When we were at Kurt’s church Pastor Dan had an excellent sermon on anger and was very vulnerable. He has struggled with anger since he is “Spewer” and tends to let his anger out quickly and blows all over others. He said he gets over it quickly and then wants to make up quickly. There…

Devotions based on Jan Johnson’ book,  Invitation to the Jesus Life  In James 1:19, we are told to be quick to hear and slow to speak but that is easier said than done.  When we feel insecure, overlooked, or slighted, we often use words to win people over or to prove our sincerity. Jesus was…

Devotions from Jan Johnson’s book, “Invitation to the Jesus  Life” Love is doing whatever is needed, no matter how menial, just like Jesus who washed his disciples feet. How could He do such menial things?  Because He knew who He is.  He came from God. There are disciplines that can help us die to self.…

Devotions from Jan Johnson’s book, “Invitation to the Jesus Life” As we participate in what it means to die to self, the self sins fade: self-righteousness, and self-pity, self-sufficiency etc. It means we no longer want to have our own way but ask God to meet our needs and to have His way. It means…

Devotions from Jan Johnson’s book, “Invitation to the Jesus Life” Jesus asks us to do the reverse of what society urges of us… to stop thinking about self and taste the self-giving love of God. Jesus didn’t focus his life on getting his needs met and didn’t push himself forward or look for glory. Emptying…

Devotions from Jan Johnson’s book, Invitation to the Jesus Life Jesus was not one to toot his own horn, sing his own praises or work at making an impression. He was not boastful, proud or self –seeking.  At times he spoke of the kingdom of God as small and hidden. Unlike power in the world,…

Devotions from Jan Johnson’s book, Invitation to the Jesus Life We are all teachers. If anyone has ever learned anything from us, then we are a teacher. Jesus delivered content, but He spent even more time teaching by interacting with people in every day situations. He gave them plenty of latitude, asked questions that made…

Devotions from Jan Johnson’s book, Invitation to the Jesus Life Do you know what the most frequent command in the Bible is?  Fear Not! Don’t be afraid! Don’t be afraid speaks to our anxiety that drives much of our waywardness. When we’re afraid, we often use anger to protect ourselves. In fear we may try…

Devotions from Jan Johnson’s book, “Invitation  to the Jesus Life”  When Jesus got up every morning, He knew why He was here…to reveal God, to demonstrate how to live interactively with God, and to pass on this love to others. He didn’t concern himself with being accepted or applauded in speaking.  He was secure in…

Devotions from Jan Johnson’s book, Invitation to the Jesus Life Luke 6:45  “For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” Are we often surprised at what comes out of our mouth that seems to have bubbled up from nowhere?  But the mouth can respond only according to what has been cultivated in…