Jesus' strategy was to form out of His followers a Spirit-empowered new community that wold model for the world a radically alternative way of life through with the Kingdom of God would begin to break into this dark world.

God uses grace, truth and time to change His people. In the story of Hosea all three element are woven together in the love story between Hosea and Gomer.

Sometimes God delivers us from trials and sometimes meets us in our trials and troubles.

I read recently how we’re all created for a mission; everybody was made for a reason, for a purpose, but if we don’t embrace that purpose, we have what one author called a shadow mission. We’re made for a mission, but the danger is that on default mode we’re tempted to let our lives center around something kind of dark or selfish.

We were made for a mission but we have this temptation of a shadow mission.

Of all the forces that mark us, I believe none are more important than people. And no people are more important than those we call by the title "friends." I think there’s no wonder like the wonder of friendship. I think that’s one of the most powerful words in the world — "friend."

Tell the truth---someone in your world needs to hear it. Listen for the voice of the Lord----He may be calling you or your children. Raise an Ebenezer---for you are favored son or daughter of God who has been faithful in the past and promises to be so in the future.

Kingdom people who make an impact for the glory of God will always pay attention to the little things that are unseen and unknown.

But what is unknown on earth is an open secrete in Heaven

Moses had to learn that doing God's will his way was unacceptable. He had a heart of self-sufficiency that needed to be broken and replaces with one of submission.

There’s a sense in this world that there has been a great fall. Something is messed up and broken . . . not just broken, but shattered. We want it set right, but we can’t seem to get it right. And there is a hope of restoration that is bigger than human wisdom.

This is a story about darkness, most of us at some point or another in our lives; understand what it is to walk in darkness. Faith is about hanging on in dark places. Faith is not about doubt-free certainty. Faith is about tenacious obedience at all costs.