Library of Thoughts

Nobody likes vulnerability. But Paul leads us right through the doorway of fellowship, into the safety of the brotherhood, so that we can become "light bearers" or Christ like (Phil.1 & 2). In the context of acceptance and encouragement from our brothers, we trust the Lord and humble our selves. Submitting our needs to our brothers in openheartedness. Both Ephesians 5 and James4:7, and 5:16 reveal the connection between vulnerability and healing; humility and becoming the beloved. Is it painful? You bet! But the journey through brokenness to healing, involves humility before our brothers. Vulnerability with those mentoring us, be they pastors or counselors. We are at our healthiest, when we are journeying in a small community of openhearted, loving brothers and sisters. Janell and I are thankful to have that now...

How do we walk in His presence? Clearly, the evangelical position is to "walk in truth". Be in the Word of God, and soak in it until it is hidden in your heart (Psalms 119). And then obey! But I believe that fear, lies learned about His love, and our image, can lead us away from surrender and trust, into self protection and self sufficiency. For myself, lies believed at a young age needed to be repented of, and renounced in an earnest pursuit of experienced truth about God, and not just intellectually understood truth. One is effective in transformation. The other is effective as religious consolation.