Tag: #Godislove

The Heartbeat of the Bible: Love

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Have you ever loved someone so deeply that you would do anything for them? I’m not talking about a controlling, manipulative kind of love that demands an action to prove it, as I and so many others experienced from an abuser. Instead, I mean an unconditional, everlasting love that only God can fill our hearts with. God is love (I John 4:8, ESV).

The motivation behind God’s actions toward us and for us drives His desires for a relationship with us, His promises, and the provisions that bring it to completion. God’s promises are everlasting. They align with His desires; so, we can trust He will make provisions to fulfill every one of them.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, emphasis added). Don’t overlook that just because you’ve heard it before. Pause for a moment to reflect on its magnification; gently let its simplicity enter your heart and mind.

One of my favorite phrases in the Bible is God’s declaration, “I will be their God” and “They will be my people,” known as the Covenant Formula. According to Biblehub.com, “it represents the ultimate goal of God’s relationship with humanity.” He desires to be with His people. He created us to have a relationship with Him.

Echoed throughout both the Old and New Testaments – it isn’t just a repetitive phrase – it’s the backbone of the entire biblical narrative. In Jeremiah 31:33, we see a significant shift as God promises to move this relationship from external rules to the heart.

Basically, God is telling us that He will be our God for the long term through a dependable covenant sealed by His promise. God will provide all that is needed to uphold the covenant and will rejoice in doing good. In other words, God keeps His promises not reluctantly but with great joy (Jer. 32:40-41, ESV).

This love isn’t just for individuals; it’s designed to give us ‘one heart,’ uniting us to serve Him with a reverence that protects our children and us from harm.

His promises cannot fail because they are as firm as the earth He created (Jer. 33:2). Just as God tells Jeremiah, all he needs to do is ask, and He will reveal hidden things—this has a broader application for all of God’s people. Because of His great love and grace, He will give us understanding of His Word and His purposes in our lives (Jer. 33:3).

What an incredible assurance we can depend on to get us through. God’s character is good, reliable, and trustworthy because His love for us never ends: “Give thanks to the Lord of hosts, for the Lord is good, for his steadfast love endures forever” (Jer. 33:11, emphasis added)! This is also repeated many times throughout the OT, but is most closely associated with Ps. 136, where it appears in every verse. No matter what happens, we can remember that God’s covenant love never quits.

God says He will send a righteous Branch who shall execute justice and righteousness in the land, fulfill the promises, and serve as priest and king (Jer. 33:18; 2 Sam. 7:16; I Chron. 17:11-12). This explicitly points to the coming of Christ, bridging the gap between the Old and New Testaments. It is like an architect’s plan for restoration.

In Jeremiah’s time, the Davidic monarchy resembled a felled tree—the kings were corrupt, and the nation was on the verge of exile. By promising a “Branch” (or “Shoot”) emerging from a stump, God was assuring that even though the tree seemed dead, new life would grow from the same royal “root.”

The Old Testament provides a blueprint for the life and mission of Jesus. Just as we see Jeremiah pointing to the coming of Christ, one can also observe this foreshadowing in the other Old Testament books.

God is revealing His ultimate plan for restoration: the prophecies demonstrate God’s restoration of a broken lineage and a failed priesthood, perfectly fulfilled through Christ. We see references to the Branch in the Old Testament throughout the Gospels, and we recognize that Jesus fulfilled every role and detail, all carefully aligned with the ancient blueprint of the Branch.

The Provisions, Promises, and Desires of God are the heartbeat of the Bible. Stemming from His love, these truths establish the foundation, the framing, and the finished work of Jesus Christ.

God Provides (Jehovah Jireh)

This is the “materials” phase. God doesn’t just give us a task; He provides what is needed to complete it.

  • The Ultimate Provision: Just as He provided the ram for Abraham on the mountain (Genesis 22:14), He provided Christ as the ultimate “resource” for our restoration.
  • Daily Provision: Matthew 6:33 promises that when we seek His kingdom first, “all these things” (our basic needs) will be provided.

God Keeps His Promises

This is the “contract.” Unlike humans, who might overpromise and underdeliver, the Bible states that God is not a man who would lie (Numbers 23:19).

  • The Track Record: Joshua 21:45 says, “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” * The “Branch”: As we discussed, even when the Davidic line looked like a dead stump, God kept His 400-year-old promise to bring a King who would rule forever.

God Desires to Be with Us

This is the “occupancy.” A house isn’t a home until the owner moves in.

  • The Tabernacle: God told Moses, “Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst” (Exodus 25:8).
  • Immanuel: The name literally means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
  • The Holy Spirit: Jesus promised He wouldn’t leave us as orphans but would send His Spirit to live in us (John 14:16-18).

