IIW Blog
Our 4 Postures in Pain toward God
When we’re in pain, we often take one of four postures toward God. See if any of these sound familiar. Personally, I’ve done them all. (1) Hiding from God Sometimes in our pain, the shame ramps up, and we do anything to not be exposed. Adam and Eve are the poster children for hiding from...Read the Post→
The 4 Questions God Asks Us
We so often come to God asking questions, looking for answers. And that’s a smart thing to do. He has them. We need his answers, his strategies, his perspective. A heavenly paradigm shift from God changes everything. But what about when God comes to us for answers? What?!? God knows everything! Yes, he does. But...Read the Post→
The Most Important Person to Get on Your Side
There is one person that can torpedo everything you do. This person has the power to make sure nothing you try succeeds. In order to step into God’s calling on your life, you have to get this person on your side. Can you guess who it is? Is It Your Spouse? No. I know it...Read the Post→
Why We Are Here
Something Janet and I saw recently on social media caught our ear. It wasn’t bad in itself. There wasn’t anything wrong with it, per se. But it was the implicit assumption behind it that bothered us. Social media is often just a highlight reel, and shows all the exciting, exotic adventures. Nothing wrong with any...Read the Post→
Why Friendship Is the Foundation of Our Relationship with God
What’s the most critical part of a building? Why is the Leaning Tower of Pisa leaning? It’s all in the foundation. If the foundation isn’t right, it doesn’t matter how great the rest of the building is. The owner is going to have severe problems. If the foundation of our relationship with God isn’t built...Read the Post→
4 Ways to Deescalate Conflict
If you’ve been watching The Chosen, you’ve seen a brilliant (fictitious) example of Jesus de-escalating conflict in Season 3 Episode 8. Spoiler Alert: If you haven’t seen it, go watch it, then come back and read this post. [Aside: If you’re new to The Chosen, it’s a multi-season show about the life of Christ through...Read the Post→
How to Not Starve on Relationship Breadcrumbs
Thomas just wanted peace in his home. That’s a good thing, isn’t it? He lived in constant fear of his wife leaving. All she had to do to get her way was yell at him, and he’d capitulate. Even if he knew it wasn’t the right thing, he did whatever was necessary to keep the...Read the Post→
How to Tell if You’re Motivated by Wounding or Calling
Everything we do in life is driven by one of these two things. At the end of the day, these are the only two motivations in the human experience. Everything we do is driven by either our wounding or our calling. Here’s an example. Bob and Ted both help their church one Saturday morning a...Read the Post→
How to Change How You See Yourself with 2 Words
“I’m learning.” These are the most powerful two words we can say. They will completely change our mindset about how we see ourselves. And they shut down the accusations in our head. For example, when “I’m so disorganized” becomes “I’m learning to be organized,” that’s a total game changer. You no longer see yourself as...Read the Post→
3 Ways to Bridge the Gap
I’m sure you’ve noticed. There’s an increasingly larger and larger gap these days between the world and the church. The world is pushing a narrative that, even a few decades ago, even one decade ago, would’ve been viewed as complete insanity. Well, what is it? you ask. Fair question, which I’m not answering in this...Read the Post→