There are over fifty "one another" verses in Scripture (the exact number depends on your translation). One anothering describes how those in the kingdom of God function. It characterizes community, friendship, fellowship, koinonia. I decided to do a fresh study of these exhortations in scripture. Here are my observations.
Love
Balance and the Center of Biblical Tension
My seminary president, Robertson McQuilkin, drilled into me a profound maxim: “It seems easier to go to a consistent extreme than to stay at the center of biblical tension.” More recently, this same concept was reiterated by my Bible study teacher, JoAnn Hummel: “You and others will benefit as you “hold the rope” of tension in the Scriptures.” The prophet Isaiah offers us many opportunities to put this guiding principle into practice since his writing contains much tension.
This Idol I’m Holding in My Right Hand Is a Lie
Living in Indonesia brought me face to face with idols for the first time. Actual idols—carved manmade images of gods with bulging eyes, giant teeth, bulbous stomachs—grotesque, scary creatures stationed inside and outside homes and temples. Artwork, dances, colorful depictions of gods, gods, and more gods. Idol worship is indeed alive and well in the world.
Principles for Processing Judgment in Isaiah
When I began my study of Isaiah several months ago, I quickly became uncomfortable. This reaction surprised me because previously I've found this book to be comforting and encouraging. But this time it seemed all judgment and punishment. So I began to investigate how to process difficult passages of God’s judgment.
A Life With God
Since my word for 2023 is with, I enthusiastically dove into "With: Reimagining the way you relate to God" by Skye Jethani. The author’s thesis is, "Our true selves cannot be discovered by living under, over, from, or for God. It is something that will be revealed when we are fully with God."
Advent 2022 Christmas: Grace, Love, and Fellowship With Us
My advent mediations are inspired by my recent study of 2 Corinthians which ended with a beautiful benediction—the only one that mentions all three persons of the Trinity. We have seen that the Trinity was with us in the Christmas story through grace, love, and fellowship. But how were grace, love, and fellowship also visible in the lives of the people in the Christmas events? And how do we demonstrate these traits in our own lives?
Advent 2022 Second Sunday: Love
My advent meditation is inspired by my recent study of 2 Corinthians which ended with a beautiful benediction—the only one that mentions all three persons of the Trinity. Last week, we looked at grace. Today, we focus on love.
To the Groom and his Bride
On August 7, 2022, my first-born son, Lane, married Pam in a lovely ceremony officiated by my husband. Here are the words we, as his parents, spoke over them.
Pondered Treasures 