As the Lord has been peeling off layer after layer of perfectionism and legalism and works righteousness, I have been totally blown away through study of how little the Pharisees actually knew or wanted to know about Jesus. So steeped in the comfortability of their religion and traditions, they had no faith or trust for anything different. Shocking ( Read more... )

Until recently I would grasp at God's love like a child chasing a firefly through an approaching evening sky.  Seeing the firefly flicker, mesmorized by its glow, I would run after, feverishly.  Jar in hand, ready to capture it and bring it home.  As a triumph.  Proof of my ability to capture the illusive ( Read more... )

"...and to KNOW this love that surpasses knowledge -- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."  (Ephesians 3.19, NIV ( Read more... )

I was saved when I was 8 years old.  Watching Oprah one summer afternoon at my Nana's house.  My mother & grandmother, rocking in wooden rockers in the den of that quaint farm house, me sprawled out on the hard floor. Entranced by Oprah. (Who isn't?  Even today?) But, even back in 1988, she obviously had "star power".  She was doing a show on "the ( Read more... )

That's right.  1996 Alabama AISA State Typing Champion - Electric. And, to this day, proud of it! I just found the old trophy when I was at home recently. HI-LARIOUS! Made me think....how often my self-confidence is gained through achievements or recognition or "atta girls".  I've lived my entire life waiting on these affirmations before I felt ( Read more... )

God Sees Every Ministry As Important.

The part we each play is parallel to the interdependent workings of all the parts of the body.  We are each needed;  the eyes, the ears, the hands, the feet. We are each being prepared, as the Bride of Christ, to build the Kingdom and to be brought from "glory to glory".  It's a process, yes, but a necessary one ( Read more... )

GOD DOES NOT SIT BACK AND WAIT FOR "VOLUNTEERS".

Oh, no. He actively recruits!  H-E-L-L-O -- can we say BURNING BUSH (Moses)?  BIG FISH (Jonah)?  BRIGHT LIGHT (Saul)?  God always actively recruits. 
Jesus always meets people where they are -- Peter & Andrew were casting a net.  (Matthew .18-19)  James & John were in a boat with their father when ( Read more... )

GOD EMPOWERS PEOPLE TO ACCOMPLISH HIS WORK

Through the Holy Spirit.  By giving us spiritual gifts that enable us to carry on the work.

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.  If anyone ( Read more... )

GOD CHOOSES TO USE PEOPLE TO ACCOMPLISH HIS WORK.

Truly, God could just SPEAK and make anything happen.  After all, that is how He formed the oceans, the mountains, everything!  Genesis 1 is filled with the words "And then God said", "And God said", and the like.

But, instead, God chooses to use humanity to carry out His work.  Isn't that just ( Read more... )

OK, so a couple of nights ago Twila & I watched "To Kill a Mockingbird". The classic starring Gregory Peck, Sydne Potier, and a very young Robert Duvall.  Outta control I tell ya! I mean, this is SO the way I grew up.  (Except for the fact that Jem & Scout lived "in town" and I lived 5 miles from any near civilization!)  It really rocked my world ( Read more... )