Outward-Focused Fasting
Oct 25 2024 - Eric Buresh
Fasting is a fantastic way to experience closer communion with the Holy Spirit in often very special ways, and I know whenever we touch on an experiential aspect of our faith, some can get a little protective of their expression of that experience. So, let me say off the start, I don’t think there is a “right” way to fast. It should be a Holy-Spirit led exercise, which means it will look different from person to person.
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The Golden Rule
Oct 22 2024 - Eric Buresh
Love for others is obviously a central tenant of our faith. Jesus said love for others would be the defining mark of His disciples. John 13:35. Jesus commanded love for others repeatedly as one of the two great commandments that fulfilled the entire Law and the Prophets. Matthew 22:37-39. Specifically, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” And the same concept is repeated throughout Paul’s letters, e.g., Romans 13:8-10, Galatians 5:14.
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The Allure of . . . Stew?
Oct 18 2024 - Eric Buresh
I’ve been thinking a lot recently about the struggle it is for me to keep my mind centered on the eternal when the temporal realm is so noisy and persistent. After re-memorizing a key New Testament passage on this topic (e.g., 2 Cor. 4:17-18), I was asking the Holy Spirit to give me more clarity so I could fight the battle better.
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Humility’s Reward
Sep 13 2024 - Eric Buresh
Today, I have been reviewing several of the many promises in the Bible that are associated with humility. Proverbs 22:4 gave me pause for further reflection.
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Gradual Holiness
Sep 10 2024 - Eric Buresh
In a couple of recent posts, we’ve looked at Gospel transformation that comes by beholding and putting on the beautiful wardrobe of Jesus Christ. To me, the end goal of Gospel transformation can be intimidating and at times disheartening. God doesn’t water down His expectations: “Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2) “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:15–16) Ultimately, we are aiming to manifest Christ likeness.
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