It’s incredible to realize that the Creator of the universe wants to dwell in our lives and hearts. He is the ultimate Project Manager, making sure that what He started in us, He will finish (Philippians 1:6).

“…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17–19, emphasis added)

Reflection: From the Stump to the Spring

Take a moment to quiet your heart and consider how God’s “blueprint” is unfolding in your own life today.

  • The “Dead Stump”: Is there an area of your life—a dream, a relationship, or a sense of hope—that feels like a felled tree? How does the promise of the “Branch” (the new life growing from the stump) change how you see that situation?
  • The Contract vs. The Heart: Are you currently relating to God through “external rules” (the hustle to be “good enough”), or are you resting in the “Cistern of Grace” where He has written His love directly on your heart?
  • The Project Manager: If you viewed your current struggle not as a “failure” but as a “construction zone,” how would that change your level of peace? Do you trust that the One who laid the foundation will also complete the finished work?
  • A Simple Prayer: “Lord, thank You for being the God who provides the materials, keeps the promises, and desires to move in. Today, I stop trying to be the architect, and I trust Your blueprint instead.”

I’d love to hear from you! Which verse or image from this post resonated most with your heart today?

The Well That Never Runs Dry: Finding Living Water

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

We’ve all been there—standing over a project, a relationship, or even just our own exhausted hearts, feeling like we’re scraping the bottom of a dry bucket. We spend so much of our lives “digging.” We seek a sense of purpose, carry the weight of expectations, and try to fill ourselves with things that were never meant to satisfy. It’s draining.

But right in the middle of our “dusty” seasons, the Bible gives us this incredible, almost stubborn hope. In Isaiah 55:1, God doesn’t tell us to go find a shovel and dig a better hole; He says, “Come.” He invites us to a different kind of water—what the ancients called Mayim Hayim, or “Living Water.” It’s the kind of water that doesn’t just sit in a tank waiting to be used up; it’s a bubbling, moving, never-ending spring. Today, I want to invite you to stop the “hustle” of trying to stay hydrated on your own and join me at the edge of the well that never runs dry.

Jesus didn’t depend on complex theological diagrams or abstract lessons. Instead, He drew people into the Kingdom through tangible things they could touch, taste, and see. In the Gospel of John, this is clearly shown: Jesus uses everyday objects to reflect our inner selves. Specifically, He equates ‘Living Water’ with the Holy Spirit—a promise that when we come to Christ, our deepest spiritual desires aren’t just temporarily satisfied but ultimately fulfilled forever.

Jesus was the ultimate storyteller because He began with the tangible aspects of life rather than abstract ideas. He understood that if we could grasp the significance of the bread on our tables or the water in our jars, we would gradually come to understand the heart of God.

Other physical objects Jesus used to describe the Holy Spirit include “wind” (John 3:8), which emphasizes the Spirit’s power in moving where He wills; “Olive Oil” represents the anointing—healing and being set apart for a purpose; the gentle presence of God is like a “Dove” or the Peace of the Spirit; while “Fire” signifies purification—burning away the dross in our lives.

While the dove and fire appeared at His baptism and Pentecost, Jesus specifically used wind and water in His direct conversations in the Gospel of John.

When Jesus meets the woman at the well, the “physical object” isn’t just the water—it’s the bucket and the well itself.

When she says, “Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep” (John 4:11), she is focused on the physical limitation. Jesus uses that bucket to pivot her heart. He’s essentially saying, “You’re worried about how deep the well is, but I’m talking about a Spring that is already inside you” (John 4:13-14).

By comparing this water to the Holy Spirit, as mentioned, Jesus teaches that God doesn’t want to be someone we “visit” at a well once a week. He wants to be a constant, flowing presence—a literal part of our internal “ecosystem.”

Cistern water is stored through human effort. Living water is given by God.

Cistern Water vs. Living Water

  • Cistern: Stagnant, requires digging, can break, human-maintained.
  • Living Water: Dynamic, flows from the Source, never runs out, Spirit-filled.

When Isaiah 55:1 says, “Come to the waters,” he is inviting people to leave their stagnant, hand-dug pits and return to the original, flowing Source.

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat” (Is. 55:1).

The only requirement to access this well is thirst.

In a spiritual sense, thirst is the recognition of our own emptiness. Usually, a purchase requires an exchange of equal value. But here, the “Living Water” is so valuable it cannot be bought, yet so free it can be possessed. The water flows, but we must position ourselves at the riverbank.

