April 16


Seeking Solitude


... in quietness and confidence is your strength.

Isaiah 30:15b (NLT)


There was a tiny rap on my study door early this morning. It was my son Alex. He didn’t realize I was praying as he entered the room.

“It’s okay, Alex. What’s up?” I rose to my feet and hugged his shoulder.

“I want to show you what Bailey is doing by the fire.” He quickly turned and led the way out.

I followed him into the living room. The fireplace glowed with yellow flames, the light flickering on the dark sofa and chairs. The hushed room felt soft and warm—for a moment. It remained quiet only until Bailey, our Welsh Corgi, saw me. He immediately ran to his ball then brought it to me. By now, Alex had positioned himself on a blanket by the fire. He tried to get Bailey’s attention.

“Come on Bailey. Come here. Come on, boy.”

Nothing. Bailey would have none of it. Not while his playmate was in the room. He dropped his ball at my feet and looked up expectantly. I looked from Bailey over to Alex all curled up in front of the glowing fireplace. We stood there in a silent showdown—me ... and Bailey. Finally, Alex had an idea.

“Dad, go back into your study and peak out the door.”

I nodded my head and backed up. In short order I stood in the study's shadows, and watched from a crack between the partially-closed doors. Within a few seconds, Bailey walked over to Alex and put his chin down on the blanket. I stood there enjoying the scene for a few moments before returning to prayer. I considered how peaceful they looked—lying there quiet, free from distraction, enjoying each other so much.

Finally, I closed the doors on that warm scene and reflected on something Richard J. Foster wrote in his Study Guide for Celebration of Discipline:

“Henri Nouwen has noted that ‘without solitude it is virtually impossible to lead a spiritual life.’ Why is this so? Because in solitude we are freed from our bondage to people and our inner compulsions, and we are freed to love God and know compassion for others.”

I believe it. I think back on Alex’s light tap on my door this morning and realize, it wasn’t an interruption. It was God elbowing me during our time together, anxious to make His point. And make it He did. This was an opportunity to appreciate God's provision and to remember how much I have when I have time with Him. Not just quietness, not just confidence, but His strength as well.


Father, thank You for solitude and quietness. May You reach us and teach us in these quiet moments. Amen.

April 15


One Great Discipline


Desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow thereby.

I Peter 2:2 (NKJV)


It is one thing to praise discipline and another to submit to it.

Don Quixote de la Mancha


Nowadays there seems to be a renewed interest in the ancient disciplines, the tried and true ways of yesteryear, and the successful spiritual paths of days gone by. Many in the church see the need to return to these helpful activities—those disciplines that reflect the heart of Christ.

Richard J. Foster agrees with Dr. Dallas Willard, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, that there is a connection between the Spiritual Disciplines and the Good Life. Listen to what Richard J. Foster says:

“If we expect to enter wholeheartedly into the experience of the Spiritual Disciplines, we must understand clearly that these Disciplines open us to the Good Life. Their purpose is not to make life miserable but joyful, not to put us in bondage but to set us free, not to confine but to liberate. ... we cannot see this until we are able to understand how life under God and in His Kingdom is truly good and ultimately fulfilling, as opposed to the “good life” of human invention.”

There are classical descriptions of the Spiritual Disciplines and both Foster and Willard describe these superbly. And yet, a spiritual discipline can be almost anything that will help us become more like Christ. Typically, they take our focus off of self and allow us to place it on God. A short list of some of the better know disciplines might include: fasting, prayer, confession, simplicity, solitude, submission, slowing down, meditation, Bible reading or study, serving, seeking guidance, serving secretly, guidance, and celebrating.

So many good disciplines ... so little time! I guess the issue for many of us is to make time. While we may be unable to schedule one day of solitude a week (wouldn’t that be a great thing!?) we can find the time for the essentials. I really believe this, and I think God will show us how and when—even if we do lead busy lives.

It’s been said that Dallas Willard has pointed to one spiritual discipline above all others. If you can only find time to practice one discipline, this is it: Scripture memory. Feast on the word of God. It will stay with you, resurface at the most important times and transform your life.

Let’s listen to Dallas ... and Peter. Desire the pure milk of the word ... and grow!


Lord, help me find the time to memorize Your word. Even now, I Peter 2:2 seems a great place to start. Open Your word to me, Lord, and put it in my heart. Amen.

April 14


Early Morning Joy


Until now, you have asked nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive that your joy may be full.

John 16:24 (NKJV)


This morning was beautiful in more ways than one. I filled my cup at the espresso machine then turned to the kitchen window. As I lifted the hot beverage to my lips, I took in the pure pleasures of a new day. The heavens, which had been pitch black, were now a work of art—a huge, glowing portion of God’s creative masterpiece.

