We are a Disciple Making Movements (DMM) network of marketplace and ministry leaders, uniting everyday disciples of Jesus with a vision to see teams of 2 or more praying, disciple-making catalysts for every county of WI and the UP to see movements birthed here that will spread to the most unreached around the world.
It’s been a while since I’ve written an original for the blog—but today, I felt so inspired, I couldn’t not write!
Last night, Sweet Bridget and I experienced a temporary power outage at our home. Morning arrived, and it was time to get our cars out of the garage. That door wasn’t going to open itself. So I pulled the red emergency cord to detach the door from the mechanism and lifted it manually.
No worries. Until I tried to reattach the door to the track so it would be ready to rise automatically again once power was restored.
I applied so much force to get that latch back into the correct groove. Push, pull, and try as I might, I kept getting really close and falling short of my goal.
I got close—so close!—but couldn’t get the latch to catch.
I tried in the dark. I tried with a flashlight. I tried from the ground. I even tried balancing on an upright cinder block (hint: not OSHA-approved).
Tonight, with the power restored, I brought out a ladder thinking a new angle might be the key to success. From my fresh vantage point, I kept pushing, adjusting, aligning. Nothing.
Until I paused to consider… what if I stopped trying to force it?
What if I stopped pushing and pulling altogether?
What if I let it be and simply activated the door?
I stepped away and pressed the button, thinking I may need to run back over and spring into action to save the whole system from self destructing.
Instead, the chain began to move—click—the mechanism aligned perfectly. The latch caught.
The door moved as designed. I had been straining in the dark, but all I needed was to let the power flow.
I learned a thing or two from this power outage.
(Thing 1: ChatGPT was correct. A freezer left sealed will hold its temperature for 8 to 24 hours if it’s at least half full. Handy to know. 😉)
Sometimes I try to do in my own strength what only works when the power is on.
I can stop pushing in my own strength and allow the power to flow!
Where in my life am I striving alone when I believe wholeheartedly that “two are better than one” (Ecclesiastes 4:9)?
When am I turning to prayer last instead of first? Where in my life am I neglecting the power and wisdom of the Spirit altogether?
Where have I been laboring, meaning well with sincere effort… when Jesus is inviting me to pause, to trust, to reconnect—and allow His power to move?
Yes, I can try. I can push. I can exert a lot of effort and even appear productive in my energy-draining striving.
But how much greater to pause, to pray, to partner with the Spirit?
I can check in. From a grounded and connected place, I can see more clearly. I can receive what I need. I can believe what’s true. And I can allow His power to flow!
“‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.” ~Zechariah 4:6
Where are you striving today?
Is there a latch you’ve been pushing at for far too long in your own strength?
Where in your life are you pressing hard, maybe even telling yourself you have good reasons—but forgetting to pause and partner with the Spirit?
I pray you pause. Take a breath. Invite the power of the Spirit to move where your strength has reached its limit. And instead choose to trust the One whose energy never fails.
What if what feels like admitting weakness… is actually wisdom?
We are a Disciple Making Movements (DMM) network of marketplace and ministry leaders, uniting everyday disciples of Jesus with a vision to see teams of 2 or more praying, disciple-making catalysts for every county of WI and the UP to see movements birthed here that will spread to the most unreached around the world.
It was a true honor to host this Groups Connection Coaching Huddle with Darnell Robinson of the Milwaukee House of Prayer.
This conversation from the archives about the power of prayer still strikes me as so relevant to this moment in history! Especially at times like these, it’s essential that we develop a prayerfully dependent way of life and learn to be led by Holy Spirit.
Especially at times like these, it’s essential that we develop a prayerfully dependent way of life and learn to be led by Holy Spirit.
