. Hiroo Onada was the last World War II Japanese soldier to surrender.  Onada had been left on the island Lubang in the Philippines on December 25, 1944, with the command to "carry on the mission even if Japan ... Mon, 15 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0700 {E76C37E9-04D8-EE23-727F-C7C752203B31} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/a-date-to-remember/a628.html?app=1 The very first official sermon I preached was based on Joshua chapter 4.  It was the spring of 1990 and I was doing a pastoral internship at the church where I grew up, Calvary Lutheran Church of Golden Valley, MN.  The sermon ... Mon, 01 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0700 {0BE0A6CA-1DFB-681C-CEEB-2974CB29CFAB} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/walking-in-the-spirit/a627.html?app=1 Living with and for Jesus the King, in His Kingdom, is a supernatural lifestyle that cannot be accomplished living out of our human abilities.  Loving God and loving others as Jesus loved us, living by faith and representing the Kingdom of ... Fri, 15 Mar 2019 00:00:00 -0700 {1D38C726-64CF-5AEF-1AB6-3347430156D7} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/remembering-you-have-a-unique-kingdom-purpose/a626.html?app=1 In last month’s article, I offered my belief that God is leading us all into a season of remembering.  Remembering who God truly is, as He is described for us in his Word, not necessarily the way we currently think of Him.  To ... Fri, 01 Mar 2019 00:00:00 -0800 {430AB89B-B54B-3F5D-9D6B-8B9972BFCE75} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/experiencing-gods-love/a625.html?app=1 The clear declaration of Scripture is that God loves us unconditionally.  There is never anything we can do that would cause Him to love us any less, nor is there anything that we can do to cause Him to love us more.  God loves us ... Fri, 15 Feb 2019 00:00:00 -0800 {8CDC959D-592E-6C6F-D233-AC86B679CA66} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/an-invitation-to-remember/a624.html?app=1 “Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the deeds you did at first” (Revelation 2:5a)       Back in the middle 1980’s, I was making one of my yearly 3-day personal retreats at the ... Fri, 01 Feb 2019 00:00:00 -0800 {803F22AE-A958-2E1A-F4F3-964144F1E1FD} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/living-with-and-for-jesus-the-king-in-his-kingdom/a623.html?app=1 Back in September of 2018, I wrote an article for our website on why lasting spiritual transformation is so elusive?  There are of course many factors that impact our spiritual growth but I want to focus on one today that is essential for us ... Tue, 15 Jan 2019 00:00:00 -0800 {43BAE154-6612-B18B-BFB7-D133EF622C01} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-rest-of-your-story/a622.html?app=1 I am writing this month about a new ministry offering we are launching this month called Transforming Together.  I am personally very excited about what God is going to do in our lives as we experience spiritual transformation together ... Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 -0800 {5F3613E6-010E-C2B6-916E-A931F342148D} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/praying-effectively/a621.html?app=1 In some of my reading recently, I was reminded of the importance of prayer in living the Christian life.  James 5:16b, says “the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” It is a terrific promise but do we really ... Sat, 15 Dec 2018 00:00:00 -0800 {116BDBAE-8373-96A8-F109-46393FC4BFD3} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/taking-a-fresh-look-at-the-christmas-story/a620.html?app=1 In 1981, a radio station in Minnesota reported a story about a stolen car in California.  Police were staging an intense search for the vehicle and the driver, even to the point of placing announcements on local radio stations to try and ... Sat, 01 Dec 2018 00:00:00 -0800 {4005891A-3717-342E-8BC6-A1CE12E02460} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/prayers-to-expand-the-kingdom-of-god/a619.html?app=1 We have been learning over the last few years about all of the blessings that are ours as a result of our covenant relationship with God that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.  Primary among these many blessings, we discover we have been ... Thu, 15 Nov 2018 00:00:00 -0800 {DA4F3B40-11A3-9133-586B-147F516E2DEF} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/transforming-together-a-new-cleansing-stream-community/a618.html?app=1 Ninety-four people just completed our fall Cleansing Stream retreat weekend.  It was a great weekend with the Lord bringing healing and freedom to both retreat participants and ministry team members.  