Spiritual Formation Archives - Brethren in Christ U.S.

Lent is Still Open

Culture & Perspectives

Lent is Still Open

Lent came early this year, starting on February 14. For this reason, many followers of Jesus wonder if they have missed it. It is interesting to note that Christian traditions worldwide use several timelines to enter spiritual seasons. Consider how… Read On

Published February 26, 2024

Pastors Supporting Pastors

Pastors Supporting Pastors

No one knows the mix of feelings and emotions that are behind the scenes in a pastor’s mind other than a pastor or perhaps their spouse. Sometimes, more often than not, these feelings and emotions are not positive or healthy; but certainly most… Read On

Published January 30, 2024

Reflections on Micah 6:8

Culture & Perspectives

Reflections on Micah 6:8

My husband’s aunt owns a cabin along Pine Creek in Northern Pennsylvania. I’m always arrested by the stillness, such a contrast from the noisy pace of my day-today life and mind. In the quiet of the early morning or at the hush of dusk, the… Read On

Published October 12, 2023

3 Ways I Saw the Lord Renew Hope Amid My Church’s Crisis

3 Ways I Saw the Lord Renew Hope Amid My Church’s Crisis

Would our church remain open or close? I’ll never forget the September night four years ago when that question was the only item on our church board’s agenda. I can still picture where each of us board members sat, along with our… Read On

Published September 15, 2023

What is Fasting?

What is Fasting?

For more than 30 years, I’ve incorporated fasting as an integral part of my spiritual formation. One day per week, one week per month, and one month per year, I abstain from things that I would otherwise enjoy. Additionally, I fast sometimes for… Read On

Published February 21, 2023

Impact + Profiles

Pastor Profile: Luke Embree

Hitchhiking across the United States at 18, Luke posed a question to the Creator of the universe. He had been about to head West on Route 50 — the highway slicing America’s midsection — when he’d been struck by the majesty of the Appalachian… Read On

Published June 7, 2019

Hold the Desserts: A Lenten Reflection

Hold the Desserts: A Lenten Reflection

46 days. 1,104 hours. 66,240 minutes. 397,4400 seconds. This is how long I am fasting from desserts and sweets. The fast began on Wednesday — Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Lent is observed in many Christian traditions over the course of… Read On

Published March 7, 2019

Hope for a Relationship with a Sex Addict

Hope for a Relationship with a Sex Addict

Just this week, a couple of Christian guys told me about being found out while “watching porn.” The reason I heard about it was not that they felt bad about doing it. But because they got an email the next day saying that they had been filmed… Read On

Published January 25, 2019

How Porn Helped My Church Mature

Impact + Resources

How Porn Helped My Church Mature

Not far from my elementary school, my friend unfolded the pages of a magazine. For the first time, my eyes gazed Playboy. Shortly afterward, the internet gained popularity. And before I even understood the concept of addiction, I developed an… Read On

Published May 21, 2018