1 Corinthians 13 is one of the most powerful and profound passages of Scripture describing love. In particular, with verses 4-7 the Apostle Paul writes one of the most succinct statements about the nature and activity of love. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It …
Love to the Uttermost
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." (John 15:9) The Father's love is greater than we understand. In a few short hours after this teaching from Jesus, the disciples would see with shocking clarity how far God would go to display divine love as Jesus went …
Your Pulse and Your Breath as Pathways to Prayer
Put two fingers on your neckand feel your pulse—the current of blood coursing lifefrom your heart throughout your body.You did not think to your heart, "Beat!",or to your blood, "Move!",and yet here you are:alive, upright, and living.Quiet yourself amidstthe din of the worldand listen to your beating heart.In every beat, God whispers,"I love you! I …
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A Door of Hope in Trouble
”Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will respond as in the days of her youth, as in the day she …
What Does It Mean to Abide in Christ?: two essentials for bearing fruit
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener....Remain in me as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. (John 15:1-4) The theme of this passage is God's people bearing fruit as …
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Matthew Erickson 