It is always such a privilege to ... Thu, 01 Nov 2018 00:00:00 -0700 {7E98D8C1-B02F-8A55-C8F2-E7CAAFCA05EC} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/finding-freedom-in-our-walk-with-jesus/a617.html?app=1 Eighty years ago, as Notre Dame was preparing to play the USC Trojans in college football, Fighting Irish coach Knute Rockne was aware that his opponent had a far better team. So he devised a plan to intimidate the opposing players. Rockne ... Mon, 15 Oct 2018 00:00:00 -0700 {1A5D96B6-18DC-ACA8-83F5-E4BBEED2F108} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/loving-your-neighbor-as-yourself/a616.html?app=1 "Bear one another's burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ."  (Galatians 6:2)    I had an experience a while ago that I have continued to reflect upon.  I believe it was one of those Holy Spirit moments ... Mon, 01 Oct 2018 00:00:00 -0700 {D9E83398-EDFD-9DC1-CE78-683F3167C7FC} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/learning-from-the-seasons-and-stages-of-life/a615.html?app=1 Having grown up in Minnesota, I came to appreciate the uniqueness, and beauty, of each of the 4 seasons, though I probably would suggest that winter there is a bit too long.  Each season has many enjoyable qualities, but summer is my ... Sat, 15 Sep 2018 00:00:00 -0700 {69489D63-CDAF-3560-12A3-A6B027CEA738} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/why-is-true-spiritual-transformation-so-elusive/a614.html?app=1 We live in a time when people, politicians, government, community organizations, companies and even churches over promise and under deliver.  They say trust me, vote for me, give your money, buy our product, take this pill, do this exercise ... Sat, 01 Sep 2018 00:00:00 -0700 {A91C30B1-5630-4353-2E94-8B2932421BDC} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/really-believing-when-we-pray-for-others/a613.html?app=1 The apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:7 “for we walk by faith and not by sight.”  What he is saying is that we are not to live by (in reliance upon) our five senses and our human reason (what the Bible calls sight) but by a ... Wed, 15 Aug 2018 00:00:00 -0700 {D56303CC-8F5E-0DBA-0CAD-EBD8E96AB93F} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/life-lessons/a612.html?app=1 On Sunday morning June 10th I woke up about my normal time but found myself with excruciating pain in my lower back.  And when I went to get out of bed found I could barely walk.  Over the next week, I would do some doctoring trying to ... Wed, 01 Aug 2018 00:00:00 -0700 {2BBCDBF6-6B35-BCD0-979B-B894A846880D} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/idolatry-in-21st-century-america/a611.html?app=1 “Little children, guard yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21) The issue of idolatry is often difficult for modern day Christians to get their minds around and as a result, they don’t believe they are involved in it.  No ... Sun, 15 Jul 2018 00:00:00 -0700 {9078EF7B-D714-7286-EC10-081693BB6C04} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/living-the-promised-land-life/a608.html?app=1 One of the more significant historical events in the life of the people of Israel was the exodus event. It is recorded for us in the books of Numbers, Leviticus and Deuteronomy.  After 400 years of bondage in Egypt, God responds to ... Sun, 01 Jul 2018 00:00:00 -0700 {687F04BB-1246-1AD3-A13B-CD41E3B54848} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/stir-up-your-gifts/a607.html?app=1 This past weekend we hosted Walter and Ida Cowart for our Activate, Ignite seminar.  It was a wonderful time of worship, teaching and most importantly activating our spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.  In reflecting on ... Fri, 15 Jun 2018 00:00:00 -0700 {AE4DB958-C01F-2208-89C2-285F1D5AC96C} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/what-will-you-remember-today/a606.html?app=1 We have just passed through the Memorial Day weekend, a time to remember the sacrifices made by the men and women of our nation’s military, specifically those who didn’t come home alive. My dad was a veteran of World War II and as a ... Fri, 01 Jun 2018 00:00:00 -0700 {5C6920B5-6B7D-81BF-F2BE-B5B329881332} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/living-with-an-awareness-of-gods-love/a605.html?app=1 The clear declaration of Scripture is God loves us.  He loves us unconditionally, completely and eternally.  The storyline of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation details God’s salvation history of humankind, the ultimate ... Tue, 15 May 2018 00:00:00 -0700 {5CF0CB06-379F-793F-DB51-F470A6FDA426} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/listening-to-god-as-we-pray-for-others/a604.html?app=1 Many Christians are comfortable with the idea that Jesus still speaks and heals today but are not always confident in their own ability to be personally involved in prophetic or healing ministry.  