13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. (Matt. 5:13, NIV)
A disciple of the kingdom who does not LIVE like a disciple of the kingdom is worth about as much as tasteless salt or invisible light.
I have been in the habit of reading through a daily lectionary reading the past several months. It is a joyous journey that keeps me faithfully reading the broad scope of the biblical story.
But then there are passages that sweep into my spirit with a fresh wind and I am held there for a bit of time. It messes up my “schedule”, but I get less worried about that over time. I love the story. And I love the “camping out.” Both are necessary for my life.
Continue reading “To remain… to abide… to bear fruit”Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” — Matthew 22:37-40 Continue reading “The power of the greatest commandments”
I have reached a place in the Gospel of John that causes me to walk slowly. It’s difficult for me when I think I’m in some sort of time crunch, or in a “check off” mode. But this is holy ground. Continue reading “The greatest examples we carry”
John 6 is at once one of my favorite chapters to chew on… and the most frustrating chapter to read. It is the deep call to discipleship and full participation in Christ.
This is the place where Jesus drives a crowd AWAY. In our world, that’s utter foolishness. We are so thirsty for big crowds! We celebrate big crowds! And Jesus is here thinning things out! Continue reading “The difficulty of discipleship”
“The sanctification of the church-community consists in its being separated by God from that which is unholy, from sin… For the community of saints this implies three things. First, its sanctification will manifest itself in a clear separation from the world. Its sanctification will, second, prove itself through conduct that is worthy of God’s realm of holiness. And, third, its sanctification will be hidden in waiting for day of Jesus Christ.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Discipleship
So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matt. 7:12) Continue reading “How to live with others”
