Jesus died, rose and ascended so we can live in two worlds at the same time - the natural one we see physically, and the supernatural one we see by the Spirit.
The Proverbs 31 woman could look to the future and smile. Realizing that, I wondered: Might turbulent times be key times to learn the laughter born of faith?
A true story from the past it seems important to tell. Four questions about the present it seems important to ask.
One wintry day, I finished the rough draft of a book manuscript titled, “The Esther Blessing.” The next morning, the God of all grace celebrated with me.
We who have confessed Jesus as Lord may have taken communion many times. But in observing the ritual – and gazing on the picture it paints – how often have we failed to plunge in?
Ultimately, collectively, the church quenched the Spirit’s voice in order to embrace the society’s values. The church began to preach - and to try to live - a righteousness unencumbered with justice. But. God.
God saw my stifled spirit. He saw my confused soul. He’s teaching me to act on my spirit's yes even when my soul is screaming no. For then his life can flow.
Even when people I love fight against it, I choose light. As I dare to go with God where fear, obligation and guilt forbid, I find hope and joy. I choose life.
The preacher urged people to love the Lord with all their hearts. Yet, tragically, he himself did not know how to do it. He could only offer a checklist.
Nothing about our Lord is casual. The day he came down on Sinai has this in common with the day Jesus died in our place: Both show how fiercely God loves.