In Jeremiah 2:13, God laments that His people have committed two evils: “They have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.” When Jesus speaks with the Samaritan woman, He is essentially responding to the invitation of Isaiah 55. He tells her that the water He gives will become a spring —a bubbling, active fountain—within the believer.

To summarize, cistern water is stagnant, requires manual digging, can break, and requires manual maintenance. In contrast, Living Water is living and dynamic, flows freely from the Source, never runs out, and symbolizes the presence of the Holy Spirit within.

Are we attempting to survive on “cistern water”—relying on past successes, our own efforts, or outdated traditions? Or are we poised at the edge of the Living Water, which renews itself each morning?

Refection:

“If you left your ‘water jar’ (your primary source of stress or self-reliance) at the well today to follow the Living Water, what would that jar be labeled?”

As we step into this year, what is one area of your life where you want to “stop digging” and start “drinking” from the flow of the Holy Spirit?

This Week’s Practice: Next time you pour yourself a glass of water or turn on the tap, take a moment to pause. As you feel the water, ask yourself: “Am I trying to ‘dig’ for my peace today, or am I letting the Spirit flow through me?” Let the physical act of drinking be a prayer of return to the Source.

I’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment below and share which physical ‘object’ helps you remember God’s presence the most, or type ‘I’m thirsty’ if you’re joining me at the riverbank today.

The Little Girl – Throwback Thursday

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Some of you may remember this story from a few years ago… but it seemed like a good time to bring it back. (She looks like she has it all together in this photo – I believe this dog’s name was Mandy if I’m not mistaken; we had two at the time, the other was Candy, so I may have them mixed up.)

Before I became a Christ-follower, I didn’t know what it meant to put God first instead of myself or others in my life. I wasn’t in a great place, although I hid it well. It makes me realize that we never know what someone else is going through and the battles they are fighting internally.

One night, during a particularly dark time in my life, I dreamed I was driving down the road where I grew up. I looked in the rearview mirror and saw a little girl sitting in the backseat. She stuck her tongue out at me right as we locked eyes. That little girl was me. She didn’t like me very much.

After becoming a Christ-follower, I sat in prayer and quiet time with the Holy Spirit and was reminded of that dream.  As quickly as that scene appeared, I was whisked away to one of my fondest childhood memories. Swinging on the front porch with my mom on a summer night, singing I See the Moon and the Moon Sees Me.

The next thought was a question: “What would you tell her?”

My first reaction was to tell her, “Don’t do it!”

But just as I finished contemplating those words, another thought crossed my mind. If I hadn’t gone through those tough life experiences, I wouldn’t be the person I am today; at least, I wouldn’t appreciate what Christ did for me as much as I do now. Being in the valley for so long made me value the mountaintop much more. I use those experiences to share my story and help others in similar circumstances. God recycles our pain in the most magnificent ways.

So, I told her this, “You will make mistakes, there will be heartache and pain, but you will persevere. YOU WILL PERSEVERE!”

I heard a whisper in my heart, “She likes you now. She is proud of who you have become.”

What a lovely and heartfelt message from my Heavenly Father. I try to be mindful of thanking God every day for saving my life, rescuing me from an abusive relationship, and, most importantly, transforming my character.

Recently, I dreamt of being back at my childhood home, in the kitchen, dancing with a baby. That dream reignited this story, causing me to reflect on how far I’ve come and the joy that fills my heart. This joy makes me want to dance and celebrate the milestones that come from my relationship with Christ. Maybe that baby was me, too– either way, I woke up smiling and knew I had to post this message again for someone who needs to hear it.

Our past does not define us. Our identity is only found in Christ.

Even then, I was a daughter of the King and valuable in God’s eyes. It took a powerful wake-up call to make me see where my worth truly comes from. Only God. There is hope – His name is Jesus Christ.

P.S. I would also tell my former self that the devil is a liar (John 8:44); you do have a better choice, and you can have a relationship with God.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Rom. 15:13, ESV, Emphasis added).

“We have this [hope] as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into he inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf” (Heb. 6:19, emphasis added)

Repentance and Rest: Key Elements to Peace

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

We all fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23, ESV). Don’t stop there…the rest of the verse says, “and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

Last week, I discussed The Magnitude of Grace and God’s love for us. This week, I want to continue focusing on grace and emphasize the importance of daily repentance, which brings peace. As we seek holiness, we should ask for forgiveness of our sins to create more space in our hearts for the Holy Spirit to dwell.

When David sinned against Bathsheba and Uriah (2 Sam 11:1-17), it was hurtful not only to them but to God. When he humbled himself in repentance and asked God to “Create in me a clean heart, O God, renew a right spirit within me” (Ps. 51:10, ESV, Emphasis added), he was being completely honest with God. He recognized the wrong he had done and humbled himself before God, asking for mercy (Biblica Study Bible). This can be our prayer also.

