Fuller

Author: DeLano Sheffield

DeLano J. Sheffield is the Business Resource Specialist for Goodwill of MoKan where he connects to people on the fringes, training them to reach their full potential through learning and the power of work; he also is on the frontlines of the advances of the fourth industrial revolution and coaches leaders on diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. He began his career as an architectural engineer then went on to attend seminary. In every part of his life he finds ways to infuse theology into vocation, and strengthen practical connections of faith and daily activity. DeLano lives in Kansas City, Missouri.

A man dressed in black, standing and looking sadly downward against a black background

Character of God’s Kindness

Regardless of region, gender, race, background, whether we’re on a mountain peak or the stormy sea, Jesus can find us and easily reverse the domain of darkness with his Kingdom.

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A sailing boat with a storm just about to blow up

Subdued Seas

Mark 4:35-41 shows us that disciples must broaden their capacity of trust.

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A river running quickly through a rocky bed with beautiful scenery behind it

Gains and Losses, Part 2

What a profound change to my perspective and the way that I carry out my work, status, choosing a neighborhood, relationship to others, etc. when Jesus is becoming absolutely sufficient for me.

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A black and white picture of a man walking up a deserted staircase

Gains and Losses, Part 1

We might be closer to the best accomplishment when we learn that the whole of who we are is rubbish when the whole is compared to Christ.

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A mailbox on a street in Philadelphia with a bumper sticker on it reading "STAY HUMBLE"

Work Freedom – Part 2

Being a servant to God grants us freedom to simply do the work for the sake of the good of us doing the work. And it frees us to see the values of others’ service also.

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A Bible spread open to Matthew 23 with an illustration of Jesus teaching

Work Freedom – Part 1

There is a lot to think about while processing someone’s paperwork, sweeping floors, selling vacuums, or teaching calculus. Paul distilled it into one clause: think about how Jesus thinks about things. Think about his humility.

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Scrabble tiles spelling out "IN LIFTING OTHERS WE RISE"

If…Then Love (Part 2)

It is possible to accomplish great strides in life; to receive great rewards. But there is something intrinsically good in a life that finds complete joy in being in the same disposition as others.

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A small green plant growing up between rusty pipes

If…Then Love (Part 1)

If Paul’s “if” is conditional but not likely, then comfort in Christ, consolation, partnership, affection and sympathy are rooted in stipulations. And the good life we are hoping to live is predicated on favorable circumstances or the right people in our lives. But when if is better understood as since, it opens the door to a good life irrespective of what may come our way.

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Four boys in a field playing soccer

The Selection Process

Jesus chooses people who do not fit the expected mold.

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A concrete roof with a large hole in it

Paralysis Alleviated

It is almost inevitable that at some point in life there will be circumstances that will cause paralysis in our lives.

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A gravestone with Mark 16:6 inscribed on it

The Tomb Where Dreams Come to Life (Part 2)

Empty tombs, like the cross, are remembrances for us that there is hope.

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A graveyard with prominent crosses on the headstones in back

The Tomb Where Dreams Come to Life (Part 1)

The Gospel is not just for near misses. When Mary, Mary, and Salome come looking to anoint a body with dignity, they found that there was no death in that cave—only someone who told them not to fear, and to reconcile what they saw at the cross with what they saw in the tomb. When Jesus steps into every circumstance it causes all kinds of tension and a need for trust which is the core of discipleship.

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A woman leaning against a fence looking sad

It is Far Better to Go Be With The Lord (Part 2)

It is far better to go. That is not only biblically accurate, it just makes good sense. Streets of gold versus potholes; better to go. Christ as the light in a city or rising gas and electrical bills; better to go. No more tears versus tear ducts and allergies; better to go. There are plenty of reasons to contemplate longing and planning for a renewed heaven and a renewed earth. Death would yield something better. But then again, there is a reason to stay.

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The feet of a runner jogging down a path

It is Far Better to Go Be With The Lord (Part 1)

We often forget how frail and fragmented everything is. Inside the tension and fragmentation we do not only find doom, but rather we find Christ himself and his bidding us to follow—never asking us to atone but instead teaching us that he has atoned for all of it. Christ is really all in all, isn’t He?

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A man sitting in a train station by empty tracks

What Good is Any Of It? (Part 2)

Whether there was a letter sent to Paul with questions, or Paul was simply thinking about how his situation affected those in Philippi, it is clear what Paul wanted them to know. It is what we need to become intimately clear about also: dire circumstances can actually bring about redemptive hope.

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