Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” Bonhoeffer is speaking to the fact that only those who are troubled and humbled by their own condition are able to …
John 15:18-21 “If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world hates you. Remember the …
Quotes from my archive of great spiritual thinkers...and others. This post contains quotes on repentance and turning from sin toward our God. "Many mourn for their sins that do not truly repent of them, weep bitterly for them, and yet continue in love and league with them." - Matthew Henry "It is the greatest and …
In the book of Galatians, one of the issues Paul addresses is the false notion that we must work in the flesh to gain our righteousness. False teachers had come into the congregation there and had been teaching that the believers could only overcome sin by religiosity. At the center of the religious activity these …
“The Lord is coming, always coming. When you have ears to hear and eyes to see, you will recognize him at any moment of your life. Life is Advent; life is recognizing the coming of the Lord.” _ Heri Nouwen The season of Advent celebrations has begun. The term, “Advent,” means “coming” or “appearing.” We …
Overflowing with thankfulness. There is a curious phrase for you. How many of us feel like we are overflowing with thankfulness most of the time? So many people live their lives without much thankfulness at all, for anything. Yet if we have life, we have much for which to be thankful. Every day we are …
Research is showing us that there is a practice that can have a significant positive impact on our general health and specifically on our mental and emotional health. That practice is being grateful. According to research from the University of California, gratitude is not just a happy emotion; it can improve one's health. Individuals who …
Great quotes from great spiritual thinkers of yesterday and today. Today's quotes are on dealing with sin and pursuing repentance in our lives. "I learn from the Scriptures that repentance is just as necessary to salvation as faith is, and the faith that has not repentance going with it will have to be repented of." …
"Gratitude is the energy of faith." – William Arthur Ward “The most important prayer in the world is just two words long: Thank you.” – Meister Eckhart “On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they …
In the previous two posts we explored how the world in which we live is in its entirety set against us. The world system is intended to destroy our faith and separate us from our God. The controller of this deceptive world system is Satan, and His purposes are dishonest and destructive. John the Apostle …
Without Limit 