The Fifth Sunday in Lent reminds us of the necessity of enduring hardships for growth and maturity, both spiritually and in all aspects of life. Just as a diamond forms under pressure, Jesus’ suffering leads to glorification. We are called to embrace present challenges for future joy, allowing God to shape us into immortal diamonds through adversity. … More Crushed Bones into Spiritual Diamonds
In John 12, Jesus is telling us that life is to be found in the dying and losing process, not on the other side of it or by avoiding it. If you want to bear much fruit spiritually, then you may first need to be broken open, split in two, pressed into hard soil, plowed over by persecution, humbled by the spade that throws loose dirt over the false, airbrushed version of your life. … More Cow Manure and Spiritual Growth
While Scripture affirms the value of comfort, it also makes clear that we require resistance, striving, pain, and suffering in order to grow in godliness. … More Snowflake Spirituality
“Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made” (Phil 3:16). Paul is first and foremost a pastor. Every pastor must grasp one simple but crucial truth of … More It’s a Long Slow Process
Later that morning Jesus told me to get my work boots on and meet him at the potting shed. The rustic shed sat cropped up on a hill with a wood chipped path leading down to the cabin. As I approached the shed, I saw Jesus come out the little red door in his grubs … More Cabin 13: The Potting Shed
Jeremy L. Berg 