“And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows.” (I Thessalonians 3:12 NLT) In Scripture there are literally dozens of “one another” statements such as the one above. Why is that so important? Because being a follower of Jesus isn’tContinue reading “The Ring of Death”
Tag Archives: friendship
You Are Closer Than You Think
“After them, Benjamin and Hasshub repaired the section across from their house, and Azariah son of Maaseiah and grandson of Ananiah repaired the section across from his house. Next was Binnui son of Henadad, who rebuilt another section of the wall from Azariah’s house to the angle and the corner.” (Nehemiah 3:23-24 NLT) It wasContinue reading “You Are Closer Than You Think”
Boundaries
“For there are many rebellious people who engage in useless talk and deceive others. This is especially true of those who insist on circumcision for salvation.” (Titus 1:10 NLT) Driving home from a visit with my daughter, who lives in Seattle, Washington, I passed through a lot of open country. Eastern Washington, Montana, and WyomingContinue reading “Boundaries”
A Simple Presence
“Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15 NLT) Leaving church one Sunday morning shortly after my divorce, my pastor asked me how I was doing. He had known me and my wife for many years. Unable to hold it together, without saying a word, I fell intoContinue reading “A Simple Presence”
What Lies Beneath?
“You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? (Galatians 5:7 NLT) God has given me a heart for discipleship. It’s thrilling to watch God’s life grow in a new believer, especially when I know how much of a struggle it’s been for them to change direction inContinue reading “What Lies Beneath?”
When the Tail Wags the Dog
“Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to You. Holy Father, You have given Me Your name; now protect them by the power of Your name so that they will be united just as we are.” (John 17:11 NLT) Friedrich Nietzsche wrote: “It is notContinue reading “When the Tail Wags the Dog”
Do You Like What You See?
“’If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,’ Jesus replied. ‘But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.’” (John 10:41 NLT) What draws you to another person? What do you look for in a prospective friend? If you’re looking for a spouse, what is it about that special someone you won’t live without?Continue reading “Do You Like What You See?”
What Is Fellowship?
“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42 NLT) The term “fellowship”is used frequently among believers in Jesus, but I’m afraid we have largely lost sight of its meaning. We say things like: “Let’s meet up atContinue reading “What Is Fellowship?”
The People We Meet Along the Way
“Then Jesus told him, ‘Go back home. Your son will live!’” (John 4:50a NLT) In a previous post I mentioned that some of the best and some of the worst people I’ve met, were in the church. The reality is, some of them were the same person. God doesn’t call us to serve perfect people,Continue reading “The People We Meet Along the Way”
The Guise of Goodness
“God is the One who is good.” (Matthew 19:17a The Message) Over the years I’ve asked dozens of people this question: “If you were to die and stand before the Lord, and He was to ask you: ‘Why should I let you into My perfect heaven?’ what would you say?” 99% of the answers were:Continue reading “The Guise of Goodness”
Walking With Jesus 