As I prepare my heart for Holy Week I find myself thinking a lot about spiritual readiness. Jesus frequently used the words asleep and awake to describe our spiritual readiness. Just before Jesus was betrayed he told his disciples that they would all fall away. Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all... Continue Reading →
Get Out of My Head
I was reminded today of how much our thoughts influence our actions and attitudes. We like to think we single handedly dictate our thoughts, beliefs, and opinions. But the outside voices we hear have a tremendous impact on our thoughts and our hearts. Have you ever had a thought that continued to replay in your... Continue Reading →
Church in Laodicea- Complacency
America is a land of plenty, if not excess. When we are surrounded by those with more, we easily forget how blessed we really are. Of all the letters, this is the one that has most often convicted me. It speaks to a loss of passion, replaced by complacency. And our complacency causes us to take... Continue Reading →
Church in Philadelphia- Perseverance
In this letter Jesus provides words of encouragement for people who were faithful, but barely holding on. Philadelphia was a Roman trade center, filled with wealthy Romans and Non-Christian Jews. The early Christian church, however, was poor and powerless. This area also experienced frequent earthquakes, leaving this small church in a constant process of rebuilding.... Continue Reading →
Church in Sardis- Authenticity
Up to this point, each letter began by highlighting the positive contributions of each church. This is not so for the letter to Sardis. Instead, this letter begins with a harsh truth and a call for action. Like the Pharisees, they had become more concerned with appearances than worship. Jesus had called them to love,... Continue Reading →