When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.”So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds…The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them. 

~Luke 2:15-18; 20

Don’t you love reading the second chapter of Luke’s gospel? Particularly on Christmas morning—especially when it’s carefully sounded out through the mouth of an excited jammie-clad child, hot cocoa in hand. (It also makes me think of that beautiful soliloquy of Linus, but that’s another story.)

Something new and interesting struck me this year in meditating on these events—which is what the Living Word does, am I right? The Lord sent His mighty, bright, glorious angels to a group of shepherd boys to declare the Gospel for the very first time in the earthly ministry of Jesus. He was maybe just hours old when the angel told them that a Savior, Christ the Lord (God Himself) was born. Then they experienced a heavenly concert of a multitude of angels singing of the glory of it all. 

The Bible then says, once they heard the Good News, the hurried to see for themselves. But then I noticed for the first time in verses 17-18 that they told others—to which the response of those people was wonderment. Makes me wonder: Who’d they tell? Did they believe those excited, smelly kids? Did those people go see for themselves the manger holding the King of kings? We don’t know. We’re just told the shepherds went back to work, glorifying and praising God. 

Lesson one: Once we hear the Good News, we need to discover and accept it for ourselves. Lesson two: Tell others what you know, what you’ve seen, and how meeting Jesus has impacted you. Lesson three: Walk in awe and wonder of Jesus. No matter how tedious, stressful, or exhausting the day of work or parenting might be, glorify and praise God in all of it.

But what’s the rest of the story for these boys? See, as we learn in Matthew 2, when the magi came from the East to worship Jesus, they stopped by to let Herod know what was happening: a King was born in Bethlehem. Herod was not a good guy and certainly didn’t want to be unseated as king. Because some time had gone by since Jesus’ birth (likely over a year), Herod had all boys in Bethlehem “and all its vicinity” under two years old killed. Let that terror sink in for a minute. The entire town—including the surrounding hills where the sheep grazed under the watch of shepherds—was no doubt in absolute horror and grief. We don’t have any idea if the townspeople knew why Herod did this. But we can speculate that there were a few guys that knew exactly what was going on—they’d seen King Jesus. What was the shepherds’ reaction to this evil response to Jesus? Did they keep their mouths shut? Did it motivate then to stand firm in their knowledge and belief in the Savior, and maybe even share this hope with a grieving town? 

So, another lesson for us is one based on totally unknown information and simply begs some questions that must be asked of every believer: When persecution comes—because it will—what will we do? Will we hide in our basements and keep quiet about the glorious Gospel that has changed our lives? Or will we stand courageously against the evil coming against us, no matter the consequences? 

Times are dark. Evil is escalating. More Christians around the world are being persecuted and murdered right now than in any other time in history. Currently, it’s still safe in our country to be a follower of Christ…but how bold are we right now to share the Gospel, when it won’t cost our lives? Sweet friend, let’s put our courage muscles to work, starting now, to grow in strength and endurance for when the burden gets heavier. Let’s look upon those shepherds at the first Christmas, and be inspired by their hurrying after Jesus, their awe and wonder, and their praise and glory of Him. And let’s boldly proclaim the Good News of Jesus, our Savior and Lord, to those around us—despite the cost.

Lord, You are Lord of lords, King of kings. May I be bold today—and tomorrow—to tell others of the salvation found only in You. May my words and actions give You glory, no matter the expense.

On that day you will ask in My name, and I am not saying to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father. 

~John 16:26-27

What is it to “ask in Jesus’ name”? Do we use it as a tack-on at the end of our prayers like magic words sure to elevate our requests? Are we imagining Jesus standing between us and the Father, catching our requests, filtering them, and then giving God the Father only the prayers that pass His muster? Maybe we think our prayers “don’t really count” without praying in His name. So, what does Jesus mean when He tells His disciples (and us) to ask in His name?

