Devotions from Scott McKnight’s book, Embracing Grace We were created in the image of God and our catechism says our chief and highest end is to glorify God and fully to enjoy Him forever. Isn’t it something that we are the visible bodies that reflect the glory of God?   There has been a steady erosion…

Devotions from Scott McNight’s book, Embracing Grace The gospel tells  the story of “God who embraces us in spite of who we are and what we have done; it tells us that God’s embrace enables us to embrace God back and to embrace others, and that this double embrace is intended for the good of…

Devotions from James Smith book, Embracing the Love of God God provides us with an example of how to care for one another. Our motive for caring comes from the care God has shown us. “God cares for our spiritual life, God cares for the health of our soul, and God provides for our physical…

Devotions from James Smith’s book, Embracing the Love of God God has made us interdependent, and from the moment of our creation He felt it was important for us to live in community. At the core of our being is the need to love and be loved by others.  By living in community we can…

Devotions on forgiveness from Gary Thomas’ book Embracing the Love of God Peter van Breeman said, “When we really accept God’s acceptance and believe that it is without limits, then we can express our guilt.” When we really know we are loved unconditionally by God then we have the freedom to explore our dark side.…

Devotions from James Smith book, Embracing the Love of God What does a Normal day look like when we are caring for our body, soul and spirit? When we wake up we can turn our thoughts to the Lord first and thank Him for his grace, love, forgiveness, and care for us. This helps us…

Devotions from James Smith’s book Embracing the Love of God Our body was designed to interact with the spiritual realm. When we do certain spiritual exercise (all of which involve our bodies) we nurture and develop our souls and spirits. This is called spiritual formation.  Spiritual formation is happening all the time, even when we…

Devotions based on James Smith book Embracing the Love of God Caring for ourselves involves nurturing our spirit, soul and body. The new self, the true self that we are in Christ, requires ongoing spiritual sustenance.  God has left us exercises and activities that allow spiritual life and power to flow through us.  Prayer, for…

Devotions from James Smith book Embracing the Love of God God cares for how we care for ourselves and this care for ourselves is not something selfish.  As we care for ourselves we are really allowing God to care for us. The very fact that he gave us a Sabbath day shows that He cares…

Devotions from James Smith’s book, Embracing the Love of God How did we get the notion that if we believe in God  we will experience perfect peace and prosperity and avoid pain?  Life can be difficult no matter how much faith we have, but in the midst of our trials He is very present. When…