The heart is what God sees and cares about. Some sins are apparent, like David’s; others may not be. If we’re unsure of our offenses, we can ask God to reveal them to us and pray for His help to change and bring glory to Jesus Christ in everything we do.

I mentioned that God desires for us to be with Him and be still; to acknowledge Him in all things (Prov. 3:6). Making this a daily discipline leads to peace and prepares us for success when challenges arise.

“In returning (Or repentance) and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength” (Is. 30:15, Emphasis added).

The ESV Study Bible emphasizes that the genuine way to achieve victory and peace is through repentance and rest. Additionally, by opening more space in our hearts via repentance, we invite more of the Spirit, which results in liberation from condemnation, guilt, shame, sin, death, the old covenant, and spiritual blindness to the gospel. This freedom also provides access to God’s loving presence (2 Cor. 3:17).

The promises of the old covenant pointed to Jesus, while the new covenant changes people’s hearts and makes them right with God forever. Some struggle to understand this concept until the Spirit of God removes the veil and helps those who turn to God understand it (Biblica Study Bible). Only through Christ is the veil taken away (2 Cor. 3:14).

The freedom that comes with the Spirit is completely real, and we are meant to live in that freedom for ultimate peace instead of the guilt and shame inflicted on us by the enemy’s lies. After we put the flesh to death, we are alive in Christ and are not to continue in sin but rather allow the Holy Spirit to transform us to the likeness of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:1-4).

This is what Jesus meant when He told the Pharisees to clean the inside of the cup first; they were worrying over cleaning the outside (or their appearance) when the inside was still filthy. He was referring to the obvious internal condition of their hearts (Matt. 23:26). By accepting Christ, one becomes all that God requires (2 Cor. 5:21). We are to put on Christian virtues, otherwise known as the breastplate of righteousness, as a guard against the things of this world that corrupt our hearts (Eph. 6:14).

This imagery suggests that this righteousness isn’t just a legal declaration, but an active, daily practice that protects the heart and mind from corruption and the spiritual attacks of the world. It serves as a reminder that a renewed identity in Christ should lead to a life of moral and ethical integrity, and that this lived-out righteousness is a defense against evil.

God supplies all the spiritual weapons we need, along with the power of the Holy Spirit inside us, to fight off the attacks and temptations from Satan. We are never alone in the fight and have everything needed for victory. God always provides a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13). We can also fight for one another.

This is why community with like-minded people is so important. “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another” (Prob. 27:17, emphasis added). If we are struggling with sin in our lives, we can ask a trusted friend to pray with us and for us and hold us accountable.

Shift your perspective and make it a daily habit to rest in the shadow of the Almighty, humbly seeking forgiveness and mercy, and strive to become more like Jesus every day, pursuing holiness. Notice the peace that grows in your heart as you create more space for the Holy Spirit to work.

God wants the best for you. God sees you and hears you.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty (Ps. 91:1, Emphasis added).

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Cor. 3:17, Emphasis added).

“Do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:16, Emphasis added). “You shall be holy, for I am holy (Lev. 11:44, Emphasis added).

The Magnitude of Grace

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

God is love (1 John 4:16, ESV). His love for us is immeasurable. If He ever withdrew His love, we’d be in trouble. Thankfully, for us, God’s love is everlasting (Ps. 103:17), and He desires a relationship with us. That love drives His abundant grace toward us. The magnitude of God’s grace is epic; not to be taken for granted or underestimated.

We can sometimes get caught up in all the things we should do for God and forget that God is not a taskmaster; what He wants most is for us to be WITH Him. He wants us to acknowledge Him and be still (Ps. 46:10; Prov. 3:5), carving out time to spend just being with Him. God desires steadfast love and acknowledgment rather than sacrifices and burnt offerings (Hosea 6:6).

No matter what we do, God’s love is endless. In the Old Testament, even when Israel betrayed and was unfaithful to God, His redeeming love never ran out; it goes beyond human understanding (ESV Study Bible Notes, Hosea intro). This really stood out to me and helped me see just how great God’s grace is.

One of my favorite phrases in the Bible is that God wants to be our God and for us to be His people. The exact phrase “You shall be my people, and I will be your God” and similar variations appear at least 28 times throughout the Old and New Testaments. This promise, often called the Covenant Formula, is a central theme in Scripture, emphasizing God’s special relationship with His chosen people.

