Month: May 2024

“…the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 ESV) Read full chapter REFLECTION  Not one of us is perfect in all our ways, this side of Heaven. Jesus is the only perfect One. Every believer is in an ongoing process… Continue reading Heart Work

“Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.” (Romans 12:11-13 MSG) Read full chapter REFLECTION As believers, how on earth do we keep ourselves fueled and aflame and cheerfully expectant (especially when difficulties loom large and… Continue reading Cheerfully Expectant

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 NIV) Read full chapter REFLECTION  I’ve found that if I don’t intentionally stay tethered to Truth, then I’m more susceptible to believing lies,… Continue reading Tethered to Truth

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10 NIV) Read full chapter REFLECTION  It’s wonderful to give and receive sincere affirmation and encouragement, with… Continue reading Perils of People-Pleasing

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or… Continue reading Cultivating Contentment

“Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4 GNV) REFLECTION  Despite a concerted effort — involving a hairdryer and other products that are supposed to tame my tresses — I went to church looking like I had put my finger in an electrical socket. The frizz factor (courtesy of high humidity) is… Continue reading Deep Joy

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18 ESV) Read full chapter REFLECTION  I have some students who require costly care and a lot of patience. I usually recognise that the students who call out long-suffering love in me are expensive gifts from God, but this morning —… Continue reading Failing Forward

“I do admit this to you, that I am a follower of the Way, which they call a faction. Accordingly, I worship the God of our ancestors and believe everything set out in the Law and written in the Prophets.” (Acts 24:14 CEB) Read full chapter REFLECTION  What does it mean to be a follower of… Continue reading A Follower of the Way

“God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:25NLT) Read full chapter REFLECTION  Our caring Creator clearly delights in creative design. Just look at the divine designs displayed in nature! It seems clear that He… Continue reading Form & Function

“If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. Love never gives up.Love cares more for others than for… Continue reading Creative Love