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When I Can’t Feel God…
I listened as he shared his story with us. It was a privilege to be part of this sacred moment. God had redeemed so much in his life. His story was a beautiful example of grace and growth. Then he stopped and looked down. “I’ve never admitted this before in a group.” Tears filled his eyes as he looked back up at us. “When people talk about feeling the love of God or experiencing His Presence, I don’t get it. I’ve never felt that.” We leaned forward encouragingly as he finished his story. Afterwards, the group leader opened it up for questions and response. A well-meaning listener asked if he…
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The Vine and the Branches…But No Religion
I had a friend ask me a question yesterday that sent me on a wild journey of thought. What I found surprised me, and I’m super excited to share it with you! Here is her question. “How do we attach and re-attach ourselves to the Vine without it being works?” She was referring to John 15 and the familiar passage about abiding in the Vine. Jesus is speaking. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because…
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The Missing Member of the Trinity
I had an epiphany a while ago and it’s been rocking my world! I was driving alone in my car the other day pondering: What happened to the Holy Spirit in Evangelical Christianity? He definitely gets less than His fair share of attention. Theologically, the Holy Spirit is an equal member of the Trinity, but unless you attend a Charismatic or Pentecostal church, He is pretty much ignored… Sure, we tell people that they will receive the Holy Spirit when they trust in Jesus to be their Savior… We might mention that He is called the Comforter or Helper (John 14:15-26) or that He is the guarantee of our salvation…