Jesus said all the law and the prophets could be summarized in two commands: We can pick apart what “love” is (Jesus would say it’s demonstrated by obeying His commands, John 14:15), and the devil has us fighting amongst ourselves about what love means, but that’s it. That’s literally it. When we’re loving well, true […]
“Acts” Like It
For in Him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring’. -Acts 15:28 I needed the reminder so here’s yours: We have all love, power, and authority available to us, as us, working through us, just as we are. It’s ours for all eternity. […]
He is
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” -John 15:5 He is always the vine. I am always the branch, as are you. We are created to bear much fruit, a task we can […]
Soul Siblings
In prayer this morning, I was struck more than usual regarding our “sibling” status with Jesus. Christ is a lot of things, and one that I pass over frequently is Brother. I meditated on how the “two” of us lived inside me, and how crazy cool that was, if mysterious. I thought it was even […]
Pain, a very good teacher
I heard a woman I respect, and clearly on the conservative side say softly the other day, “Pain, it’s a very good teacher, you know.” She was speaking of children and their upbringing often being a battle of wills. Children need discipline and consequence in the home to mature. They need to be given a […]
Could it be?
Believers are consistently called to exercise gratitude. We are made in the Likeness of Christ and therefore God. Does this mean that Jesus could be grateful when we see Him? When we desire to be in relationship with Him? When we return His infinite love the very best way these human vessels know how? When […]
Protecting Pearls
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.” -Matthew 7:6 Pearls before swine: on its face, it sounds judgmental and harsh, huh. It’s not though. It’s discerning. And it’s God breathed. Commanded, even. Case-in-point: I’ve been asked by unbelievers to defend my love of Christ. They insist on an […]
Giving Him a chance
I saw a video last night of a woman encouraging viewers to “sit at the table” prepared for me by The Lord. It made me think of a few things in regard to tables. As I ponder, I realize it comes up more than we might recognize. Louie Giglio recently wrote an excellent book, “Don’t give the […]
What’s the why?
Through my season of transition, I’ve had to find a new church community, and it’s been a long time coming. The fellowship I experienced before isn’t an option for me now, and it’s left a gap in my spirit that’s been difficult to fill. Even so, I was taught since my first allowance the importance […]
Vines and Branches
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in […]