Jesus, show us the way because we can’t see. We look through a glass dimly. Jesus, You are the way. Help us walk so close to You that we smell like You, that we look like You, that we become like You. Teach us Your ways so that our own ways die. Teach us Your Truth, so that it overpowers the tricky schemes of spite and bitterness. Your ways are above our ways, so we lay ours down. We say, “We don’t know what we’re doing. Help us.”
By John & Jessie Flowers Gardening is a great idea. So last spring, we put feet to a great idea and decided to start a backyard garden. We spent a full day shopping, gathering all the supplies, and digging in the dirt. We prepared the soil and planted tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers, and more. It was a beautiful little project. We …
Heidi Baker says a lot “Love has to look like something”. Biblical love involves discipline. Not punishment. Jesus took the punishment we deserve, but the Father continues in the new covenant to discipline us, to form us into His Son’s likeness. Love does not look like cozy hugs and surface level conversations; it looks like blindspots being revealed so that you can live out of bondage and step into the fullness of life that Christ calls us to.
How will we know if what we think about God is even remotely correct? There are myriad commentaries, man-made doctrines, books, and conferences which aim to help you have correct theology. But what if they are slightly wrong? How can we know with confidence that our thoughts about God are correct?
Our ears can be so selective. They capture some moments and completely ignore others. They get overloaded by noise and by silence. And as we all know, ears can hear and at the same time not hear at all. They definitely don’t multitask well and can be held captive by our environment, our minds, and our emotions.
We’ve always had a special place in our hearts for our Muslim sons and daughters, but this year has driven that love to deeper places. God hasn’t challenged us to work harder or do more. He’s asked us to slow down, listen and love in a simpler, clearer way.
Now that my 4-year-old was finished eating the parts of her sandwich that weren’t smeared on her face or lost in the recesses of her carseat, I invited her to join me in praying.
This was a strategic moment. We were inviting the power and presence of God into our community. I could model apostolic prayer for her. This was especially important since we have been going on walks in our neighborhood and I have been talking to her about praying for our neighbors. This was her chance to join Daddy in something that he enjoys, and for me to put my money where my discipling mouth is. I was gonna be an awesome dad.”
Marriages are being pushed to the limits and loneliness is a daily experience for many. The risk of getting ill from coronavirus for many has become a secondary fear to the pressure of the pot. But, here is the thing. Instapots make the best stews. There is something about the pressure environment that the Father uses to bring to the surface things that were hidden.
by Dr. Jack Hancock There once was a large smooth Rock that was clearly visible to the people. Everyone saw the Rock and marveled at its strength, size and appearance. The people were proud of this Rock and the “way it was”… they were comfortable with it. They worshipped the Rock just because it “was”… it was their religion. Then …
“I never set out to rebel, I am not a rebellious person, I just followed culture and was living in ignorance. Not only does this line of thinking lead down a path to anxiety, stress, and more rebellion, but I got hit in the face with this question, “Who is the point, what is the point here?” In the entire response that I just wrote out the point was me. I was fixing, and deciding, and controlling, and doing…every part of it was self- focused for the sake of outer appearances.”
