Archive | Spirituality RSS feed for this section
Aside

Opened Hearts

“Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” (Acts 11:29-30) From the earliest times in the history of the Church, the precedent has been set for [...]

Read full story Comments { 1 }
Aside

The Unknown

I was reading Acts 1 this morning and found a story that pertains to what we are doing as Mission Focus. The story is of Matthias, the man chosen by the eleven disciples to replace Judas as an apostle. Many preachers have assumed that it was not God’s will for the disciples to choose a [...]

Read full story Comments are closed
Aside

So Little Says So Much

In a tiny little mountain village, outside the town of Paderu, I saw a modern illustration of Jesus’ words. The members of the church had just brought their tithe, consisting not of money but of a portion of their crops. The people of this area earn a meager wage of about a dollar a day. [...]

Read full story Comments { 0 }
Aside

Serving

“And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.” (Luke 22:25-26) [...]

Read full story Comments { 0 }
Aside

Two Sides of God

Having read Genesis 2 many times, it has been refreshing this morning to see it in a new light. Genesis 1 shows us the grand and cosmic side of creation. God speaks and all of the universe comes into existence. It is epic and majestic in its description. Chapter 2, however, shows a more personal [...]

Read full story Comments { 0 }
Aside

A Wonderful Reminder

“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and [...]

Read full story Comments { 0 }
Aside

Forgetful

“…and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” (Exodus 14:5) It is remarkable how quickly we forget our reasons for doing what is right. Pharaoh was the prototype for this tendency of [...]

Read full story Comments { 1 }
Aside

Jesus' Brother

“Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?” (Matt. 12:47-48) Jesus was the master of the teachable moment. In this passage, some well-meaning people inform Jesus [...]

Read full story Comments { 0 }
Aside

Rest

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28) Jesus’ words here speak to me because I often seem to struggle to find spiritual rest within my soul. This timeless verse reveals so much of its meaning in the original language. “…all ye that labor [...]

Read full story Comments { 2 }
Aside

He Cares

In the midst of searching for jobs, friends, community and direction for my new life here in San Diego, I found an incredibly encouraging passage of Scripture today. “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your [...]

Read full story Comments { 0 }