Most of us, at one time or another, have had to navigate the shadow of shame. Be it something we’ve done, or something that’s been done to us. Either way, it acts like a dark cloak around our soul hovering and haunting our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
In the physical realm, water is a limited resource. But the kind of water Jesus is referring to in John 4 doesn’t come from a physical well, but an eternal well. He calls it living water. It is spiritual in nature and offers to satisfy deep needs within the soul of man and woman. Needs for wisdom, power, peace and security.
Reading through the book of Proverbs is like being in a Master Class. Wise words and adages dance across the page, style and wit their guide. Yet, it’s the wisdom that is played out in real life against the backdrop of difficult circumstances that stake the biggest claim.
1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have PRAYER Lord, I want to be faithful to you in the hard places in my life. Teach me to trust you. To … Read more
Relationship with God and with others gets messy. This is a reality we have to embrace. And because of this reality, the need for forgiveness and grace is staggering. Sometimes it’s too much. Our only hope is to live and love from a posture of purpose—one that has a sure footing in eternity.
Our verse this week is about spending ourselves on purpose. In light of this task, we will follow in the footsteps of Mary and her story of the alabaster box which is found in all four Gospel accounts. It contains a depth and richness that summons my full attention as it teaches us what it looks like to be bent with abandon.
Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns. When we adopt the missional mindset amid our mess, our life becomes daring, unique, and contains an uncommon beauty. We do this one step at a time. Intentional. Committed. Surrendered.
Are you standing at the crossroads in your own life? Do you feel the heavy weight of decision? Is the enemy trying to fill you with fear, or steal your joy? Please know that even when we are in the land of the unscripted life, destiny calls us to let the God of the universe write and rewrite our stories.
Conviction. It’s a tough word, isn’t it? It feels heavy. Even punitive. Yet, in the purest form, we heed such convictions to honor a Holy God who created us, redeemed us, and transforms us through the process of sanctification.
The blessing of the thorn is found in God’s divine plan for our weakness because like it or not, there’s a process to such purpose. For His power is made perfect in our weakness.