"Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29, NIV) There's an old saying that points out that we have two ears but only one mouth for a good reason. How often have …
Friendship with Jesus…
"...I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father." (John 15:15b RSV) Who do you reveal your heart to? Surely, to a friend who knows you, whom you trust. Jesus here tells us that he considers us friends. He reveals his heart to us, to his friends. …
Patience!…
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." (Ephesians 4:2 NIV) The word patience comes from a Latin root which means "suffering". In fact, some translations of the Bible use that alternate word "long-suffering", which just about sums up the challenge. When I am struggling (and often failing) to be …
Fear Can Blind Us…
"[Jesus] came toward them walking on the sea...when they saw him... they thought it was a ghost and cried out. They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke...'Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!'. He got into the boat with them and the wind died down..." (Mark 6:48-51) …
Begin Again…
"And he who sat on the throne said, 'Behold, I make all things new... these words are trustworthy and true...'" (Revelation 21:5, RSV) Many years ago, an acquaintance of mine was struggling with some difficult situations in her life. She decided to go on a solitary weekend retreat, spending the time reading Scripture and praying. …
God So Loved That He Gave…
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son... that the world might be saved through him." (John 3:16a, 17b) Generosity. We give gifts to one another at Christmas to imitate our God, who was so unimaginably generous that he gave us - his very self! Kids wake up Christmas morning to …
Wake Up!
"...pray...on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests...be alert and always keep on praying..." (Ephesians 6:18 NIV) There's a fierce spiritual battle raging around us in our deteriorating culture, a battle that isn't evident to the natural eye (see Galatians 6:12). There's a willingness to deny that there are actions which are always …
Rooted and Grounded in Love…
"... that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have power...to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:17-19, RSV) How do we "know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge"? By experiencing …
Integrity…
"... These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me..." (Isaiah 29:13 NIV) This verse is quoted by Jesus in Mark 7:6 when he is rebuking the Pharisees, those who fashioned themselves as the true guardians of God's Law, and therefore God's …
Learning to be Content…
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) Recently, I read something which has stuck with me. It was apparently the motto of one of the newest saints, Saint Mariam of Bethlehem: "Always be content!", she always said. It's …
Lessons From Love School 