"Religion tells you what to do. Jesus tells you who you are. When you know who you are, you know what to do."Alan Caplin I came across this quote this past week when I was in the middle of studying Colossians 3:5-17. I couldn't help thinking what a perfect summary it was of what is …
Sovereign Father
During this fall session, we will be hearing from various members of our Sunday or Tuesday morning classes about our study in Colossians. I hope our reflections on what we’ve learned about the character of God will be of value to all, whether you are taking the class or not. Our study of the book …
The Greatest of These is Love
Happily Ever After. No matter how skeptical you might be, there’s still something about those three words that draws us in. Why? Because at the end of the fairy tale when the narrator tells us the couple lives happily ever after, we know what the words really mean is they loved happily ever after. And …
Fruit of the Spirit: LOVE
By Katie Kafka At the top of a list of attributes there is love, followed by seven additional qualities that become the trademark of someone walking in freedom. Joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; each one endearing qualities that this world needs more of and yet, love is at the forefront of …
How Deep the Father’s Love
By Carey Helmink The heels of Valentine’s Day and the beginning of the season of lent is a good time to think about love. If you have been married for any length of time, you know love is much more than a feeling. I have heard people say they would die for their children or …
What Worship Means to Me
During our opening time on Tuesday Mornings this Fall, we will be having a series of guest speakers address the topic "What Worship Means to Me." If you missed this week or had to come in late, I know you will be challenged by these words from Renee Meyer. I have a LOT of thoughts about …
Another Look Back
Today’s TBT takes us back to March of 2011 to these words from Marlys Burgett, the Director of Women’s Ministries here at Lincoln Berean. As I read through this post again, I was encouraged and blessed, not only by the words, but in knowing we have a leader who truly lives what she preaches. Both …
When God Cries
Another tragic news story made the headlines this week: a beautiful preteen girl killed by two teenage boys—a senseless, appalling murder for no other reason than a BMX bike. I look at the victim’s young face and see the face of my daughter . . . my nieces . . . my daughter’s friends . …
When Jealousy is Good
This week Claudine Lehman shared with us her "god-story" of her Jealous Valentine. “Jesus Lover of my soul – let me hide myself in Thee.” I've always loved those words from that familiar hymn. Jesus is my precious Valentine. Jesus. The one who created me, and then gave himself for me that I might be His …
God Is Love
In our worship time this week, we began a series of "God-stories" from some of the women of Titus. Today Victoria Oaks shared her experience of God's scandalous love and grace. One of my prayers I began praying at the beginning of this year was for God to make me strong and courageous. I have …
Equip Her 