The heart longing is there but their lack ... Tue, 01 May 2018 00:00:00 -0700 {759E309A-FAAD-4559-4403-A12DBE8F8C3D} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/gods-call-to-remember/a603.html?app=1 I was talking with a friend recently who has been going through some testing for early onset dementia.  His journey began when he and his wife took a weekend trip out of town.  The trip was without incident but after they returned home ... Sun, 15 Apr 2018 00:00:00 -0700 {F3C07C1E-F737-36E0-EF6D-7432D2C8DE04} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/walking-out-the-resurrection-of-jesus-christ/a602.html?app=1 On Sunday morning March 25, 2018, churches all over America entered into Holy Week with traditional Palm Sunday celebrations.  Many had their children process down the aisles with palm branches in their hands, waving them to and fro.  ... Sun, 01 Apr 2018 00:00:00 -0700 {3F300C4A-C872-B60E-580D-AD64B952F10C} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/response-ability/a601.html?app=1 Human beings are complicated creatures.  The truthfulness of this statement is part of what makes life so interesting.  It is also what makes life so challenging at times.  We are created in God’s image and represent in a ... Thu, 15 Mar 2018 00:00:00 -0700 {B6B9C77D-622E-5A5C-315F-D5FE57B720E3} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/seven-times-in-the-jordan/a600.html?app=1 It was Thomas Edison who said, “Opportunity is often missed because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”  What he was saying was that many opportunities in life pass us by because we are not willing to work for them, ... Thu, 01 Mar 2018 00:00:00 -0800 {ED097F96-1881-3C3A-1015-C85A3E85F0D2} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/fasting-the-forgotten-discipline/a599.html?app=1 As we begin another Lenten season, an extended period of self-reflection and repentance, I would like to remind us of the spiritual benefits of fasting. Many health-conscious individuals do regular fasts of varying types for the physical ... Thu, 15 Feb 2018 00:00:00 -0800 {43A037E7-E1BE-71FE-36D4-133CB8065F3C} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/rooted-and-grounded-in-love-making-and-investment-you-wont-regret/a598.html?app=1 Over the last 30 plus years, I have attended hundreds of Christian conferences and retreats of varying kinds.  Discipleship conferences, worship conferences, denominational gatherings, Promise Keeper conferences, healing meetings, prayer ... Thu, 01 Feb 2018 00:00:00 -0800 {696C1BD8-E6AE-8222-C049-37AE7421660E} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/seven-heaven/a597.html?app=1 I am writing this the morning after the Minnesota Vikings divisional playoff win over the New Orleans Saints.  It was a literal last-second win when Stefon Diggs caught a Hail Mary pass and ran into the end zone for a highly emotional but ... Mon, 15 Jan 2018 00:00:00 -0800 {4AE39A1C-9CE3-60A1-28C9-8E5EF796178A} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/consistency-and-perseverance-essential-qualities-for-victorious-living/a596.html?app=1 “And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary” (Galatians 6:9)     This past summer Barb and I were doing some landscaping in the back yard of our home and God used the ... Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 -0800 {FE010F0D-6A92-2EC1-B252-E0008F7FBE26} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-gospel-of-the-king-and-his-kingdom/a595.html?app=1 In even a casual reading of the New Testament, especially the Gospels, we quickly learn that the focus of all of the writers is on Jesus and His kingdom.  The fact that this focus is on the person of Jesus and that He was born to be Savior ... Fri, 15 Dec 2017 00:00:00 -0800 {3E824B02-22EC-EF66-8BAE-75D9810C5737} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/worshipping-the-new-born-king---december-2017/a594.html?app=1 Several years ago, I was spending time with a friend and he was telling me of an experience that he and his wife had while visiting a church in their community.  It seems that the church they were visiting was growing in numbers, had lots of ... Fri, 01 Dec 2017 00:00:00 -0800 {0C75451B-5BEE-47A5-1167-075C1C64F479} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-apostle-paul’s-model-of-discipleship/a593.html?app=1 Be imitators of me just as I also am of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1)  Generally speaking, there hasn’t been any shortage of Biblical teaching about the desire/need that every follower of Christ has to discover/live God’s plan and ... Wed, 15 Nov 2017 00:00:00 -0800 {EB0AE9D8-E692-4A55-B5C7-C8ABF46EC63C} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/i-had-no-idea/a592.html?app=1 We have just completed our 2nd Cleansing Stream retreat for this fall season.  While each retreat is unique, they often share commonalities, especially within retreat seasons.  