Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days (Daniel 6:10 NKJV). My husband gets up … Continue reading Custom, by Lori Altebaumer
The true light that gave light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. (John 1:9-11 NIV). Is it fair to say … Continue reading Recognize by Beth Duewel
This word has been on my mind a lot. Praying for discernment in my own life, for my children, for friends… the list could go on and on. My husband has a gift of discernment. As a pastor, it’s good he has that gift and can see things about people that I can’t. It’s made … Continue reading Discernment, by Kimberley Woodhouse
“Watch and pray so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:38 American educational systems encourage kids with learning differences to have an IEP (Individualized Education Plan). It’s a personally tailored, specialized instruction plan to equip kids to help them succeed in school. I seriously think that … Continue reading Temptation, by Melissa Carey
In the Wesleyan tradition, it is our custom to make a personal ‘covenant’ with God in one of our beginning of years services. This may be why resolutions have never really featured in my start the year consciousness, surely the commitment to God and his purpose and priorities is enough to be going on with? Our covenant remembers the covenants God has made with his people throughout the generations – from Noah to Abraham and Moses through to the prophets – and particularly this beauty from Jeremiah which is so intimate and so deeply personal that it vanishes any perceived distance between us and God who promises to be embedded within heart and mind. The covenant then culminates in Jesus who offers The Sacrifice of the New Covenant in his blood Mtt 26:28; Mark 14:24; Lk 22:20; 1Cor 11:25.