I am a big fan of the disciple, Thomas. If I am being completely transparent, Thomas and I have a lot in common. We are both hard-headed skeptics. We don’t just want answers, we want proof. Doubt is an integral part of my testimony. It wasn’t until I prayed bold and honest prayers, admitting to God that I was incapable of having faith to believe in Him, that He gave me just that.
Read MoreI vividly remember the first time I really heard this story. I remember where I was sitting, and I remember the person who communicated it. I was a junior in high school. I had grown up in a solid Christian home and knew some of the general facts about the story, but when I understood what happened and how it happened, it was stunning.
Read MoreThere is a song from a few years ago called Yield My Heart by Kim Walker-Smith. Lyrics from this song remind me of John 17. Some of these lyrics are: Holy Spirt come, Holy Spirit rest in this place. Teach us how to be one with You. I yield my heart to You, I yield my heart to You, I yield my heart to You, You’re my King.
At the climax of the song, this line is repeated: I am one with You. Nothing in this world could ever keep me from You.
Read MoreIt’s About the Fruit
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (John 15:1-2).
Even before we moved into the house, I noticed the tree standing between our property line and neighbor’s house. Ragged and ugly, it made me wonder about the wisdom of moving into the cul-de-sac. Later, I saw my neighbor out lopping off limbs, making the tree look even more awkward. With curiosity piqued I asked what he was doing. “It’s a pear tree; harsh pruning promotes new growth and fruit.” Now I understood the look of the tree, though I still questioned why it had to be so close to my property. Later that tree produced an abundance of pears.
Read MoreI love weddings. I am privileged to be able to attend a few each year. I totally melt when the bride walks down the aisle. I love watching and experiencing all of the emotion involved, because two people fell in love! One wedding, in particular, stands out to me after reading John 13 and the story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet.
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