Threat or Opportunity“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”John 15:18-19“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your ...  Read More

20 Traits of Biblical CommunityAccording to Philippians, biblical community is characterized by . . .1. A foundation in the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection on our behalf, making us partners together in the gospel (1:5)2. Dependence on Christ’s ongoing “good work” in us that will endure until Christ returns (1:6)3. Grace, as we each recognize our need for grace from the Lord and, in tu...  Read More

Peace Through Scripture Memory“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”Philippians 4:6-7Though I have always struggled with memorizing verses from the Bible, these are some I have committed t...  Read More

The Rat Race Risk“Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to  the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all.”  Ecclesiastes 9:11Here we have the idea of the “rat race” mentioned in Ecclesiastes; we are told that life is not about being the fastest or the strongest or th...  Read More

Who I am in ChristI am God’s child (John 1:12)I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15)I have been justified (Romans 5:1)I am united with the Lord and one with him in spirit (1 Corinthians 6:17)I have been bought with a price, and I belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:20)I am a member of Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:27)I am a saint (Ephesians 1:1)I have been adopted as God’s child (Ephesians 1:5)I have dire...  Read More

Child-like HumilityO LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forevermore.       Psalm 131The shape of this psalm is deeply rooted in ...  Read More