I don’t know how to change the inside of me. I’m great at the outside, that I can handle. I don’t know anyone else that knows how to do this thing. I’ve gone back to source, to God, and told Him who I am, and what I do, and why I do it, although I think He knew. I’ve told Him I don’t like it, and that if He’d help me change I’d be really grateful.
Is the Creator of the universe insecure? Is he incomplete if I don’t honor him? Does he sulk when I forget to praise him? Is God an egomaniac?
Read the new issue of Converge Magazine’s “Weekends with…” devotional series! This week, the fiery Jonathan Edwards talks about the meaning of being with God in heaven.
The common thread, the story that’s hidden in Mary and Joseph’s lives is the gift of solitude, contemplation. We don’t see it emphasized in scripture, but I have to believe both Mary and Joseph took time each day to remove themselves from the noise of the secular world to ponder and ask God in the silence of their hearts for wisdom to know—and then the courage to do—what God asked of them.
The blessed ones who possess the Kingdom are they who have repudiated every external thing and have rooted from their hearts all sense of possessing. These are the “poor in spirit.”
Check out the new issue of our weekend devotional series!
Two years ago, l became disillusioned with the church community. In my old church l had felt judged and ignored. Health issues had prevented me from attending church regularly here in Bochum and my few attempts to connect with people had been met with little response. I became disappointed and retreated from the community.
However, that evening l felt like l was a part of something. The same Christ that was in me, was in everyone here in this room. Tonight, we were all connected: l did not feel any rejection.