Key Occurrences

  • Old Testament: The phrase is most common in the Old Testament, especially in the books of the prophets. It first appears in Exodus 6:7 during God’s promise to rescue the Israelites from Egypt. It also appears repeatedly in Jeremiah and Ezekiel, often emphasizing God’s plan for restoration and a renewed covenant.
  • New Testament: The theme continues into the New Testament, especially in 2 Corinthians 6:16 and Revelation 21:3, where it is applied to the Christian Church, representing God’s promise to dwell among his people.

What does this show about God’s character? How do our desires compare to God’s? When we put Christ first in our lives, our desires align with His.

Jesus took our place on the cross and fulfilled the OT law for sacrifices. Our salvation hinges on God’s grace, not any works that we have done or will do (Eph. 2:8; Rom. 3:24).

God established the Old Testament sacrificial system as a way for His people to atone for their sins. Animals were sacrificed as a temporary substitute, their blood shed to cover the sins of the people. This entire system, however, was a foreshadow of the ultimate, perfect sacrifice to come.

The author of the book of Hebrews explains this in detail, arguing that the repeated sacrifices of animals were a reminder of sin, but could never truly remove it. Jesus, as the “once for all” sacrifice, offered his own life, a perfect and spotless life, to permanently and completely atone for the sins of all humanity. (Hebrews 9:11-14; 10:1-10)

This explains what is meant when it is said that Jesus “took our place.” The concept is known as penal substitutionary atonement, which means that Jesus, the innocent one, took the punishment—the penalty—that we, the guilty, deserved for our sins. He died in our place, as our substitute, satisfying the demands of God’s justice.

The verses cited above, Ephesians 2:8 and Romans 3:24, are cornerstones of this doctrine.

  • Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” This verse is a direct statement that salvation is not something we earn through our actions (“works”). Instead, it is a gift from God (“grace”) that we receive through trust (“faith”). This means there is no room for human pride or boasting, as our salvation is entirely dependent on God’s kindness and not on our own merit.
  • Romans 3:24: “…and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” This verse reinforces the idea that justification—being declared righteous in the eyes of God—is a gift of grace. It is made possible through the “redemption” that Jesus accomplished on the cross. “Redemption” here means to be set free by the payment of a price, which in this case was the life of Christ.

In summary, Jesus’s death on the cross was the perfect sacrifice that fulfilled the Old Testament law. This act, done out of love and grace, is the only basis for our salvation. We cannot earn this salvation, but we receive it as a gift when we put our faith in Christ.

We may have heard this countless times, but the magnitude of His grace and its significance might not have fully registered. Take a moment to pause, spend time with God, read His Word to learn more about His character, and thank Him for Jesus and the limitless grace He continually bestows upon us out of His love.

A few years ago, my life was a wreck – but God.

I resonate with a lotus or water lily because its meaning is a beautiful bloom that emerges from the mud. It shows that even in the most challenging circumstances (the mud), with God’s help, one can grow, overcome adversity, and emerge with grace and beauty, inside the heart where it counts most.

“The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7, NLT, emphasis added).

“Fear not, for I am with you; for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Is. 41:10, ESV, emphasis added).

Labels Stick

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

There are a few vehicles in our neighborhood with stickers that say ‘hoonagan’ – I wasn’t familiar with the term, so I looked it up and found that it means reckless driver. Now, I can’t understand why anyone would want to label themselves as a reckless driver.

The labels we and others put on ourselves matter. What we believe about ourselves matters. Labels stick – pun intended – and can be harmful. False identity leads to insecurity.

Our identity is only found in who God says we are, not people or even ourselves.

When a lawyer asked Jesus which is the greatest commandment, He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it; You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:37-38, ESV, emphasis added).

Before we can love others healthily, we must love God and ourselves. Yes, I said to love ourselves. Still, that doesn’t mean we should be vain, but since we are made in the image of God, we should respect ourselves and our bodies in a way that honors Him. Speaking poorly about ourselves isn’t helpful. When we catch ourselves, we can pray that God help us take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).

This is also useful in other situations, such as when we find ourselves getting offended easily or letting our emotions take control of and spoil our day. Yes, our feelings are important, but we shouldn’t let them control our lives and keep us from the peace that Jesus offers every day. We can’t control what others say or do, but we can control how we react.

Complete transparency: I am learning to ask God for help in controlling my emotions. I find that I sometimes wear my feelings on my sleeve, especially when I am offended, which is another area of contention I am working on. When this happens, I am only focused on myself – instead of Jesus and others.