The most common comment this time was “I just had no ... Wed, 01 Nov 2017 00:00:00 -0700 {A396C564-F1CD-BE1B-F975-8A6F194EF3EB} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/has-your-spiritual-passion-deserted-you/a591.html?app=1 It is natural to have our passion for Jesus and the spiritual life to ebb and flow just like other relationships in our lives.  But in those times of extended barrenness, it is often helpful to know why our passion has left us so that we can ... Sun, 15 Oct 2017 00:00:00 -0700 {1077BF78-69AE-309F-0F0D-8850E3A74E34} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/spiritual-renewal-gods-way/a590.html?app=1  Anyone who has been married for any length of time knows that the covenant relationship between a husband and wife takes time, energy and attention.  Yet, when it comes to living out our covenant relationship with God many Christians ... Sun, 01 Oct 2017 00:00:00 -0700 {E5EF6476-3562-BDBB-E7AA-9EB33078BC1B} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/meditation-a-key-ingredient-for-transformation/a530.html?app=1 The Bible has much to say about the discipline of meditation. It is in fact one of the key ingredients in the process we refer to as spiritual transformation. In the paragraphs that follow I have listed some Scriptures, definitions, ... Fri, 15 Sep 2017 00:00:00 -0700 {0E88BD8C-CB59-22B0-AE70-225376E4EB21} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/truth-is-not-enough/a589.html?app=1 Like most pastors, I love to read.  When I have time, it is not unusual for me to read a couple of books in a week, especially if they are short.  There is something about the joy of discovery, gaining new insight into spiritual truth ... Fri, 01 Sep 2017 00:00:00 -0700 {A2F15BFE-DA8F-08C1-3D11-0A1A3B85CC44} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/an-invitation-to-fall-in-love-again/a471.html?app=1 Anyone who has been married for any length of time knows that the relationship between a husband and wife takes time, energy and attention. And it is generally accepted that one must “work” at keeping the marriage relationship ... Tue, 15 Aug 2017 00:00:00 -0700 {2BE6061F-8253-577F-9FD3-8555C53F10A9} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/no-other-plan/a588.html?app=1 Over the years I have spent considerable time looking at the various commissioning texts where Jesus takes His disciples aside, gives them final instructions and then sends them out to duplicate His life and ministry.  One such text is Mark ... Tue, 01 Aug 2017 00:00:00 -0700 {6A76FDA7-7CC3-D550-7412-1A12EB348692} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/praying-partners-are-good-for-the-church/a484.html?app=1 Not long ago I awoke early in the morning believing that God had something He wanted to say to me. As I began to pray, I got the distinct impression that God wanted us to elevate our commitment to prayer by first re-examining our practice of ... Sat, 15 Jul 2017 00:00:00 -0700 {6F8D3F85-C02A-8D29-7B3C-4AF06DA84FA6} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/setting-the-table---rtf-training-day/a587.html?app=1 But the advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  John 14:26 It is interesting to me how the seasons and cycles of life affect us ... Sat, 01 Jul 2017 00:00:00 -0700 {A16F1AF5-5340-783D-3953-D4AA2149CA7E} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/using-a-gospel-harmony-to-study-the-life-of-jesus/a586.html?app=1 As we enter the summer season and take a break from our normal routine it is often helpful to try new things and/or do old things in new ways.  The following suggestion as an alternative form of study may be just the piece you need to ... Thu, 15 Jun 2017 00:00:00 -0700 {9844E022-2EAA-3A6B-65FC-730D420BBC30} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/sharpen-your-saw/a585.html?app=1   In August of 1989 the book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Dr. Stephen Covey was released and within a very short amount of time made a tremendous impact on management training and leadership development in both ... Thu, 01 Jun 2017 00:00:00 -0700 {20E0E85E-D584-CD13-7CC8-0ADC4274947F} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/expectancy-in-prayer-faith-or-presumption/a478.html?app=1 While on retreat several years ago I was reading one of the daily reflections from A Minute of Margin by Richard Swenson, MD. It was one of those experiences where God heightened my awareness and said you need to pay attention here. The title ... Mon, 15 May 2017 00:00:00 -0700 {6BE2B39B-F21C-9BF2-91A5-A355D33D9802} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/hope-healing-and-freedom-jesus-died-to-give-us-this-kind-of-life/a584.html?app=1 One of the promises of the Easter season is that Jesus died in order that we might have life and hae it in abundance (John 10:10).  Lilterally what Jesus promised is the "super abundant life."  