A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. — John 13:34 My high school chemistry teacher used to always talk about the “acid test.” The acid test is a sure-fire way to identify a substance. The Bible reveals that the…
Rhythms of Renewal OBS Week 3 — Restore
God invites us a wholeness that isn’t just mind, isn’t just body, and isn’t just spirit. But, it’s the culmination of all those things coming under submission to what God intends for us. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. Restoration brings us back to life. ~ Rebekah Lyons I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest…
The Lies We Believe: “God’s Love Must be Earned.”
“Diane,” I said, “why do you think you’ve never found your faith in God to be a source of comfort or joy?” “Would you if you always felt you were trying to measure up and never making it?” she challenged me. “No, I wouldn’t. You know, what you are describing is something a lot…
The Father’s Love
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in Heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on…
Is Your Family Parenting Out of Faith, or Out of Fear?
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. — 2 Timothy 1:7 By all accounts, Shiloh was the perfect teen. She earned excellent grades, avoided dating, and never missed youth group. She came from the perfect Christian family — two hard-working parents who set up their home…
Why God Allows Trial and Temptation
God allows temptation and trial because they can be good for us. Seriously? Yep. The same Greek and Hebrew words are used in Scripture for both temptation and trial. The distinction depends on intent and motivation. Is the difficult situation for the purpose of tearing down? It’s a temptation. Is it for the purpose of…
How Becoming a Parent Helps You Understand the Unconditional Love of God
Nearly five years ago, my wife, Lauren, and I became parents for the first time when our daughter, Ashlyn Alexandra, was born. Three years later, we welcomed her sister, Madison Amore, into the world and into our family. To say being a father has changed my life would be an understatement. To say being a…
Saving Grace
Jesus already knows the cost of grace. He already knows the price of forgiveness. But He offers it anyway. God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8 God didn’t look at our frazzled lives and say, “I’ll die for you when you…
The Sixth Love Language
Editor’s Note: Chad and Julie Veach’s lives turned upside down when they learned that their beautiful baby girl Georgia had a rare brain disorder called Lissencephaly. Soon friends began getting tattooes of the letter G in support and prayer. Before long, G-tatts were being shared on social media the world over including super stars and…
Do You Know How Much God Loves You?
Eighteen years ago, a wondrous thing happened. On a torrential Valentine’s Day, in a small church in Southern California, I walked down the aisle and pledged my love and my life to a man I was ready to spend the rest of my days with. As part of our wedding ceremony, I spoke these words…
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