Lifting the blog blackout

I cannot believe I have not posted on this blog since around Easter, but there is something to be gained from that fact: the devil opposes prayer and those who pray.

Shortly after my last post, we sold our house, moved, changed churches, and generally went through a lot of turmoil. And it was not too long after a couple that I have known for many years warned me, "You have to be careful when you get into spiritual warfare. You will come under attack."

I had found that pretty negative and discouraging; the kind of thing I distance myself from, but was well worth heeding. But it's important to take notice of the fact that slacking off on spiritual warfare did NOT cause the devil to leave me alone. So, this only brings me back to the fight. And I will do all in my power to let the Lord be my strength.

I have read a couple of books recently. My wife got me into reading, 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess, by Jen Hatmaker. We got seriously involved in streamlining our lives before we read it. We now live in a two-bedroom, two bath apartment with out two Chihuahuas. Our last house was a big one with two rental units downstairs. We did not do all the "7" experiment, but it did cause us to look at our default habits and means of consumption.

I am about halfway through, The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical, by Shane Claiborn. It's both inspiring and provocative in some ways that I am having a hard time with. He's more political than I think he is aware, but I believe he still has some important things to say to us right-wingers. We're all wrong about something, but he is actually bolstering my courage to be more radical. I strongly recommend it.

Cindi and I are also volunteering with Child Evangelism Fellowship. We have been stunned to learn that there are Bible clubs in our public schools! I did not know this was possible, but just a couple of weeks ago I prayed with a little boy to receive Jesus in his school. If this excites you and you want to get involved, please call Steve Carlson at 352-378-0949. Or email them at cefofncflorida@gmail.com.

So, please pray for us, and please leave your comments and let us know how we can pray for you!