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Authentic relationship with God grows in community, but it also requires solitude. We need time to shut everything else off and just be with God in Christ. In solitude we can focus on giving to God and receiving from him. In solitude we can meditate on Jesus and on scripture which produces deep change in us. In our meditation we should frequently remember all that God has given us. In meditation we also open up to the sins and weaknesses God wants to purify. It is hard to find time for prayer and meditation in solitude, but if you cut out trivial conversations and activities then you will find enough time. Then you must determine a way to find solitude, just as Jesus did early in the morning. Find a time and place where you can escape. It is in solitude that our relationship with God grows deep and strong. Continue Reading →

“God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”  Col. 1:27 (NIV)  The mystery is that Christ is inside you. Maybe you are used to hearing that Christ is inside you, but if you think about it, you should realize it is a fantastic mystery. How can another person be inside you? If you had no knowledge of Christianity and someone told you that the Son of the infinite God can live inside you, you might think they were crazy. Yet it is true, and it is a “glorious” treasure! Christ is inside you; he lives in you, with his Holy Spirit. It is impossible to be closer to a person than to have them live inside you, and if you were to choose among all the people who ever lived, you would want Jesus Continue Reading →

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” Romans 8:35 (ESV) It is interesting that in the same sentence about Christ’s love we have a list of terrible things that our loving God allows in our lives. Why is this? Because God’s first priority is your Christformation, not comfortable circumstances. In vv. 28-29 we learn that all things work to conform you to the image of Christ. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Rom. 8:28-29, NIV). Thus, suffering will bless you! And the truth we always know is that Christ loves us no matter what terrible thing is happening to Continue Reading →

“Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.  Luke 6:47-48 (NIV) Jesus didn’t say we could avoid floods. We will all have “floods” in our lives, some worse than others. But you can withstand the trial. Maybe you are in the middle of a flood right now. That is the time to hold Jesus’ words even more closely to your heart. His words really are the foundation for your soul. So it will be helpful to read through the Gospels, find the words of Jesus and practice them. Reflect on John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, Continue Reading →

From the Imitation of Christ, Chapter Ten. Avoid the tumultuous talk of the world. A lot of talk about worldly things becomes a hindrance. Even when such talk is innocent it puts our focus on trivial matters. Learn to create meaningful conversations. Consider how often we regret worldly things we said. And consider how often we regret not talking about something more meaningful with a friend. Afterward, you realize that they might have a need you could have discussed, and you could have helped them. Sometimes we talk about pointless things just because we want to have some friendly interaction. But a friendship is more rewarding if we talk about good or useful things. Learn to push through the initial discomfort of bringing up something meaningful. Otherwise, the conversation leaves us feeling empty afterward. Remember that our happiness is found in relationships, with God and others. Conversations are the primary way Continue Reading →