We need to be intentional about developing our character and behavior with God’s help. I often ask God to reveal any areas I need to work on, so I can make more room for the Holy Spirit in my heart and be more like Jesus – the path for loving others well. A simple prayer each morning, before my day starts, asking God to help me be kind, humble, and not easily offended, has been invaluable. The only person we are responsible for fixing is ourselves, and that can only be accomplished through daily prayer and discipline, with God’s help.

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less”. C.S. Lewis

The verse Paul wrote in Romans 7:15 comes to mind when I find myself in the same offensive mindset. “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”

Can anyone else relate?

I pray consistently, humbly asking God to help me become who He created me to be – more like Jesus and less like me. But what matters is that I know who I am in Christ, and most importantly, whose I am. This is what drives my persistence in pursuing the path of righteousness.  

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well” (Ps. 139:13-14, emphasis added).

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19, emphasis added).

The Plumb Line and Grace: A Story of God’s Unfailing Love

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

In the Old Testament, a prophet named Amos, a shepherd and fig grower by trade, declared that sometime in the future, God would restore Israel through the coming Messiah, in which all nations will be brought to the Kingdom of God. Although Israel would still experience exile and God’s judgement, it’s not the end of their story (Amos 9:11-15, ESV).

Amos’s vision of a plumb line reveals that Israel fails to meet God’s standard and cannot escape judgment because of their so-called acts of worship and lack of concern for others (7:7-9). Their grand display of worship lacked sincerity and integrity, and they placed their focus on themselves rather than on God, not to mention their oppression of people (4:45; The Holman Bible Dictionary, 61).

We all fall short of the plumb line, but the Good News is that, because of God’s grace through Jesus Christ, we are forgiven (Rom. 3:23-24), and it’s not the end of our story either. God’s message of judgment was also a demonstration of His grace. The message served as a warning to Israel, but it also presented an opportunity for them to repent and be restored to God (5:4).

The problem was that they didn’t recognize their need for repentance. They were still worshipping idols even as they believed in the law of Moses, replacing sincere spirituality with insincere religiosity (ESV Study Notes).

It is the same with some today. The world says everything goes, and even if they believe in God, they may not see a need for repentance. Our need for a Savior extends far beyond mere belief. We are in dire need of His grace through Christ, which extends to an intimate relationship that outweighs religion and rituals every time. True faith requires a transformative change of heart and a personal connection with God’s grace, rather than simply adhering to external forms of religion.

That is the beauty of God’s redemptive story and His love for us. When Jesus said, “Come to me,” that is an invitation to trust Jesus personally, not merely believe historical facts about Him (Matt. 11:28). “All who labor and are heavy laden” in context refers to those oppressed by the burden of religious legalism imposed on people by the scribes and Pharisees. Still, the wider application is that Jesus provides rest for our souls (v. 29, ESV Study notes).

It is an eternal rest for all who seek forgiveness and freedom from the crushing legalistic burdens and guilt of trying to earn salvation by good works (ESV Study notes). The “yoke” in verse 29 is a metaphor for the law of works. John 1:17 confirms that the OT law came through Moses, but the NT Grace came through Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law (Rom. 10:4).

Paul’s writings reiterate this message. “Let me put it another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be made right with God through faith. And now that the way of faith has come, we no longer need the law as our guardian” (Gal. 3:24-25, Emphasis added).

According to The Holman Bible Dictionary, Paul, like Moses, affirms that without the law, we would not know what sin was (Rom. 7:7; Deut. 4:6-8). “Furthermore, he, like Jesus, captures the spirit of the OT law by reducing its demands to love God and one’s neighbor” (Rom. 13:8-10; Gal. 5:13, Brand, 996).

In summary, The Holman Bible Dictionary explains that even though not all the OT laws associated with the old covenant continue under the new, there is no wedge between the law of the OT and the grace of the NT. The old covenant and its laws were a form of grace. God redeemed His people and called them into a covenant relationship with Him. The grace in the NT calls for a response. Our obedience is a demonstration of love for God and does not come as a burden, but out of a desire to please God for rescuing us.

Both the OT law and the NT grace of Jesus Christ call for the redeemed to “respond to God’s grace with unreserved love for Him and self-sacrificing love for others” (Brand, 997).

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty of our sins” (Romans 3:24-25, NLT, emphasis added).

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matt. 11:28-30, emphasis added).

Love and Son Shine: All you need to grow in Grace

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

Wake-up calls are rarely pleasant when we’re going through them. Still, tragedy often changes our perspective, which can lead to some of the most meaningful seasons of our lives if we remain attentive. What if what you are experiencing is guiding you toward God’s purpose for your life?

