Darkened Glass Reflections

Category: Christian Life

  • Children of God and Siblings of Jesus

    Children of God and Siblings of Jesus

    This Easter, as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, let us gain a greater vision of our identity as members of Jesus’ family.

  • Triumphal Entry, Worship, Betrayal, and Abandonment

    Triumphal Entry, Worship, Betrayal, and Abandonment

    Christians know the triumphal entry story so well that we can miss the point. We can learn a lot from the disciples because they are terribly human. They are a lot like us. Sometimes, they show us heroic faith that we hope to imitate. At other times, they show us just how badly we can…

  • Judging Others or Examining Ourselves

    Judging Others or Examining Ourselves

    “Judge not” is not something Jesus tells us to say to others. It is something He tells us to say to ourselves when we interact with other people.

  • Of Trees and Tumbleweeds: Rooted in and Nourished by God’s Word

    Of Trees and Tumbleweeds: Rooted in and Nourished by God’s Word

    A plant that remains grounded with its roots can produce its life-imparting fruit while providing beauty and security. It is no accident that Psalms 1 and Jeremiah 17 compares blessed godly people with trees planted by the water. Securely rooted and grounded in a life-giving source, they impart life and fruit to others. Separated from…

  • Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone

    Man Does Not Live by Bread Alone

    Those who fast during Lent reflect on Jesus’ fasting and temptation in the wilderness for 40 days after His baptism in the Jordan River. As Jesus prepared to begin His public ministry, He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, and ate nothing for 40 days.

  • Transfiguration, Glorification, and the Christian Life

    Transfiguration, Glorification, and the Christian Life

    Perhaps the great lesson of Lent is that we miss out as we continue to devote our time, resources, and energy to trivial things, when God is eager to pour out His blessings upon us and conform us to His likeness. We are His children: may we come to look more like Him as we…

  • Renewal of the Mind by the Holy Spirit

    Renewal of the Mind by the Holy Spirit

    Before a disciple follows Christ, he is conformed to this world. He clings to worldly ideas about human nature, God, the universe, right and wrong, relationships, and virtually everything else that matters. A significant part of spiritual growth is renewal of the mind, as the Holy Spirit changes your thoughts and perspective. This leads to…

  • Walking in the Light of the World: II. Filled with the Holy Spirit

    Walking in the Light of the World: II. Filled with the Holy Spirit

    God is relational. He does not merely give us a list of tasks and obligations, demanding that we do our job right. He draws us into relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. A major element of that relationship is the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We cannot walk in the…

  • Walking in the Light of the World: I. Time and Wisdom

    Walking in the Light of the World: I. Time and Wisdom

    Ephesians 5:6–14 tells us that we can expose the deeds of darkness by walking as children of light. Ephesians 5:15–20 gives us several priorities for walking in the light. The former passage tells us what happens when we reflect the light of Christ to a dark world; the latter tells us a few ways to…

  • Light of the World: Exposing the Deeds of Darkness

    Light of the World: Exposing the Deeds of Darkness

    All of these forms of “Christian advertising” are great ways to begin a conversation about the Gospel and what Jesus has done in one’s life. However, when there is a conflict between our bumper stickers or Facebook statuses and our lifestyles, the answer is not to hide the light. The answer is to tap more…