Connect with and not criticize children is a simple phrase but how should we understand and see it under God? My parents were deeply hurt people and did an amazing thing. They raised me and did not criticize me at all. Amazing for two hurt people. Yet, at age 12, I felt that I lived in darkness. Yes, they had nothing to deeply connect with me. Thus, though accepted and never criticized, I was lost. It led me to God …
Yeah for the Bible! What I mean is the God who made the earth wanted us to know him. Therefore, he became a man. Then he died on a Roman Cross to save us and get our attention at the same time. However, 21st century man would be lost without the Word of God. Again and again the Bible brings the lost back to our true God. He bleeds out of the pages. Are you familiar with Hebrews 4:12? For …
Jesus knew us completely. He knew how incredibly selfish and lost we were. He also wanted to reach us and all peoples everywhere. So he did not specify too much. Take a look. 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law …
Jesus in his incarnation and death on the cross for us his enemies opened the issue of unconditional love. How do we handle it? Let’s start with unconditional love and children – our own children. I picked up a phrase when my children were young that I often shared with them. I would regularly ask them: “If you were really really really bad, would Daddy still love you?” Initially they would say no, but I would help them see more. …
God’s intent is to give us life abundantly. Let’s not live half a life, Let me tell my personal story as an example. I grew up in a good one-half life. My parents had rejected emotion due to their hurt. Their success is that they created a safe place for those who could live in that rational positive space. I was one who could. So, we had only half a world, but I did not know it as grew up …
