Now we want to begin the quest for spiritual maturity. This is a search for real treasure, eternal treasure. But we have to start with a willingness to want spiritual awareness and sensitivity, to accept entrance into the spiritual dimension. The spiritual dimension is where the physical universe began so we have to accept the basic premise upon which we came into being. That is, we are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience. Why we…

We've gone to great length to shift our gaze about heart maturity from what man thinks to what the Lord Jesus thinks. What man seems to assume is that if all of us can simply have an ideal of what a mature heart is like then we can work, strive and attain that ideal. It's our desire, our intention to set our mind on being good and right that counts. This is where ideals fall apart. There's no example, no ultimate standard, just a 'pie in the sky' hit and miss goal. We have to face the fact…

When we talk about a mature heart we have two perspectives to define it. One is from our human desire for it and the other is the spiritual source that defines and offers it. Let's start with with the human one first.

The heart---your heart, my heart---it has such deep meaning for all of us. We are full of expressions like “I can feel in my heart...” “A heart full of love” “In my heart of hearts...” “I know in my heart...” and we can deal with anything if we just “get to the heart of…

Since we opened the door to the idea of maturity the questions have arisen about the specifics. That’s where we are now headed. If we consider the biblical view of what we are as images of God then we want to know three things, the maturity of the mind, the maturity of the heart and the maturity of the spirit. Jesus initiates this when He says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul [spirit] and with all your mind (Mt.22:37).” At another point when Jesus foretells…

Maturity. What do you think of when asked what it means to be a mature person? What does maturity look like and how do we obtain it? The answers I get from the world around me are usually based on social observation. A mature person is a person of wisdom who doesn't get rattled in the midst of turmoil. It's a person who remains calm and unflappable even when the worst of insults are thrown his way. He is quick to listen and slow to give opinion. He is eager to learn what makes people tick…

What can we realistically accomplish in a lifetime? What is the extent and the limitation of human ability? While we may act it out in terms of wealth, wisdom, work and pleasure, what does it really mean to be human? Then physically, how fast, how high, how long and how far can a body go and endure? Intellectually, how much can we progress? Emotionally, how deep can one feel, share, be open and learn? Spiritually, do we ever reach the edge of probing the unseen, the attitudes and spirits…

If you want a clear picture of what true, complete and ultimate faith looks like, think Jesus. Everyday of His life, His mind, His heart and Spirit was living for His Father. His heart, mind and Spirit were in His Father. He was the temple of faith for His Father. His mind, His heart and His Spirit were submitted in obedience to His Father’s will. His mind was the Holy Place and His heart was the Holy of Holies. His Spirit moved within to energize the Word in Him.

It is that picture…

Jesus was asked, “What must we do to do the works God requires (Jn.6:28)?”

When we hear that question asked it should immediately record insights into human nature. We want a sure thing whenever we are faced with a making a decision. We’re looking for a formula. We’re not satisfied with where we are or even who we are. There’s no certainty or security. This is what echoes across the centuries, “Given our wilderness conditions, the political situation, the hypocrisy of leadership, our…

There’s nothing worse than being ‘on the outs’ with someone or a group. Everyone wants to be ‘in’ or at least ‘on the in.’ There’s ‘the in group,’ ‘the inner circle,’ ‘inside info,’ ‘insider trading,’ and ‘in the know.’ All it takes is an ‘in’vitation. It’s all ‘in’ who you know. Someone mentioned recently that they had sent their resume to multiple places, a resume loaded with expertise. Ultimately it didn’t make any difference because the available slots were filled by people, most of whom…

“On the Road again -

Just can't wait to get on the road again.

The life I love is making music with my friends

And I can't wait to get on the road again.

On the road again

Goin' places that I've never been.

Seein' things that I may never see again

And I can't wait to get on the road again.

On the road again -

Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway

We're the best of friends.

Insisting that the world keep turning our…

“On the Road again -

Just can't wait to get on the road again.

The life I love is making music with my friends

And I can't wait to get on the road again.

On the road again

Goin' places that I've never been.

Seein' things that I may never see again

And I can't wait to get on the road again.

On the road again -

Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway

We're…

For This Reason 29

Willie Nelson wrote and sings a song that just might well be called his personal anthem, “On The Road Again.” Look at the words. It could really be our personal anthem as disciples of Jesus.

On the Road again -

Just can't wait to get on the road again.

The life I love is making music with my friends

And I can't wait to get on the road again.

On the road again

Goin' places that I've never been.

Seein' things that I may never see…