The abundant life is characterized by hope ... Mon, 01 May 2017 00:00:00 -0700 {91A97997-AF0E-8BCD-51BF-5F87D51C3185} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/what-it-means-to-believe/a470.html?app=1 As a young Augustinian monk Luther could not find any peace with God nor did he have any assurance of salvation. Luther would read the Scriptures, encounter the words of Romans 3:21,22, "righteousness of God", and they would strike terror in ... Sat, 15 Apr 2017 00:00:00 -0700 {C3536082-610A-F89B-E5E8-F27D6CB10849} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-kingdom-flourishes-in-a-good-heart/a583.html?app=1  An airline captain who flies overseas routes also runs a small gas station near his home. Between trips to Europe and the Middle East, he gets a kick out of working on cars and talking to the folks while they fill up with gas.  One ... Sat, 01 Apr 2017 00:00:00 -0700 {6159F3E2-E2CE-0CD2-8C34-FD4D22EFAC6E} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-benefits-of-knowing-god/a582.html?app=1 I recently have been meditating upon Psalm 103:1-5, and am experiencing a renewal of my spirit.  In accordance with the discipline of meditation I am seeking to make these words of King David my constant mental companion for the purpose of ... Wed, 15 Mar 2017 00:00:00 -0700 {6DB89EE2-FE5B-8BAF-412D-9B5C018F97A3} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/three-essential-building-blocks/a581.html?app=1 "But now abide faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”  -1 Corinthians 13:13 (NASB) In a dream I had not long ago I was attending a health and fitness conference that was sponsored by my general ... Wed, 01 Mar 2017 00:00:00 -0800 {24F60636-017C-9ED8-F4C4-150C16D9D26D} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/no-other-plan/a469.html?app=1 When one reads the Gospels or studies the lives of Jesus’ first disciples, we are tempted to think, “What was God thinking?” The incompetence, and at times reluctance, on the part of the disciples to understand, or embrace, ... Wed, 15 Feb 2017 00:00:00 -0800 {38B8CC25-22F4-0E5C-DE7B-F89291F4F34B} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/maintaining-a-biblical-perspective---february-2017/a580.html?app=1 Have your ever noticed how difficult it is to attain and then hold on to God’s view of things?  We are often so lost in our own thoughts and point of view that we are oblivious to the inconsistencies and biases of our own world view. ... Wed, 01 Feb 2017 00:00:00 -0800 {1458472C-9083-D7E0-1BD3-B12CC0F74E7B} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-devils-schemes/a579.html?app=1 “...in order that no advantage be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes”  -2 Cor. 2:11 Anyone who has read the apostle Paul’s letters to the churches is familiar with his teaching on the spiritual ... Sun, 15 Jan 2017 00:00:00 -0800 {5728011D-F4AE-A394-B0E1-2832FCD1A5ED} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/christian-consumers-or-disciples-of-jesus-christ/a578.html?app=1  On October 14, 1983, Barb and I were married at the church of my youth, Calvary Lutheran Church of Golden Valley, MN.  On our return home from our honeymoon I suggested to Barb that we attend Sunday services there the following ... Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 -0800 {4FABB12B-64E8-1E06-0C3A-8910580A1C61} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/gift-giving-redeemed/a573.html?app=1 One of the hallmarks of the Christmas season is the buying, making, giving and receiving of gifts.  In recent years, the tradition of giving and receiving gifts has been much maligned.  Primarily, this is because of our capitulation to ... Thu, 15 Dec 2016 00:00:00 -0800 {134AE830-2C2C-5177-3333-AE1EA82EBCEE} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/lean-not-on-your-own-understanding/a571.html?app=1 As I write this we are just about seventy-two hours past the general election where Donald Trump was voted by the American people to become the 45th President of the United States.  It has been an amazing week in so many ways.  Some of ... Tue, 15 Nov 2016 00:00:00 -0800 {9C46A932-43E8-D0B5-557F-1606AD8DE5B6} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/hope-healing-and-freedom/a570.html?app=1 Tue, 01 Nov 2016 00:00:00 -0700 {6CAF3BE9-F721-AF7E-0F7F-56CE86247C64} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-discipline-of-celebration/a569.html?app=1 Psalm 103:1-5; Matthew 6:31-34; Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 4:4  “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name.  Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your ... Sat, 15 Oct 2016 00:00:00 -0700 {77289F52-5EEC-5D6D-EE81-8C8FB1BEEB40} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-discipline-of-guidance/a565.html?app=1 “When he puts forth all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.  And a stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers” ... Thu, 15 Sep 2016 00:00:00 -0700 {A9728787-6ADC-22E4-AD6E-92E77FF7655E} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-discipline-of-worship/a558.html?app=1 John 4:20-24; Ezekiel 44:15-16; Micah 6:8 “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.  