Since my life-changing accident in 2013, which I see as a wake-up call after spending many years sleepwalking through life without considering what God wanted for me, I started reflecting on how many lives might have been affected by tragedies and near-death experiences. If my year of losing loved ones and enduring multiple personal injuries changed my life, then how much more could larger events impact others?

As terrible as 9/11 was, I wonder how many new, life-changing perspectives emerged among those who escaped. Not to glorify the tragedy in any way, but to thank God for bringing good out of it (Romans 8:28, ESV). Many, like me, probably reevaluated their priorities and found a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude that can only be credited to God. As a result, many individuals often start a divine relationship for the first time in their lives, transforming everything—from how they see daily life and the breath in their lungs to how they evaluate their choices and the consequences that follow.

In Christianity, Romans 8:28 is often understood as a powerful promise that assures believers that God is working in all circumstances for their ultimate good. However, it’s crucial to understand this verse within its broader context and avoid misinterpretations.

  • Ultimate Good: The “good” mentioned in the verse doesn’t necessarily refer to immediate comfort or material wealth. Instead, it mainly relates to spiritual growth, becoming more like Christ, and ultimately, salvation and glorification. Difficult circumstances are seen as opportunities for God to strengthen faith and develop a Christlike character.
  • Comprehensive Promise: “All things” in this verse are generally understood to include every circumstance, even pain and suffering. This doesn’t mean God causes bad things, but rather that He can use even negative situations for the eventual good of believers and the advancement of His purposes.
  • Focus on God’s Glory: Ultimately, this verse also points to God’s glory. By working all things together for the good of believers, God reveals and magnifies His power and love.

Things Romans 8:28 does NOT mean:

  • It does not guarantee a trouble-free life (John 16:33)
  • It does not mean that all bad things will be reversed or have happy endings in this life.
  • It does not justify suffering or suggest that believers should not grieve or seek help in difficult times.
  • It does not promise that believers will always get what they want or desire.

Essentially, Romans 8:28 gives believers reassurance and hope during life’s challenges. It encourages them to trust that God is working, even when they can’t see it, to bring about a greater good in their lives and for His overall plan. This good emphasizes their spiritual growth and eternal destiny, not just earthly comfort.

After going through the fire, I experienced a miraculous wake-up call of epic proportions that I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Still, the outcome is worth it. I continue to be in awe of an amazing God who loves us despite our sin. He did not wait for me to clean myself up – there is not enough soap in the world for that. Just like a waterlily, a beautiful bloom that emerges from the mud, God’s love and Son Shine helped me grow in grace.

As challenging as that year of tragedy was, I emerged with renewed passion for my purpose in life, according to God’s plan, not mine. I was submerged in the life-giving waters of baptism for the second time in my life; not that the first one didn’t count, but this one was an adult decision that brought genuine freedom, broken chains, and joyous surrender to the One who rescued me.  

My story isn’t over, and neither is yours. If God can use someone like me, I know He can use you too.

“Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” (Ephesians 5:14, New International Version, Emphasis added)

It Starts with LOVE

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

I find it fascinating that the Bible records two people as being “taken by God” and therefore, not seeing death. Enoch and Elijah share this wonder (Gen. 5:22;24; 2 Kings 2:1-12, ESV). Hebrews mentions Enoch in the ‘Hall of Faith’. The author makes a not-so-giant leap in recognizing that he must have had faith, because he was recorded as having pleased God. Without faith, Hebrews 11:6 says, this is impossible.

Forget wishful thinking; genuine faith is a continuous, confident hope rooted in the promises of an all-powerful God who made Himself known through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 11:1). It’s more than just believing He exists; it’s a profound certainty in His faithfulness to keep His word and bless those who follow Him (Hebrews 10:35, 11:26, 10:23, 11:1).

Enoch’s journey with God, as described in Genesis 5:21-24, portrays a profound and continuous intimacy. In return for such devotion, God extends His unwavering grace, guaranteeing the perseverance of His own.

When God’s love is within us, it gives us the desire to love and please God (Matt. 11:28). “If we love one another, God abides in us and His love is perfected in us” (1 John 4:11-12, Emphasis added). The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary defines “perfect” as being whole or complete. To be perfected in love is not to say that we are perfect, but God is perfect, and His love in us makes us complete, lacking nothing.

It all starts with love. God’s overarching love for us, revealed through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, helps us cultivate hope and faith, which in turn enables God’s love to reside within us. Couple that with an intimate relationship with Christ, and it leads to a desire to please God above all else.

Elijah obeyed God but fled in fear for his life afterward (1 Kings 19:9). When his anxieties got the best of him, he hid in a cave to avoid certain death. God showed up in a gentle whisper to comfort him. God informed Elijah about his predecessor, Elisha, whom he would pass on his cloak of leadership as a prophet (1 Kings 19:16). God then spared Elijah from seeing death by taking him up to heaven (2 Kings 2:1-11).

