"Based on the gift they have recieved, everyone should use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God." -1 Peter 4:10 Two things I want to emphasize here: "based on the gift they have recieved", and, "the varied grace of God". If you don't fit in, maybe it's because God … Continue reading Unique
Author: Andrew K. Banks
Deviating from Peace
"Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and they hid themselves from the LORD God among the trees of the garden." - Genesis 3:8 It fascinates me that, after the man and woman ate from the tree of … Continue reading Deviating from Peace
Callings and Arguments
In John 12:1-7, Judas chastised Mary for anointing Jesus’ feet with an expensive, fragrant oil, which he argued could’ve been sold and the proceeds given to the poor. Jesus replied, “Leave her alone; she has kept it for the day of my burial. For you always have the poor with you, but you do not … Continue reading Callings and Arguments
Idols and Rebels
"We are men also, with the same nature as you..." - from Acts 14:15 Paul and Barnabas shouted this at a crowd that was about to start worshiping them. I recently had a conversation with a friend about kids who rebel from really conservative families. How does that subject relate to this verse? The thought … Continue reading Idols and Rebels
Vision and Peace
"Don't love sleep, or you will become poor; open your eyes, and you'll have enough to eat." - Proverbs 20:13 This verse came to mind because I was recently thinking about peace. I believe that peace, specifically a sense of peace about God's provision and direction for your life is founded in how you see … Continue reading Vision and Peace
What You Need to See
“He who sees me sees the One who sent me.” -John 12:45 The glory is closer than you think. The doubters of Jesus’ time demanded a sign, and replied to Jesus with fierce indignation and arguments about how He couldn’t be who He said he was. They replied with a doctrine of distance when Jesus … Continue reading What You Need to See
My Two Biggest Fears
My two biggest fears are; 1.) Not having sufficient emotional abundance and availability to really be helpful on that level to those who are closest to me, primarily my wife and possible children in the future. 2.) Getting stuck at a level, personally, professionally, and spiritually that is well below my potential. Why these thoughts … Continue reading My Two Biggest Fears
At the Heart Level
Sharing these passages, the theme I have in mind is that of God calling people closer to Him at the heart level: Isaiah 1:11-16 11 “What are all your sacrifices to Me?” asks the Lord. “I have had enough of burnt offerings and rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I have no desire for the … Continue reading At the Heart Level
Healing a Soul
The context here is John 5:1-15. Verse five is what hit me the hardest: “One man was there who had been sick for 38 years.” You can be healed of a condition, but how do you recover from being trained into a mindset, or from having your mindset reinforced by your circumstances? Thirty-eight years. How … Continue reading Healing a Soul
Press In
So, what if you find yourself in that place, maybe too busy, or just feeling off track? If you are struggling, if you don't feel loved, if you feel empty, if you feel broken, guilty, ashamed, or dirty: press in. Press in when you would rather withdraw. Press in with God. I’m not going to … Continue reading Press In
Andrew K. Banks 