God is spirit, and those who ... Mon, 15 Aug 2016 00:00:00 -0700 {F85ED8F2-89B6-C78E-20DC-140A8BBAF609} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/learning-and-being-reminded-to-trust-gods-promises/a556.html?app=1 Proverbs 3:5-6     In one of my morning times with the Lord recently, I was asking Him for direction on a number of concerns in my life, some personal, some vocational.  Some of them were newer questions but others were things ... Mon, 01 Aug 2016 00:00:00 -0700 {A216C9FA-79EF-9686-C2DA-0C2F8393402C} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-discipline-of-confession/a554.html?app=1 John 20:20-23; James 5:13-18; 1 Timothy 2:3-6; 1 John 1:8-2:2 With this month’s study we introduce one of what Richard Foster refers to as a corporate discipline, a spiritual practice that takes us beyond the personal and includes our ... Fri, 15 Jul 2016 00:00:00 -0700 {31AEC471-D687-7222-69E5-D0723E361629} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/an-important-distinction/a553.html?app=1 One of the things we learn very early in life is there are physical laws that govern our lives.  We can ignore them if we choose but to do so often results in unpleasant, and sometimes life changing, consequences.  You can for example ... Fri, 01 Jul 2016 00:00:00 -0700 {C8796D90-C7F1-6EB6-D5BF-9B6C2DD84986} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-discipline-of-solitude/a549.html?app=1 1 Kings 19:1-19; Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 6:31; Luke 22:39-46 With the pace of life, and the number of distractions we all experience, most of us have great difficulty slowing down and quieting ourselves on the inside in order that God may speak ... Wed, 15 Jun 2016 00:00:00 -0700 {93C0D2E4-E728-E4B9-1F9D-ECCE6D0895A7} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/minding-the-gap/a547.html?app=1 The phrase “mind the gap” was coined about 1968 in the United Kingdom as a way to warn passengers of the Underground transportation (subway) system of the space that existed between the platform and the rail car.  It was a ... Wed, 01 Jun 2016 00:00:00 -0700 {603764F4-9AF6-D315-2700-56F1BADA5882} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/minding-the-gap/a546.html?app=1 The phrase “mind the gap” was coined about 1968 in the United Kingdom as a way to warn passengers of the Underground transportation (subway) system of the space that existed between the platform and the rail car.  It was a ... Wed, 01 Jun 2016 00:00:00 -0700 {45E943B0-2087-26AF-5410-5F6452D70F93} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-discipline-of-service/a544.html?app=1 Genesis 12:1-3; Matthew 20:25-28; John 13:1-17 Jesus declared that He came not to be served but to serve.  Jesus also taught that any who would be His disciple would follow His example because “the servant is not above his ... Sun, 15 May 2016 00:00:00 -0700 {EBA491DF-BEBE-5162-5F2D-8794C7B676C5} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/confusing-knowledge-for-obedience/a543.html?app=1  One of the more quotable figures of American history, Mark Twain, said, “It ain’t the parts of the Bible that I don’t understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”  At first blush it seems ... Sun, 01 May 2016 00:00:00 -0700 {1C3D930D-91AE-47F0-3B8F-B98C1CF0F264} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-discipline-of-submission/a538.html?app=1 Luke 9:23-24; Matthew 10:24; Ephesians 5:21; Philippians 2:3-7; James 4:6-10 The discipline of submission is another of the disciplines that seems to be so out of touch with the world in which we live.  The cry of our culture is that we ... Fri, 15 Apr 2016 00:00:00 -0700 {CAE669B3-281E-21E5-0D86-BAABD58DC2EB} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/making-time-for-god-and-his-word/a537.html?app=1 Several weeks ago as I was packing up to go out to the St Benedict Center for our spring silent retreat weekend, I was busy filling my briefcase with all the things that I thought I might need.  A fresh notebook for journaling, a couple of ... Fri, 01 Apr 2016 00:00:00 -0700 {6D4F0854-1459-3959-A60E-8A8133864D00} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-discipline-of-simplicity/a536.html?app=1 Matthew 6:22-24; Matthew 6:25-33; Philippians 4:11-13; 2 Timothy 2:4; Colossians 3:5; Revelation 3:15-18  We live in a culture that promotes dissatisfaction and a lack of contentment with what we have in life, especially as it relates to ... Tue, 15 Mar 2016 00:00:00 -0700 {7839F572-BFED-F4DF-1520-9AFB3B830860} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-discipline-of-study/a535.html?app=1 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 1 Corinthians 2:11-16   Many within the church today are Biblically illiterate and have based their understanding of God upon a variety of sources that may or may not be ... Mon, 15 Feb 2016 00:00:00 -0800 {2DC205B9-2F5E-98CA-7A90-B2DBB4B46F1C} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-life-of-submission-finding-true-freedom-and-serenity/a534.html?app=1 A Texas farmer was bragging about his very obedient mule and gathered his friends one day for a demonstration.  