The sky was inverted, at least it looked inverted. I saw a bright blue sea, so delicious I wanted to swim in it. Instead, I admired clouds turned into sailing ships. As I stood gazing at my ships, magically, they turned from early morning pink to gold and purple then to pure white. Umm.... espresso and sunrises. What a great combination! I loved that moment, and now I feel so alive.

Before the espresso, before the kitchen window, I spent the early morning in prayer—I tell you this not to brag or draw attention but to share my heart. For me there is no greater joy than to rise early and pray. Is that surprising?

As I stared out the window, I reflected how my prayers have changed over the years. I have gone from praying over a long list to praying from a full heart. I pray with great intensity for family and friends, adults and children, the healthy and the sick. Sometimes deep emotions are stirred. Occasionally, it is too much and I have to rise and clean up my face before I go on, but always ... there is joy.

Lately, I’ve prayed for our enemies as well ... that God would bring the true message of Jesus Christ to them and turn their hearts in a good direction. That will be an incredible thing; but for now I am happy to pray, to watch another sunrise, to enjoy life as He gives it ... and a wonderful cup of espresso!


Lord, reveal to us the power of prayer. Touch hearts and lives for Your Kingdom. Amen.

April 13


Catching a Glimmer


You are a holy people, who belong to the LORD your God. He has chosen you from all the people on earth to be his very own.

Deuteronomy 14:2 (NCV)


Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name.

Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)


I have a glimmer—just a faint glimmer of the love and desire of God. It’s nothing really, but to me, it’s something.

It’s these little kids we sponsor—kids from all over the world. They have become so special. The intense love I have for them, even though they are not mine, makes me want to make them mine. I think if I could, I would adopt them all. Really.

I look at their pictures on my desk and my heart is full to the brim. Is this how God feels for me? For you? Yes, even more so....

God has loved us with an intense love even though we were His enemies—set against Him. And even though it cost the very blood of His Son, He loved us enough to purchase our freedom. And now, He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. He has adopted us. We are members of His Royal Family. We didn’t earn it nor did we deserve it, but the truth is, He’s crazy about us—as poor and as helpless as we are. Do you realize how much He loves you?

I like to think our pictures are on His heavenly desk, and He sighs over us ... anxious for that greatest of all homecomings—our arrival at His doorstep. This is what I look forward to—that moment when we fully realize the wonder and the splendor of the greatest love of the Greatest One—and us sharing with Him the never ending joy of our forever home.


Lord, open my eyes to more of Your love. Amen.

April 12


Wanting More of Us


The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.

Psalm 34:15 (NKJV)


The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.

James 5:17 (The Message)


One of the great spiritual disciplines is prayer. It’s one I look forward to every morning and throughout my day as well. The reason, I think, is because it draws me so personally close to God. And, it is at His invitation. He invites us to come boldly to His throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). He loves to hear our hearts, and so ... I come. I come because I have been invited, because He is so interested, and because I have found nothing else like this. He wants to be my friend, and I can hardly believe my good fortune, so I come. Eagerly. Expectantly. I pour out my heart, and He hears me. Granted, I don’t always get what I want, nor do things always unfold the way I think they should, but I have His presence and this promise: He watches over me.

I love Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of Psalm 34:15 in The Message:

“God keeps an eye on his friends, his ear picks up every moan and groan.”

Day in and day out, God proves His love and His faithfulness. It’s only when we stop to talk with Him and listen that we realize the truth: God loves us in powerful ways.


Father God, may so many more come to know of Your power and grace, and Your desire for more of us. Amen.

April 11


A Child Grows Up


Though I am absent from you in my body, my heart is with you, and I am happy to see your good lives and your strong faith in Christ.

Colossians 2:5 (NLT)


I am absolutely thrilled. Next weekend, my son Drew comes home from college. He has been busy at school, and we have missed him. He’s taking 18 credit hours; he’s working; and he’s teaching three Chinese students English as a second language. We’ve hardly had a chance to talk with him on the phone, but what we have heard has been good. He’s enjoying school; he’s healthy; he’s getting some decent sleep; and life is good.

Drew is pretty content, but there are others in his family who aren’t.

Drew is a music man, and he’s focusing on voice. He’s really good too. Singing is his strength, his passion and his heart’s desire. This has sent quite a few of his relatives into serious head shaking.

“What’s he going to do for work?”

“Tell him to get a second degree.”

“Life’s too rough, too uncertain to focus on something that’s not in demand.”

And on it goes. Well intentioned, supposed common sense ... or is it fear? Is it mistrust ... or something else?

You can imagine my delight when Drew reported that he and his quartet, met with the President of the university. He hired them to perform at a series of high-level functions on campus. Wow! These young men are good! And yeah, a little money, a little fun, maybe even a little relief....

My son Drew comes home this week, and while I will certainly enjoy hearing his voice, my greater joy will be in seeing him face to face. That and giving him the biggest welcome home hug ever!


Father, thank You for this joy—for love that endures! Amen.