In reading John’s gospel, through chapters 15 and 16, it’s like multiple one-two punches to the gut. Jesus very directly—and undeniably—tells His disciples about His identity as God and His relationship with the Father, His love for them (and us), how they need to love each other, and how the world will hate them (and us) because of Jesus. He also promises the Holy Spirit to empower them (and us) for this love, endurance, and truth-knowing. And even though His disciples will not really grasp His clear forecast, Jesus tells them of His imminent death and resurrection. All of these spiritual lessons set the stage for His prayer promises for His followers.

Jesus says, “Truly, truly I say to you, if you ask the Father anything in My name, He will give it to you” (John 16:23). And again in verses 26-27, “On that day you will ask in My name, and I am not saying to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father.”

Beloved, we can hardly grasp the astonishing glory of this! No longer do followers of God need to bring sacrifices to the temple—Jesus made the last sacrifice on our behalf, taking on the punishment and wrath we deserve. Because of what Jesus has accomplished, He made a way for us to go directly to the Throne room of God with our needs and requests (Hebrews 4:16). Jesus is indeed our intercessor, our High Priest, and the reason why we can go to the Father…but He is also clear in these verses that because of His death and resurrection, the chasm between humanity and the Father has been bridged! “The Father Himself loves you (and me) because (we) have loved (Jesus)!” Amazing!

What does it mean to pray in the precious name of Jesus? First, we’re able to come to God on the basis of His merit—not our own. No bloody lambs or doves to make an acceptable aroma. The blood of Jesus now and forever suffices. Also, despite the chasm between God and Man, forged shortly after Creation by our first parents, Adam and Eve, perfect reconciliation has been accomplished through the righteousness of Jesus—nothing we could ever earn or achieve. We’re able to go to God only because of (the name of) Jesus. Finally, by praying in the name of Jesus, we are also asking for the perfect will of God. In other words, we ask for what would honor and glorify Jesus. This must frame every request—as it did for Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. Think about it this way, when you make a donation “in honor of” someone, you’re donating “in his/her name” to lift up that person. So, to pray “in Jesus’ name” is to pray in “in honor of” our Lord…which logically begs us to assess our prayers with our own spiritual filter: Does this prayer, if answered the way we want, honor Jesus? And do we grasp that however God answers us, even if it’s not what we thought best, that every answer in His will is for our best—and His glory?

Lord, thank You for making a way of reconciliation with God the Father. Thank You for being our High Priest and Intercessor…and also that we get to stand in the very presence of our Father because of You made a way.

Incline Your ear, O Lord, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy. Preserve my soul, for I am a godly man; O You my God, save Your servant who trusts in You. Be gracious to me, O Lord, For to You I cry all day long. Make glad the soul of Your servant, For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

~Psalm 86:1-4

Don’t you just love the Psalms? These writings pretty much have it all covered—every emotion, lament, pain…worship and praise for who God is…wisdom and instruction as to how to be in God’s will…and even a bit of “go-get-‘em-God” sentiment (imprecatory Psalms). When we’re wrestling with life (that is, ALL of us, pretty much ALL the time), then diving deep into the Psalms is like cool water for the soul. In fact, the very first Psalm starts off with the exhortation that to stand firm and be wise in the craziness of this wicked world, we must stay in God’s Word!

It’s the Psalms written by David that are really encouraging to me. No matter where David starts (soul-wrenching agony, anger, questioning God…), he tends to end up in the same place: worshipping the Lord for His goodness, graciousness, and glory. That’s why, in the midst of our needs (life-altering mountainous ones or daily knocking ones), Psalm 86 is a wonderful go-to. In summary, the basic flow is:

“Are You listening, Lord? Help me!  I am Yours, and I know I can trust You! All day I cry to You—I’m so sad…please restore my joy! I know You’re good, Lord—so kind to Your people. So, please hear me—I’m in trouble! I know You’ll answer me. I’m not sure how or when…but it WILL be for Your glory. You’re God. (I’m not.) Show me Your way in this—that’s all I want! Your will! You rescued me, and I’m so thankful. Help me! Be gracious and strengthen me in this. You’ve been faithful to me before, please do it again. Show Yourself mighty.”

