“One of [the powers’] characteristics in their rebellious state is to separate us from love — love of God and love for each other through deception, division, and depersonalization. Why? Because love must be grounded in reality, nurtured in unity, and protected through the compassionate valuing of a person’s worth and dignity.”- Rich Villodas Rich […]
“God is love, but if we get it turned around and make being loved into our god, we get lost in self. Death of self is always the pulse that keeps love alive.”- Ann Voskamp “But whoever is united with the lord is one with him in spirit.”- 2 Corinthians 6:17 (NIV) Ann Voskamp concludes […]
“Loving people who are hard to love is difficult because it’s true love; we unconditionally give, knowing we will receive nothing in exchange. It’s love’s greatest challenge. but that’s exactly what Jesus asks of us.”- Kyle Idleman Kyle Idleman concludes Chapter 9 of One At a Time with a wry observation about greeting cards. Pastor […]
“The solution for loneliness is love. Specifically, the love of a good God who sees you, sympathizes with you and possess the power to do something about your loneliness.”- Annie Lent “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! Let your gently spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious […]
“It’s (opening toward God) like throwing your faith a lifeline. Every wonderful thing in your life is a gift from God, an expression of his heart toward you. . . . Every moment you have ever been happy, thrilled, comforted, hopeful . . . that was God loving you. Such gifts come from no other […]
“Our souls need transition time. Especially in this world. We still find God in the transitions. Notice that in the Gospels, it was during those transition times the disciples got to have Jesus to themselves; the intimacy was in those moments. . . . there is a sweetness to downtime, even if it is brief. […]
“God has an everlasting covenant of love, forgiveness of sins, and eternal inheritance for those who have a new covenant name in Him. This might not look like a physical name change, but it will always be a spiritual one, as we show evidence of a changed lifestyle and devotion to God.”- Esther Fleece Allen […]
“Finding the new life of love, joy, and peace the Bible promises requires less obsession and more devotion. I can’t possibly overstate that truth. . . . obsessions cannot do what we want them to; they can’t deliver us from the old life and move us into the new. We have to put God at […]
“The love Christ Jesus gave/ Be filling every heart for me,/ The love Christ Jesus gave/ Filling me for everyone.”- Traditional Scottish blessing, Nineteenth Century In Chapter 1 (“Blessing in the Beginning”) of Given: The Forgotten Meaning and Practice of Blessing, author Tina Boesch relates a conversation she had with a Turkish friend while living […]
“The speed at which we travel is exciting but also problematic. I have discovered that a hurried life leads to an unexamined and disconnected life. Hurry kills intimacy with God, with family, and with friends.”- Carey Nieuwhof Carey Nieuwhof concludes Chapter 6 of Didn’t See It Coming as he discusses ways to foster the art […]
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”- 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) Alison Cook and Kimberly Miller continue Chapter 10 of Boundaries for Your Soul as they discuss the benefits, dangers, needs, and concerns associated with anxiety working within your soul: Benefits – when you […]
“Mature love is extending hospitality — even toward the parts of your soul that are angry, fearful, anxious, or sad.”- Alison Cook and Kimberly Miller “But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you.”- Luke 14:13-14 (ESV) Alison Cook […]