As we journey through this spring season, noticing the newness and growth brought by God in our surroundings, I reflect on the Spirit’s fruit—faithfulness from Galatians 5:22-23. Paul’s use of the term “fruit” here illustrates what naturally flows from our lives when the Spirit is at work. Like a tree produces an apple packed with …
The Fruit of the Spirit is love. One short word that has so much meaning. Everyone wants it, but do they really have this God given love in their life? Gal 5:22 tells us that love is produced in us by the Holy Spirit, not ourselves, but Him! Choose to Love like God This word …
I don’t remember when I first heard the song, Self Control. “Self-control is just controlling myself. It’s listening to my heart and doing what is smart. Self-control is the very best way to go, So I think that I’ll control myself.” That was a popular song from the Music Machine back in the 70s. The …
There was a time in my life when I felt like an absolute failure. I was juggling too many responsibilities—work, family, ministry, and commitments I had taken on out of obligation rather than calling. I told myself that if I just worked harder, I could handle it all. But instead of thriving, I was crumbling …
The Holy Spirit worked in my life like a beautiful harmony in a musical composition. I had grown up in the church, going regularly even before I had memories. I attended Sunday school classes, and memorized a lot of Scripture. One day in 1980, at a new church in Oregon, my Sunday school teacher asked our …
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When I was a kid, they called them testimonies. Often, they were someone who had gone through a significant dip in the road, got full of mud, and Jesus cleaned them up. I grew up in a Christian home. There were no big dips and not a lot of mud because of the Christian culture …
The footprints of Katie’s life began on a cold blustery night because well, I made my debut upon the planet in Oregon and it was always cold and blustery. When I was nine years old those footprints were traced to Taiwan. I believe God works in the hearts of our children despite all we …
For this reason, I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have …
As I am adjusting to Minnesota’s biting cold, I am reflecting deeply on God’s grace in the quietest times of our lives. Some days, when I peek outside my window, I could barely see anyone braving the chilly cold. But if I could hear something, it was the occasional hum of the cars or the …
I love beginnings. Perhaps the excitement of what’s ahead draws me to beginnings. What lies ahead renews hope, excites my passion, and leads me to believe this “fresh beginning” will be better than where I have been. The Bible has many stories that remind us of fresh beginnings. Abraham left the familiar and headed for …