Really, it’s the “I believe, help my unbelief” format of Mark 9:23-24, with a similar paradoxical prayer of “I trust You to help me—help me trust You.” And it’s such a glorious structure for our cries to the Lord. So, as you (and I) start to feel that panic of pain, fear, trouble rising to the surface, here are four steps, per Psalm 86, to lift our needs—and our soul—to the Lord.

1. Tell the Lord your specific trouble. Yes, He knows—of course—but He wants to hear your cry. (“Protect me” or “Heal me” or “Rescue me”…)
2. Remember who God is. Rehearse His patience, kindness, grace, love. Remind yourself that His will is perfect, His timing is perfect, and all things will be for our good—and most importantly, for His glory.
3. Ask Him to change you—to strengthen you, gladden your heart, make you more like Him. To show you reasons to rejoice even in the pain. 
4. Remind yourself of the truth of your rescue from darkness and death! You have the hope of heaven. You’ve been redeemed and will be glorified. (This life is a blink in the scheme of eternity…and this world is not our Home.)

“Lord, You are so good, and Your lovingkindness is beyond our comprehension. As I cry out to You (in anger, pain, fear), hear me, strengthen me, and remind me that You are God—and You’ve got this.”

And the one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He gave us.

~1 John 3:24

“Passive-aggressive.” No one likes this descriptor that points to a person who indirectly resists the requests or demands of others (often through snide remarks) for the purpose of avoiding confrontation. In reading 1 John, however, this term came to mind in a completely spiritually reframed way…actually making this a moniker for the mind-blowing, ungraspable, human-vexing mysteries of salvation and sanctification. Buckle up—and get ready for some serious Bible page turning!

Not to dive into millennia-old theological arguments of election versus free will, but the Bible is pretty clear on the God-given words of its writers—and they denote a mystery too big for our puny minds: God chooses us in His Sovereignty—salvation is a gift of grace (Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:3-6; …and we must choose Him—we have responsibility to believe in Jesus as Messiah and Son of God (John 1:12; John 6:37-44). (But even this faith to believe in Him is a gift from God…I know! It’s beyond our grasp!) My point here? Salvation is “passive-aggressive” reframed! It’s “passive” in that it is a gift of God that He initiates, AND it’s “aggressive” in terms of we must take action to believe and receive.

Then there is our sanctification—our walk with the Lord to become more and more like Jesus until we are fully glorified with Him in heaven. Upon our salvation, we are made new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), BUT we’re still walking around in our fallen flesh, in a broken world, battling against our mortal enemy, Satan. So, we spend our lives being conformed into the likeness of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). How do we do that? Again, God’s Word is clear: this, too, is a passive-aggressive process. Beloved, the Lord holds us, so salvation is sure. And we persevere in obedience to the Lord and His Word. We put on the things of Christ and take off the things of this world. We live fruity lives. AND we can only live this way, do these things, and live according to the fruit of the Spirit BECAUSE of the power of Him living in us! Our sanctification journey through the world is God’s doing (“passivity” on our part): Romans 8:29-30; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. AND it is our responsibility to take action (“aggressively” in our dark world!): (Romans 12; Colossians 3:5-17; Ephesians 4; Philippians 3:12-14). The Holy Spirit lives in us at the moment of salvation, so He abides in us permanently (Galatians 2:20)…AND we are called to actively abide in Him (John 15:4).

Beloved, the Christian life is somewhat of a mystery, isn’t it? This passive-aggressive nature of it all. We are saved by grace through faith—it’s a gift. And we must actively accept said gift, this pardon that rescues us from the wrath of God. The Holy Spirit lives in us to empower our new life. And we must yield to Him daily (moment by moment). We can’t understand it all. But we can trust God’s Sovereignty in it! 

Lord, may I simply trust You and obey. And may I recognize that I cannot possibly trust or obey without You and the power of the Holy Spirit living in me.

Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

~Psalm 46:10

I’m not a horseback rider. In fact, I’ve been on a horse exactly twice in my life: once as a 12-year-old, which ended in a runaway gallop that threw me, resulting in a cracked tailbone; the second time was with my husband and our two young kids on a trail ride in the mountains of NC—I clearly recall that none of us enjoyed the experience.

All that to say, I was talking with the Lord this morning about some spiritual/mental/physical battles I’m in right now, and the whole horse thing came to mind. See, I’m a control freak. A perfectionist. Those of you who can relate know full well that this character trait comes with quite a bit of negative baggage. Things like hyper-self-examination, self-judgment, self-beratement—even to self-loathing…unfortunately, these responses to not achieving perceived perfection lead only to an effort to gain even more control. Here’s where the horse thing came in. 

Trying to beat oneself into submission (that is, to control some aspect—or everything) is like holding onto the reins of a horse too tightly. Sure, pulling back tightly can slow and even stop the huge beast on which you’re riding (perceived control). But when that horse has a mind of its own, so to speak, and it’s moving how and where it wants to (my 12-year-old self can feel the terror of it all), yanking in the reins tighter and more forcefully causes that beast to thrash around, pushing back with its mighty power…revealing the fact that although you think you’re in control, you are absolutely not. In fact, your control-freak efforts are actually endangering you.

Enter the spiritual lesson. The Bible is very clear about the battles of this world (and our enemy who relentlessly prowls around seeking our destruction). We are in a war, we will have tribulation and trouble…but we must take heart, because Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33)! The Word also tells us that we must cast our cares on the Lord, because He cares for us (Psalm 55:22; Isaiah 41:10; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:7; . We must trust Him, leaning not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). We must surrender—let go of the reins—because He alone is Sovereign and has our good and His glory purposed for our lives (Romans 8:28). Isaiah 46:4 says, “Even to your old age I will be the same, And even to your graying years I will bear you! I have made you, and I will carry you; And I will bear you, and I will rescue you.”

Oh, what promises we have in Christ! As my pastor reminds the congregation often, “You ain’t got this.” Praise God, there is so much in my life—after walking with the Lord for nearly 30 years—that I have surrendered to Him. Facets of myself that have been gloriously and miraculously sanctified…and other areas where I daily submit and follow His lead. Except when I don’t. Sure, there is the prayer, “Lord, I give this to You—Your will, not mine.” I hand over the reins of this thing, this stronghold, this battle…and then I take them back, snatching back what I just dropped, in a futile effort to garner control over that powerful beast. Friend, there is One who has the victory! And in Him, we are also victorious. Why do we still fight for control, when He can deliver us with a Word? But even when He does not (because He won’t always deal with situations the way WE want Him to)…even if we continue to be hard-pressed on every side, we will not be crushed (2 Corinthians 4:8)—He will be with us in the fire, drawing us closer to Him.

Beloved, whatever your “thing” is, won’t you join me in handing it over to the Lord? Nothing is too much, too powerful for Him. Let’s give Him our burden and battle, and take on His yoke, because it is easy and light (Matthew 11:28-30)…let’s allow Him to fight for us (remember, He’s already won!), so we can rest.  

Lord, take the reins from me. I trust You—help me trust You in ALL things.

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

~Ephesians 6:13-17

Let’s face it. The world is evil. And we have an enemy prowling around like a lion, seeking to devour us—whose intent is only to steal, kill, and destroy. Therefore, fellow believer, we must stand firm. We must be prepared for the battle…and we must fight. In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul states clearly what it means to be a follower of Christ and how to walk in Christ as a husband, wife, child, employee. Then, in chapter 6, verses 10-20, Paul instructs us how to prepare for our war against “powers, world forces of this darkness, and the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” We’re given five defensive pieces of armor: the belt of Truth (Jesus—the Way, the Truth, and the Life); the breastplate of righteousness (our identity in Christ, as He exchanged His righteousness for our unrighteousness); shoes of the Gospel of peace (the gospel enables us to have peace with a Perfect and Holy God); the shield of faith (which protects us from the flaming arrows of the evil one); and the helmet of salvation(mind protection to keep away the lies of the enemy). Every piece of armor is a must-have.

