Devotions based on James Smith book, The Good and Beautiful Community From James’ book, we are made aware of how much we need community on our spiritual journeys. It is within community that we can share the excitement  of discovering God’s kingdom at work in our lives.  It is within community that we can celebrate…

  Devotions based on James Smith’s book, The Good and Beautiful Community The author gives some practical ways of making our worship experience more meaningful. So often we may be running late or get distracted or frustrated with our worship experience. But it is good to remember that it isn’t all about meeting my needs…

Devotions based on James Smith’s book, The Good a Devotions based on James Smith’s book, The Good and Beautiful Community There is great freedom when it comes to forms of worship and I will just mention a few basic elements that have been found useful in the development of our relationship with God and others.…

Devotions from James Smith’s book, the Good and Beautiful Community Worship is more than a private matter meant just to inspire the individual and to create an emotional sensation. It is bigger than the person, and while inspiration is a by- product of worship it is not the central aim. Worship is a communal activity…

Devotions based on James Smith’s book, The Good and Beautiful Community The good and beautiful community is not based on the prosperity gospel or the poverty gospel, but the gospel of abundance. We have what we need when we need it and it is enough. We look at our assets in a new light and…

Devotions from James Smith’s book, The Good and Beautiful Community The good and beautiful community is prevented from generosity by the false narrative that: what I have is mine to use for my own pleasure. Mine. Mine. Mine! This makes us feel entitled and teaches us that what we possess, money, time or abilities, are…

Devotions based on James Smith’s book, The Good and Beautiful Community Another false narrative that prevents us from being generous is: If I give it away, I have less. This assumes that what we give away and share is now lost and that now it contributes to my lack. But the true narrative is that…

Devotions from James Smith’s book, The Good and Beautiful Community. The good and beautiful community is a generous one but sometimes we miss out because we hold false narratives. One such narrative is “God helps those who help themselves”. That is not Biblical but said by Ben Franklin who was a deist. This narrative works…

Devotions based on James Smith’s book, The Good and Beautiful Community The Good and Beautiful Community is not afraid to hold us accountable. To hold someone accountable is not easy and we must do it with discernment.  In I Thess. 5:14 it says “We urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint hearted,…

Devotions from James Smith’s book, The Good and Beautiful Community In the good and beautiful community we are asked to reflect the glory that is ours as His children. This involves encouraging one another, admonishing and watching over one another in love. Also to become involved in specific activities on a regular basis that are…