I don't know about you, but I refuse to be wayward any longer. Let’s learn to cling even more to Him as we begin studying the book of Hosea.
Meditations from John 15:10: Linking Love and Obedience
This week, there is a tiny but powerful word used: if. First, let’s make it clear that God’s love for us is not conditional. He gave an eternal gift willingly through the death and resurrection of Christ. However, it’s important to note that as believers, there is a link between love and obedience. Christ’s love for us drove Him to action. Love cannot exist without action.
Meditations from John 15:9: Dwell Richly
The word love – mentioned three times in this single verse – has a powerful root. Love, in this context, translates to agape in the Greek. Agape is unconditional love – it requires nothing in return and abounds in grace (undeserved favor). We could read the verse like this: “As the Father has unconditionally loved Me, so I deeply love you with a love that requires nothing in return. Now dwell richly in My abounding grace.”
You Are Nothing: John 5
Learning Contentment
I can’t believe we’re closing out on the book of Hebrews this week. Wow. I pray God has stirred your heart as you studied this half-marathon book. You found out—just like I did—how these 13 chapters required a whole new level of spiritual effort. God wanted you right here in this book during this season you’re living. This season has purpose and you are more beautiful for it. Let’s listen to what God speaks to us this week, and then on Sunday we’ll begin a Christmas Quiet study. This study is a bit different in that it has a short, daily reading to encourage stillness, and includes a moment for conversation with children you might have in your home or church.
He's Worth It
Every morning God whispers – in some way or another – “make space for Me.” How does your room look for Christ? Is there “white space” in your day? Is it clutter-free so God has a place to sit? Is there room in the margins for you to allow Him to pen you love notes? He’s worth your time. He’s worth your day. He’s worth your life.
Be Tenacious
With this fresh spring season comes a new Bible study to tuck under your floral belt (I hear florals are all the rage in fashion this year). Sometimes life is beige. It’s “eh.” It feels a little blah, blah, blah. But those average moments multiply and begin to formulate our lives as believers. Therefore, we must stay in our lane and run hard. Be tenacious!
A Letter to My Boys on Being Men
Let Love Rule
You Offend Me
Learned this lesson: I should’ve gone directly to God in prayer and allowed Him to give me a better perspective. I didn’t honor God by valuing unity over the temporary pleasure of gossiping (in an effort to gain sympathy from others). I was wrong...find out more about this situation in this week's Ephesians 4 study.
Forget Captain Kirk. God says, "Shields Up!"
Using His mighty hand, God engraves His word on our hearts. Last week, expect, hope, and courage were emphasized. As we study chapter 2, He’ll teach us more. His Word is alive and active (see Hebrews 4:12), so we can fully trust that He’ll add new truths to etch onto our hearts as we seek to know Him more. Let’s find out what He has to say this week…
All You Need Is Love
Maybe the Beatles were onto something (or on something?) when they wrote All You Need Is Love. But, the love they were referring to wasn't the agape--or unconditional love--our Savior drenches us in. As we conclude the final chapter in Exodus (hooray!) and forge our way towards the Christmas season, there's no more ideal time than this to pause and be steeped in His love.
Exodus 34: Renewed Covenant
How blessed we are to have Jesus Christ, Who fulfills the covenant put in place during this Old Testament time. As New Testament believers, we don’t live by an if/then statement like this: If we follow His word and never sin, then He will love us. Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” What Jesus asks of us is that we believe in Him, and then rest in His accomplished work.
Meditations from John 15:10: Linking Love and Obedience
This week, there is a tiny but powerful word used: if. First, let’s make it clear that God’s love for us is not conditional. He gave an eternal gift willingly through the death and resurrection of Christ. However, it’s important to note that as believers, there is a link between love and obedience. Christ’s love for us drove Him to action. Love cannot exist without action.
Meditations from John 15:9: Dwell Richly
The word love – mentioned three times in this single verse – has a powerful root. Love, in this context, translates to agape in the Greek. Agape is unconditional love – it requires nothing in return and abounds in grace (undeserved favor). We could read the verse like this: “As the Father has unconditionally loved Me, so I deeply love you with a love that requires nothing in return. Now dwell richly in My abounding grace.”