I wrote in Following the Spirit : Do not be self-absorbed in your in performance, but be present in love. This has been an important word for me lately, because the problem described here has been a chronic problem in my spiritual life. Partially, this has to do with bridging the gap between what I … Continue reading True Obedience
Tag: conversation
Things are not as They Appear
"For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgement to himself if he does not judge the body rightly" - 1 Corinthians 11:29 1 Corinthians 11:17-33 is not a passage to be used by your church as an incantation for their particular theological bent on communion. Instead, it is a call for the church … Continue reading Things are not as They Appear
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
Before I Forget
I will probably be editing and adding things to this post very soon, but I wanted to start putting my thoughts out there regarding this question: What has changed in me since I have gotten into a healthy, committed, romantic relationship? During my years of being single, I became fascinated with the question, ‘How does … Continue reading Before I Forget
A Path for Miracles
"A voice of one crying out: Prepare the way of the Lord in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. Every valley will be lifted up, and every mountain and hill will be leveled; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of … Continue reading A Path for Miracles
I am the Pharisee
The topic of conversation was the process of head-knowledge becoming real at the heart-level. Then the person I was talking with asked me, “How do you know when that change has occurred?” Unprepared to answer that question, I briefly paused and then gave the first answer that came to mind: “When I no longer feel … Continue reading I am the Pharisee
Whoever is Not Against Us is For Us
This story may be found in Mark chapter 9. Jesus was told, "Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn't following us." Jesus responded, "Don't stop him." As Jesus explained his point, one thing he said was "Whoever is not against us is for … Continue reading Whoever is Not Against Us is For Us
More Thoughts About Sex
Just brainstorming some practical considerations. - Both of these things are true: 1.) There is way more to life than sex. 2.) Sex is very important. - Just how important it is, especially to a male, particularly to his emotional well-being, is a question that could use some illumination. I say this as a Christian … Continue reading More Thoughts About Sex
The Counselor
In a recent post, On Your Own Terms I mentioned Jesus’ words to His disciples in John 16:7, “It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away, the counselor will not come to you.” It is for your benefit, so that the Counselor, the One who comes along-side, will minister … Continue reading The Counselor
On Your Own Terms
The twelve chapter of the Gospel of John opens like this: “Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus was, the one Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for Him there; Martha was serving them, and Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. … Continue reading On Your Own Terms
Andrew K. Banks 