Speaking the truth in love, is easy to accept in principle but can become difficult in practice. Either passionately arguing our point disregarding the feelings of the other person, or shrinking back to avoid conflict. Paul reveals that it is possible to preach the gospel with clarity and kindness. Trusting the Spirit to continue work.

Have you ever been told that you need to make room for God in your life? That may sound like a daunting task considering how big God is. But Jesus has another word for you. He wants you to know that his Father makes room for you.

In dark and difficult times we do not need to be paralyzed with fear. In the gospel of John, Jesus promises to be our Shepherd – going before us, mercifully leading and guiding us through any circumstances. Listen for his gentle call and be encouraged by loving guidance.

No longer must we suffer from an empty life where we feel cut off from God and from each other. Jesus created the connection which revealed God’s heart for all humanity.

Have we as Christians made doubt a sin? Jesus seemed to think about it differently. He went out of his way for sinners, disabled, and unseen people, makes a special trip to come close enough to the doubter that Thomas can touch the evidence himself. Like with Thomas, Jesus wants to put our doubts to rest.

THIS is the good news of the Easter story. The Father has removed all that keeps us from knowing and enjoying him. Now we can respond to him with our head held high, knowing our identity as sons and daughters is secured in Jesus, our elder brother.

By every right, God could have wiped humanity out and started over. We chose sin and polluted his perfect world. But God’s plan was never to take his revenge on us. He took that hurt into himself in Jesus. As John the Baptist proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”

“Jesus wept.” This is a tiny verse within the sea of words throughout scripture. But we can spend the rest of our lives fathoming the wealth of love in those tears. We can be assured that our tears are not left unattended.

Jesus frequently asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”. This term which seems very human —“Son of Man”—signifies that Jesus is so much more than human. He connects himself with the much larger story of redemption, defeating that first Beast who slithered into the Garden of Eden.

If you have grown weary and thirsty from trying to fill the empty craters in your own life, allow Jesus to give you that same living water that leaves you transformed and satisfied.