~Nov. 2, Liz Kohli with Perspectives on the World Christian Movement ~Nov. 9, Jim Egli of New Generations — Disciple Making Movements around the world ~Nov. 16, Ross Nelson — intercessory prayer that births movements! ~Nov. 23, Dave & Rennie Garda of Cadre — real life disciple-making friendships ~Nov. 30, Christine Jacobs — effective prayer & spiritual warfare
~Dec. 7, Bill Marris of Circuit Rider Ministries — Looking thru Jewish Eyes: the Christmas Story Revisited ~Dec. 14, Avi in Israel — Finding Jesus in the Jewish Feasts ~Dec. 21, Roy Schwarcz of Chosen People Ministries — Without Hanukkah, There Would Be No Christmas ~Dec. 28, Dr. Walter Kaiser — Jewish Roots of our Faith in Jesus
~Jan. 4, Jim Corbett of the Family Rescue Campaign — The Wonder of Covenant with God & Others ~January 11, 18, 25, Q&A with Dr. Walt Kaiser — Women in Ministry Matters, Treasures from the Old Testament, Prayer & Revival
The scenes from Esther’s life recorded in chapters 5-7 of her book illustrate the power of a praying woman and God’s ability to turn even the most dire circumstances around for His glory and the good of His people!
What does faith look like? In fact, what in the world is it?
~Is it something etherial that’s near impossible to wrap our arms around? ~Is it just superstition, something we muster up in an attempt to be spiritual? Or is it something quite powerful that we can experience, express, and walk out every day?
If you know me, you probably know my answer.
Hebrews 11 is chock full of examples of people who lived, loved, and walked by faith!
Today, I got to share a message about one of these everyday people, who lived with incredible faith, and how faith changed his life, his family, and the course of human history…
Artwork: “The Celebration” by Tom duBois
Hebrews 11 is chock full of examples of people who lived, loved, and walked by faith!
In recent years, I’ve been invited to share 5 Father’s Day messages with 5 different local churches in Wisconsin and New York!
I think God may be trying to tell me something…
This message, a conversation with Jim Corbett of the Family Rescue Campaign, is one of my favorites. There is nothing that can heal and transform our hearts like encountering the heart of our Heavenly Father!
I pray you’re inspired to seek God’s heart. As you do, may you discover who He is in a fresh and transformative way!
There is nothing that can heal and transform our hearts like encountering the heart of our Heavenly Father!
I’ve been moved in recent days to prayer and intentional action related to racism and multi-ethnic reconciliation.
My conviction is rooted in my belief that every person is created in the image of God and my broken heart over recent injustices, which has led me to reflect on a pattern of systematic injustices that have happened in our country over many decades.
I am praying King Jesus will bring healing to our communities as His people become first responders with His compassion.
I shared a message on May 24, 2020 for our Oakwood community called “From Generation to Generation” from Psalm 78 as part of our series called Reflections on the image of God.
I am praying King Jesus will bring healing to our communities as His people become first responders with His compassion.
Though this message wasn’t specifically focused on racism, the topic of multi-ethnic reconciliation is so important for us to engage in together in light of the image of God!
For those from a majority culture who are struggling to track with current conversations about racism and reconciliation:
I wonder if it would put things into perspective if we applied the same line of reasoning that some use to dismiss this important issue to other matters of justice and ministry that you may be passionate about like suicide prevention, mental health support, human trafficking, homelessness, ministry to those with special needs, or elder care.
How would you feel if every concern you raised was quickly dismissed, excuses were made, and the subject was changed?
“Others might have that attitude but not me!”
“It’s a victim mentality, looking for handouts!”
“It’s all politicized! Haven’t we heard enough bad news on this topic?”
There’s no place for dismissive comments like these in such an important conversation.
What if instead we listened to understand (instead of to respond)?
What if we sought to see from beyond the eyes of others and to take a walk in their shoes?
It seems to me: intentional conversations and proactive steps are needed to address vital issues of justice in our world like these. Right responses flow from rightly held values of love for God and love for others who are made in His image.
How does your relationship with God affect the way you love and interact with others?
Does believing that all people are created in the image of God change the way you view others who are different than you?
Right responses flow from rightly held values of love for God and love for others who are made in His image.
It was a sweet blessing to host this Groups Connection Coaching Huddle with Darnell Robinson of the Milwaukee House of Prayer.
This conversation about the power of prayer strikes me as so relevant to this moment in history! Especially at times like these, it’s essential that we develop a prayerfully dependent way of life and learn to be led by Holy Spirit.
Especially at times like these, it’s essential that we develop a prayerfully dependent way of life and learn to be led by Holy Spirit.
Living Truth 