Just before the farmer gave a command to the “obedient’ mule, he stepped in front of it, looked the mule in the eyes ... Mon, 01 Feb 2016 00:00:00 -0800 {D7E47142-5811-F273-F8EE-A9DC9BB43721} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-discipline-of-fasting/a533.html?app=1 The spiritual discipline of fasting is, for the most part, one of the forgotten disciplines of the Christian faith.  We read of God’s people fasting throughout all of Scripture and Jesus Himself practiced it often.  Yet, today it ... Fri, 15 Jan 2016 00:00:00 -0800 {A10CCB17-6647-72EE-BEFA-034399A2F6CB} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-discipline-of-prayer/a532.html?app=1 Prayer is one of those paradoxical items in the spiritual life, in that it is amazingly simple yet mysteriously complex.  From the time we are little children we are taught how to pray and we often pray for those things that concern ... Tue, 15 Dec 2015 00:00:00 -0800 {2408DAFE-F35B-8383-959B-E6CED9AEB292} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-ultimate-giving-experience/a531.html?app=1 In November 2004, Barb and I took our son, Nathan, to Philadelphia for his semi-annual doctor's appointment at the Family Hope Center.  While there, I was a bystander to one of the conversations that leaves your mind full of conflicting ... Tue, 01 Dec 2015 00:00:00 -0800 {227EB38A-5219-C752-4793-DFE96526C854} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/a-unique-opportunity-hearts-healed-lives-restored/a529.html?app=1 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 00:00:00 -0700 {30957F66-9941-6AB9-3A9B-F34CBCE8A3FE} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/god-is-not-here/a528.html?app=1 Not long ago I was visiting with a friend from back in Minnesota and he was telling me of an experience he and his wife had while visiting a congregation near their home. It seems that this particular church they were visiting was growing in ... Wed, 15 Jul 2015 00:00:00 -0700 {0CD5706F-7F4E-E789-3252-562BB51773D4} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/pride-the-sin-of-independence/a527.html?app=1 Every July 4th we celebrate again the freedom that we have in this country to worship God openly, without government restraint or intervention.  Even though we have seen some of our freedoms being eroded away, we still enjoy a great many ... Wed, 01 Jul 2015 00:00:00 -0700 {D1F25000-7DF2-48BD-E06C-3FBBDD120CF8} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/what-are-you-reading-this-summer/a526.html?app=1 With reading being one of my favorite past times, I end up reading a fair number of books each year. And as you might expect the impact they have in my life varies broadly depending upon the book itself as well as what is going in my life at ... Fri, 15 May 2015 00:00:00 -0700 {AE831051-EDB0-997C-ACD5-0E25C428B2F5} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/teaching-them-to-observe-all-that-i-commanded-you/a525.html?app=1 Through the years I have had the privilege of receiving counsel and encouragement from a number of godly men and women whose wisdom has helped to shape me into the person I am today. One of those individuals was the former director of the ... Fri, 01 May 2015 00:00:00 -0700 {7DC170D2-1B63-796D-4398-A3CF04E7B67C} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/is-god-calling-us-to-change/a524.html?app=1 It has been said that the only one who likes change is a baby with a wet diaper, and while that may be a bit of an overstatement, it does accurately reflect the truth that most people are resistant to change. Change is usually uncomfortable ... Wed, 15 Apr 2015 00:00:00 -0700 {FAFD660F-2F00-239E-A525-7B95C7C5BADB} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/the-resurrection-a-truth-worth-remembering/a523.html?app=1 On Sunday, April 5, 2015, we will celebrate once again the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Throughout America there will be sunrise services, Easter breakfasts, dramatic re-enactments, magnificent choirs and thousands of messages proclaiming ... Wed, 01 Apr 2015 00:00:00 -0700 {80621EE1-8AE2-439E-A7AB-91B079DA76F8} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/implications-of-the-resurrection/a522.html?app=1 One of my favorite things to do in life is to go on spiritual retreat. Since March of 1984 I have been making, and leading, spiritual retreats that are designed to facilitate personal spiritual renewal.  