But we also have a weapon that allows us to go on the offense: the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. God’s Word is true, unchanging, a sharp two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12)—and it’s a both a tool to sharpen our own walk and a weapon of discernment in a lying world. And God’s Word heals the brokenhearted, sheds light in darkness, gives comfort and guidance…and, most importantly, God’s Word reveals the eternity-altering path of salvation (Romans 3:23; 6:23; 10:9; 5:1; 8:1; 8:38-39). [Please note, sweet friend, that the Bible is never meant to be used to bludgeon and bloody others. It’s more like a scalpel than a machete!]

In thinking about the Bible as an offensive weapon, though, it struck me with a bit of irony (being the word girl that I am), that God’s Word is also very offensive to an unbelieving world. The Bible itself even talks about this in both the Old Testament and New! In Jeremiah, it’s written, “Behold, the word of the Lord has become for them a rebuke; They take no delight in it” (Jeremiah 6:10). And Paul writes, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). But it’s not just unbelievers who get offended. When the Word is used as a mirror or plumbline to assess our own holiness (finding ourselves falling short but seeing the “how-to’s” to progress our sanctification journey), even modern Christians can get triggered. “C’mon, those verses about sex being only for marriage are so outdated,” they say. Or, “That teaching is only relevant for that ignorant culture 2000 years ago—not our science-based, 2025 world.” In fact, whole Christian denominations are taking it upon themselves to redact entire sections of God’s Word that they find offensive so as to better suit the way they want to live. 

So, beloved, as we put on the full armor of God to stand firm, know God’s Word so you can take up this beautiful, powerful sword. It is our offensive weapon…and it will be offensive. So, like Paul, again I say, stand firm!

Lord, help me to persevere against the evil of this world, standing firm in the armor of God and wisely brandishing the sword of the Spirit.

Jesus answered them, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents, but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”

~John 9:3

I absolutely love chapter 9 of John’s gospel. It is my salvation chapter—the first time I truly heard the gospel (even after hardly ever missing Mass for 30 years). The event of Jesus healing the blind man is profoundly beautiful. It speaks to the life (and eternity) transformation of faith in Jesus. We were blind and now we see! Dead, now alive in Christ! When questioned by the Pharisees, the transformed man didn’t have all the answers. He was not a seasoned apologist or theologian. He only knew that through Jesus his eyes were opened. (He did get bolder the more he was pressed, which is pretty cool.) For this man, though, it was after his healing and pressing that Jesus revealed Himself as the Son of Man—and he believed, surrendering to Jesus as Lord. We also see how his transformation affected his neighbors and parents. Just like our own salvation and sanctification is a testimony to those who knew us before Jesus…some will want what we have, some will plead ignorance and refuse to celebrate the positive changes.

But it is verse 3 in this chapter that burst off the page for me upon my most recent reading. When Jesus and His disciples initially walked by the blind man, His followers asked, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?” Jesus answered them, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents, but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” 

Now, before moving on, it’s imperative to state that the Bible is clear that there are indeed consequences to our sin (Psalm 38:3; John 5:14; Galatians 6:7-8…and most of the OT!). We also must be aware that the enemy of ours—Satan—is relentlessly trying to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10; 1 Peter 5:8) the image-bearers of God (keeping the unsaved from surrendering to Him as Lord and keeping His followers ineffective for the Kingdom). Oh, but there is another—unreasonable—reason for suffering given in verse 3 that can be hard to get our minds around: God’s glory. 

When we or a loved one (or anyone around the world impacted by this fallen world and sinful people) is struggling, we rightly cry out to God like King David, “Why, oh Lord?” and “How long, oh Lord?” And, like David, sometimes we can totally see the connection to sin…and then, there are times, like with our brother Job, that we simply don’t “get” it. Here in John, Jesus is saying, “Beloved, My thoughts are higher than your thoughts, My ways higher than yours (Isaiah 55:8-9)…this is purposeful to My glory—and You may never see it until you are glorified with Me” (Psalm 115:3; Psalm 131:1; Job).

