Grace-filled Seasons
Some seasons can be long and painful and may cause me to question the unquestionable. When that which is supposed to be unsinkable sinks, the repercussion can feel catastrophic. Think “Titanic” where the first reaction is denial. If I will not consider that the ship is flawed then I will disregard my own instincts and label myself defective. But what if the ship is faulty? What if a religious system becomes a sinking vessel and survival requires me to jump ship? Why does it seem that religion does not foster the same gracious embrace of spiritual seasons as is extended...
Read MoreThe Teacher Within
There is only one great spiritual teacher – the Holy Spirit living in the heart of the student. This understanding is the key to becoming a true mentor in the lives of others. We strengthen the well-being of others when we repeatedly lead them back to that Teacher who lives in their heart. Have you ever noticed how Jesus taught? The tone of His teaching wasn’t, “I am going to tell you what I know.” More often He acted as if His listeners already knew the truth. He had a gracious way of including us in the truth He taught. He would say things like, “which of...
Read MoreAsking for Trust
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) If the kingdom of God is within me then His righteousness is also found in me. I look inwardly and find the mystery divine – Christ in me, as me – and then I trust Him for the rightness of thought, purpose, and action in everything that follows. To trust Him is to proclaim no ability but His. Not too long ago, I thought to ask for wisdom (it served Solomon well) but instead my heart cried out for greater trust. With greater trust came a greater awareness of...
Read MoreBalance
Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God’s action in them find that God’s Spirit is in them— obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Romans 8:5-6 (TMB) When I start thinking it’s up to me to make something happen I get obsessed with measuring my own moral muscle. I am now repeatedly instructed to trust His action within me. Without a doubt, obsession with...
Read MoreThe Irresistible “Woo”
“Mountains crumble in the presence of those who know how to wait, watch, and then boldly walk through the passage that appears before them.” –Guy Finley Mike and I don’t fully understand this place we’ve entered; but somehow, in spite of the darkness (or maybe because of it), we are comprehending what aids our trust and are letting go of that which opposes it. God got smaller in our eyes each time our attention shifted to “our part” in procuring change. Real change occurs – and when it comes it’s not optional; it is God who makes...
Read MoreLove is God’s Action
After my last blog, Amanda and I shared how the paradox of selfishness and selflessness impacts relationships. I am reminding myself that God is the Spirit that makes all things holy, the Energy that makes life tangible, and the Love that overcomes all obstacles. Apart from God, love is non-existent. There are many counterfeits, but authentic love emanates from God, through me, and toward you. If you are able to receive love through me, then that too is God’s love. His love is both the giving and the receiving of love. Love is God’s action on our behalf. God loves...
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