The book of Malachi foretold the coming of a prophet who would precede the Messiah (Malachi 4:5). This wasn’t a prophecy that demanded Elijah himself reappear. Instead, it spoke of a legacy—a spiritual inheritance.

John the Baptist, arriving “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17), embodies this fulfillment. His ministry, characterized by a fervent call to repentance and preparation, mirrored the impactful and unyielding prophetic work of Elijah of old. Thus, the ancient prophecy found its powerful realization not in Elijah’s physical return, but in a successor who carried his fiery torch, preparing the way for Jesus.

Although John the Baptist, beheaded by the king’s orders, was not miraculously spared from death, as Elijah was (Mark 6:27), his ministry and legacy as a forerunner to Christ still bore a resemblance to that of Elijah.

Upon reflection, it occurred to me that being taken up by God, without seeing death, could be a blessing promised to believers who are still alive when Christ comes back. End times are shrouded with mystery, but Jesus says two will be together, one left and one taken (Matt. 24:40). We don’t know for sure which one is taken, the believers or non-believers, nevertheless considering verse 31, which records Jesus words, God will send his angels with a loud trumpet call. The elect from the four winds, from each end of heaven, will be gathered. This, along with Paul’s writings, “Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:17, Emphasis added), leads me to the conclusion that God takes up the elect. What a delightful image.

All the mysteries tend to make us fearful. To echo Paul, “Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:18, Emphasis added). In other words, even with the unknown variables about end times, this teaching about Christ’s return should result in comfort and encouragement for believers, rather than fear, which is Paul’s goal in these passages (ESV Study Bible Notes).

It starts with love.

“If we love one another, God abides in us and His love is perfected in us” (1 John 4:11-12, Emphasis added).

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (1 John 4:18, Emphasis added).

“We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19, Emphasis added).

Protection and Promises

by Angela K. Crow-Mitchell

God’s promises are sprinkled throughout the Bible, encouraging us not to give up.  When Moses questioned his ability to carry out God’s plan, lead the Israelites, and ask God’s name, God reassured him, “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14, ESV, Emphasis added). He instructed Moses to tell the people I AM sent me—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 3:14).  

In Hebrew, “I am” can be translated as “I will be.” In context, verse 12 records God telling Moses He will be with him. The name Yahweh (the Lord) also reminds us of God’s promises to His people and His help fulfilling their calling. God’s name indicates His character and attributes (ESV Study Bible notes, Exodus 3:14).  

Later, when Joshua took leadership, God gave him a notable task and told him to “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6). God doesn’t give orders and leave Joshua to his own devices. He gave a daunting task, yes, but He framed it with promises: “I will be with you” (v. 5) and “The Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (v. 9). These examples indicate a compassionate God who will never leave us.

Besides the promises and the task, God also shows Joshua how to succeed by not turning from the Lord’s instructions, which are integral to who he is and what he does. Likewise, we are given instructions to live by; a role model in Jesus Christ, to imitate, and promises to help us stay strong and courageous.

Peace comes from God’s love inside us. Stress and worry are not of God. Believe and receive the goodness of God. Faith captures the essence of God in a believer’s heart. He is undeniably for us. We do not need to fear, because the Lord is our helper (Heb. 13:6). We can trust in the One who holds eternity in His hand. He promises never to forsake us (Ps. 94:14). The hiccups in life are only temporary.

If we face a task God gives us, we can step out in faith, knowing He will not leave us to pursue it alone. He will open and close doors to guide our path. It is vital to remain in communion with Him, asking that His will be done.

We can lean on the promise that Christ is coming back for us, as John records Jesus’ words, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am preparing a place for you? And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am, you may be also” (John 14:1-3, Emphasis added).  

Sweet promises that sustain us until that day comes. We can find rest in these assurances.

For the last few years, I have been able to hold on to a personal promise, which I pass along to other abuse survivors: You are a beautiful flower in My garden. I send rain and sunlight to nurture you and help you grow. You are protected under the care of the Master Gardener, never to be plucked and taken away from Me again.

How are we to live in light of these promises?

Freely and joyfully, living life to the fullest, showing others the way of Christ in love. Our eternal perspective changes our attitude, as we are charged to keep our focus on Christ, the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2). We can listen for God in the day-to-day tasks and show the love of Christ to everyone we meet. Don’t get caught up in the minutia; be Kingdom-minded, doing them for God instead of men (Col. 3:23).

“He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (I John 4:4, Emphasis added).