The vast majority of us have not grown up in an agricultural community. Unlike our Hebrew ancestors, we don’t have much experience walking through orchards full of fruit-laden branches, much less working long harvest days.  But for Jesus and His first century audience, the regular rhythms of sowing and reaping would have been shared experiences.Continue reading “Pursue Holiness: Love, Joy, Peace”

It feels a bit risky, word-lover that I am, to say that of all the words in the Bible ‘abide’ is my favorite. Yet, I find that the longer I dig into Scripture and seek more of the Spirit, the more I long for the abiding life! I want, as the Apostle John describes, toContinue reading “Pursue Holiness: Remaining on the Vine”

Paths wind their way around mountains, criss-cross over streams, and meander through fields. Sometimes a path is level and safe, requiring nothing more from us than intentional forward movement, while others demand planning and preparation, proper equipment, and people to guide us.  Most simply, paths are the means for reaching a destination, but sometimes theyContinue reading “Pursue Holiness: Staying on the Path”