What does it mean to abide in the vine? Let’s explore what Jesus said about it—“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” ( ESV) My family once moved into a house with a yard… [ read more ]
Posts Tagged: obedience
What Does it Mean to Cling to God?
What does it mean to cling to God? Perhaps my experience in a church nursery gives a good visual. I was volunteering one Sunday when a young couple came to check in their toddler for the first time. The father signed the child into our program while the mother prepared to hand her to one… [ read more ]
Little is Much in God’s Hands
Little is much in God’s hands. Do you believe it? I do! Here’s why. The day before I flew to Florida to attend my first writers conference back in 1999, I sat at the kitchen table and cried. I had no idea what God had in mind, but I knew He wanted me there,… [ read more ]
Living on a Boat and Spiritual Disciplines
I’m sitting at the little desk in our sailboat as I write this. Inches away I see a systems panel covered in lights and switches. Their labels include, “Fore Deck Lt,” “Courtesy Lts,” “Sanx,” “Grey Water,” “Blower 2,” “Propane Valve,” “Reverse Polarity,” “Nav Inst,” and my favorite—”Collision Avoid.” The mass of switches and… [ read more ]
How Can We Stay Connected to Jesus?
Once upon a time we lived in a house bordered by a fence upon which grapevines grew. Every summer, we watched these vines produce bunches and bunches of grapes. I wish I could say I turned those grapes into jellies and jams, but alas, that wasn’t the case. Without fail, furry masked bandits… [ read more ]
The Best Path Might be the Hardest
Today I’m pleased to host a guest blog by Kathy Howard. I’ve known her for several years and count her as a special friend. Her latest Bible study is Deep Rooted: Growing Through the Book of Acts. Enjoy this excerpt, and continue reading to learn more about Kathy and this Bible study. Then Paul… [ read more ]
How to Give God Your Concerns
During a recent quiet time with the Lord, I sensed Him nudge me to set aside my Bible and kneel in His presence with no agenda other than to hear His voice. I’ve walked with Him long enough to know that obedience is the only option when He speaks so definitively. I waited… [ read more ]
Why Making Wise Choices Matters
John Donne was an English clergyman and poet who lived from 1572-1631. He’s the fellow who coined the well-known phrase, “No man is an island unto himself.” Wise, guy, he was. He understood that the choices we make impact not only ourselves but also those around us. Take Rahab, for instance. She’s the… [ read more ]
A Promise for When God Gives Marching Orders
Moments before ascending into heaven, Jesus gave His disciples their marching orders. He told them to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey all His commands. Then He said, “…And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (). I am… [ read more ]
Why I Didn’t Want This One-Word for 2020
Determining the Lord’s focus word for me at the start of each year is usually a fun exercise. This year the process has been less fun and more a painful path to self-discovery. My word is—drum roll, please—“listen.” It’s not the word I wanted. I tried to ignore it. I picked and… [ read more ]
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