Darkened Glass Reflections

Category: Christian Life

  • Walking Through the Valleys. I: Entering the Valley

    Walking Through the Valleys. I: Entering the Valley

    Psalm 23 reminds us that we may wander into the valley even while we are obeying God. This sheep could say, with all honesty, that the Lord was his shepherd. He was following his shepherd, but he still found himself in a valley. You do not need to sin or lack faith in God to…

  • The Annunciation: Saying “Yes” to God

    The Annunciation: Saying “Yes” to God

    In speaking to the angel, Mary speaks FOR all true disciples of Jesus: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Let this be our prayer: That we can be faithful to God, obeying Him and doing His will regardless the circumstances and risk, trusting Him…

  • Storing Up God’s Word—Psalm 119:9–11

    Storing Up God’s Word—Psalm 119:9–11

    Although Psalm 119:9 refers to “young men,” this passage is not reserved for a certain age group. All can benefit from this wisdom. Young men, young women, old men, and old women all need to keep our ways pure, and the answer is true for all of us.

  • 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…