On the weekend of March ... Sun, 15 Mar 2015 00:00:00 -0700 {282FB0F4-8F05-2B3D-0055-8A8217001133} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/ignoring-the-battle-is-dangerous-to-our-souls/a518.html?app=1 Like most Americans, I am reminded daily of the battles we are fighting both at home and abroad. It seems undeniable that the amount, and intensity, of global terrorism is on the rise. And the news media do a good job of recounting the ... Sun, 01 Mar 2015 00:00:00 -0800 {334B3FD9-9CE4-EC23-607C-4AC74147C3C9} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/repentance-one-of-the-3-rs/a516.html?app=1 In days gone by, educators used to speak of the foundation of a good education as reading, writing and arithmetic, the 3 R’s. These were considered to be basic life skills that every person needed to possess in order to succeed in ... Sun, 15 Feb 2015 00:00:00 -0800 {BC35A5FA-EF40-17E8-F7AB-96D07C71E5AC} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/fasting-from-criticism-a-lenten-experiment/a505.html?app=1 Catherine Marshall, wife of Presbyterian minister Peter Marshall, wrote a large number of books on prayer and spirituality after her husband died. In her book, A Closer Walk, she writes of an experience that the Lord took her through that ... Sun, 01 Feb 2015 00:00:00 -0800 {AEA01CE5-6045-1F1A-1258-C94DC9150839} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/people-of-poor-memory/a500.html?app=1 Two elderly women were in church one day and were discussing the problems associated with growing older. One commented, "The worst thing is when your memory starts to go. I've known you all my life, and I can't think of your name. What is ... Thu, 15 Jan 2015 00:00:00 -0800 {3D0ED84A-089D-AB56-A5EE-963C27E1F6AD} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/doubt-the-silent-killer/a494.html?app=1 In January of 1986 my dad had a massive stroke that left him paralyzed on his right side and without the ability to speak. It was to be my introduction to the world of heart disease and the devastating effects of what are sometimes called ... Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 -0800 {69C9B8F5-4BA6-42F1-1DED-2EC7D93E93FB} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/personal-work-a-task-for-our-times/a492.html?app=1 On January 6 we will enter into the season of Epiphany, that time in the church year where we remember that the Lord Jesus broke into our world and manifested Himself in a physical way. During this time we also celebrate Jesus’ baptism and ... Mon, 15 Dec 2014 00:00:00 -0800 {AA6B25EE-9F74-5348-23DC-29FFD5F9D367} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/glory-to-the-new-born-king/a490.html?app=1 One of my favorite Christmas hymns, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” was written by Charles Wesley during a time when there was a scarcity of Christmas songs of any kind. Christmas carols, as we know them, had been prohibited by ... Mon, 01 Dec 2014 00:00:00 -0800 {2CBCAA78-4392-C0B7-F411-A7F281D10588} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/desperate-for-god/a487.html?app=1 It is interesting to me how the seasons and cycles of life affect us spiritually, especially our sense of dependence upon God. As a younger man contemplating God’s call to become more involved in ministry, I carried with me a deep ... Sat, 15 Nov 2014 00:00:00 -0800 {A68EB251-5225-C030-08A5-E2961B5038B9} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/standing-on-the-promises/a486.html?app=1 In an effort to stay in touch with our culture, I will sometimes turn on the car radio to listen to a local talk radio station.  The various programs generally focus upon issues that are currently in the news, issues that include a variety ... Sat, 01 Nov 2014 00:00:00 -0700 {75A5FA94-3657-0D28-7ECE-2559146BD0F2} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/grace-lays-the-foundation-for-a-life-of-obedience/a481.html?app=1 A former mentor and friend, Pastor Jack Aamot, began his ministry as a young missionary in Brazil, and quite unexpectedly found himself the senior pastor of a 10,000 member, well established, German Lutheran congregation. While there were ... Wed, 01 Oct 2014 00:00:00 -0700 {74D4A61A-4B23-C533-2432-67597D275F7E} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/seeking-first-the-kingdom-of-god/a468.html?app=1 Over the last couple of years I have spoken periodically about the disparity I have observed between what the Bible teaches about the Christian life and what is being practiced generally within the church of Jesus Christ in America. For the most ... Fri, 01 Aug 2014 00:00:00 -0700 {15C00BC2-5052-3E26-A185-DDAE6A31AB49} https://godslivingstones.org/discipleship/if-i-had-known/a24.html?app=1 During the late summer and early fall months of 2005, we were bombarded with news reports about the hurricanes that brought massive destruction, and considerable human suffering to several states along the Gulf of Mexico. Katrina caused the ... Tue, 01 Jul 2014 00:00:00 -0700 {DEF0CB55-48B2-C2E3-DE7D-3348C5329C24}