"My heart was barely awake when my love knocked at the door. He wanted me to go on an adventure with him, but I hesitated because I’d gone to bed. He tried to open the door, but I’d locked it. Alone in the dark, I finally realized how foolish I was being, and what an …
Defined by Love
Anger says, "No one respects you." Bitterness says, "You deserve to judge them." Fear says, "You’re powerless, and will fail and get hurt if you try." Despair says, "Your life means nothing." Love says, "You are so completely and unceasingly loved that no one can drain hope, peace, or joy from your life any more. …
Shields Up
When we speak of people "putting their shields up," we usually mean they've emotionally closed themselves off to avoid being rejected and hurt. But the shield of faith mentioned in Ephesians 6:16 won't isolate you from life. Both it and the sword of the Spirit are extensions of your relationship with Jesus. They keep you …
Forgiveness is Freedom
When the Bible says to forgive others as you’ve been forgiven (Eph. 4:32), it's not a philosophical or poetic statement. It's a big deal. There’s no new life without receiving forgiveness, and there’s no growing in that new life without giving it away freely. Every time someone offends you, there’s a choice: take it in …
“We’re God’s handiwork. He’s created us anew in Jesus Christ so we can accomplish all the goodness he’s purposed for us” (Eph. 2:10). The word "handiwork" is "poiema,” which shares the same root from which we get our word "poem." You are God's lyric masterpiece. Before doing anything else today, spend some time with God, …
Equip Your Spirit 