Oh, sweet friend, what joy it is to wrap our small minds around this concept—a concept that can truly only be grasped through the Holy Spirit living in us. (Ever try to share with an unbeliever that a particular suffering could be for God’s ultimate glory alone? The typical response is something to the effect of, “Well, that’s not a God that I want to believe in”—I know we’ve all heard it.) But we must rest in this truth! If we are continuing in a sinful pattern that is reaping consequences, we must turn (repent) and follow after the Lord’s ways. But if our suffering has no human rhyme or reason, we must trust in the Lord and lean not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). We can question God—of course! We can cry out to Him in our frustration and anger—He knows it already and wants to hear it from our own mouths! And then, we trust. We trust that God is Sovereign and Providential. Everything He does—everything—is for His glory…and ultimately our good. Even if we don’t see it until we’re face to face with the Lord. His “why” is always perfect.

Lord, even as I question the suffering of my loved ones—or even my own—may I land firmly on a trust in Your perfect will that is always for Your glory.

“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once more He bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before Him. 

John 8:7b-9

Although there is some conjecture that this event in John’s gospel was added later to the manuscripts, the account of the woman caught in adultery has a wealth of spiritual truths. For me, these verses, along with Luke 7:36-50, have been integral lessons pushing back on my judgmental flesh, reminding me that I have been forgiven much—so I must love much. That I am a sinner too, deserving of God’s justice (no matter how I, or the world, try to “scale” sins)…but for the grace of Jesus, I get mercy and not justice.

In fact, almost two decades ago, as part of my tattoo testimony in response to a life crisis that only the Lord could bring me through, I have “grace” and “mercy” permanently written on my wrists. The point is to constantly remind me to extend to others the grace and mercy (and forgiveness and love) that God has extended to me. But these words were actually my second choice of ink. My initial thought was a simple three-word reminder from the adulterous woman’s story: Drop the rock. 

To be completely transparent, my Christian walk has tended to lean a little more “truth” than “grace”—which can be dangerous and pharisaical. (As a short analysis, I believe this is because I came to Christ after years of New Age philosophy, where Satan loves to take a smidge of God’s truth and twist it enough to deeply deceive…so I can be extremely protective of what God actually said versus tricky or even “creative” variations. There’s a lot to say here, but it’s a digression for another time.) Praise the Lord, as I’ve gotten older in my faith—and am part of a church body that beautifully and authentically embraces God’s Word and God’s desire for “all” to know Him—my truth-and-grace ratio is continually coming more and more into balance. 

Again, there’s so much in John’s adulterous woman account to teach, convict, and change us. But it was a little phrase within verse 9 that the Holy Spirit used as a sweet reminder about the Christian sanctification journey: “beginning with the older ones.” Oh, friend, there’s a lot about getting older that is not fun, for sure…but our maturity in Christ—our becoming more and more like Him as we get closer to Home—is wonderfully miraculous. And a bit ironic. See, it should be true that the longer we walk with the Lord, the more we put on the qualities of Christ and take off our fleshly qualities. The Apostle Paul has a lot to say about this in his epistles. But it’s also true that we will recognize our sins much quicker…and be much more frustrated about sinning! Again, see Paul’s lament in Romans 7 as to this accelerating dilemma. 

Aren’t you so thankful for this? See, as long as we’re in this fallen body of ours walking through this fallen world, we will all fall short. But we are, in fact, moving “from glory to glory” by the power of the Holy Spirit living in us (2 Corinthians 3:17-18)! So, while we may still pick up a rock now and then, poised to throw it at a “sinner” who we perceive as “more sinful” than us, may we quickly drop it and walk away in repentance. And, beloved, let’s never forget that we were spared the fatal pelting of rocks we deserved…and that, instead of God dropping them, He allowed His Son to take the blows on our behalf. 

Oh, Lord, forgive me for picking up rocks as if I am judge, jury, and executioner. Remind me how You took the rocks for me, and keep my hands open to extend love, grace, and mercy to others.