“For what man, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? (Luke 14:28). I stare at this parable, alternately condemning myself and making resolutions. “What tower am I building? What is my foundation? How can I build differently?” Then, gently, quietly, I hear …
“Be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). I made a meal. I prayed a prayer. I read my Bible daily. “Be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). I fought with my kids. I argued with my husband. I hated time spent with a co-worker. “Be perfect, …
“Christ is the end of the Law” (Romans 10:4). He is the end of all your jots and tittles — the end of all the ought-to’s and should-have’s. He ended the need for the Law because through Him all requirements are complete (Romans 8:4). It is finished (John 19:30). The requirement for perfection has now been fulfilled within you. …
Dear Mentor, I really want to clearly portray the Life of Christ within me, but it seems that I slip up all too frequently. What’s wrong with me? …
My dear child, Every year at this time, you seek to make new resolutions. Sometimes it has to do with habits of eating – sometimes with habits of attitude – sometimes with habits of diligence. But rarely, if ever, are those goals sustained. Ever wonder why? It’s because they are always about you. You are still …
Holy Father, All week long, I’ve been struggling with understanding Your idea of perfection. I confess to You that my perspective was based more on the standards on a report card than the Truth of Your Word. I tend to look for that perfect score, instead of looking to You, my Perfect Core. …
Three-year-old Joshua decided grapefruit were the most delightful snack God ever created. My daughter said every time Joshua spotted them on the counter, he was instantly “hungry” and needed a citrus fix. On the other hand, his four-year-old brother had a much different idea about the Ruby Red. What Joshua called sweet, Noah thought bitter. What Joshua begged for, Noah avoided like the plague. Same …
The year was 1988. We’d made our big move to Taiwan – lock, stock and a barrel with two monkeys. Our stateside friends thought we had done something heroic and yet I knew in my heart that something was very wrong. The adjustment hadn’t gone as well as I’d expected and four-year-old Hannah …
Yesterday, we talked about this idea of perfection. It’s hard to know that perfection is expected of us and yet, we haven’t yet attained it, huh? This is basically a problem of focus. As long as the center of our attention remains fixated upon ourselves, then this issue will continue to irritate us. …
