Keep The Faith

As we go through our daily routines, it's easy to get caught up in the world's expectations of what strength and success look like. But true character often calls us to a much quieter, more humble path. Scripture Matthew 20:20-28 (CEB) Request from James and John’s mother 20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus along with her sons. Bowing before him, she asked a favor of him. 21 “What do you want?” he asked. She responded, “Say that these two sons of mine will sit, one on your right hand and one on your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus replied, “You don’t know what you’re asking! Can you drink from the cup that I’m about to drink from?” They said to him, “We can.” 23 He said to them, “You will drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left hand isn’t mine to give. It belongs to those for whom my Father prepared it.” 24 Now when the other ten disciples heard about this, they became angry with the two brothers. 25 ...

There are quiet moments in our daily routines—like a peaceful morning with a cup of coffee—when God gently brings the journey of our spiritual growth into focus. Over the years, the way we seek Him and study His word evolves, but the destination remains the same: a deep, direct relationship with our Father. We have only ONE Father, Father God. We have only ONE teacher, Yeshua Jesus. Scripture Matthew 23:8-10 World English Bible 8 But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi’, for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers. 9 Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ. Reflection This was on my mind this morning while I was enjoying my first cup of coffee. I found myself thinking about these past fifteen-plus years of writing this blog and how the words have come to me. The process has changed so much over time. When I first starte...

The Hollow Crown and The Obedient Shadow Life outside of God's Kingdom gives us only hollow Love and Respect, just an illusion. Scripture John 10:1-5 (WEB) 10 “Most certainly, I tell you, one who doesn’t enter by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 But one who enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 Whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 They will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him; for they don’t know the voice of strangers.” Reflection I woke up early this morning with thoughts about empty love and empty respect. I didn't know how to describe it, but it has to do with... now that I think about it, it'...

Entering His Reign: The Kingdom, the Father, and the Son Entering the Kingdom of God is not about waiting for a distant future or checking religious boxes. In John 17 , Yeshua Jesus lifts His eyes to heaven and speaks of the glory He shared with the Father before the world existed, the people the Father gave Him, and the authority granted to Him over all flesh. This authority establishes a present reality: the domain and rule of God breaking into our lives right now. 1. The Heart of the Kingdom Yeshua defines the very core of this dynamic by pointing directly to relationship: "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent" ( John 17:3 ). He speaks of a completed work and a shared glory before creation ( John 17:4–5 ). These words reveal relationship, not religion—a life rooted in living under the direct rule and fellowship of God. 2. What God Delights In Jeremiah writes that we should not boa...

Living in the NOW Kingdom: Discovering God Beyond the Walls Living in the NOW Kingdom: Discovering God Beyond the Walls Introduction Welcome to today’s reflection. It can be easy to view our faith as a waiting game—looking forward to a distant future or relying strictly on static texts. But what if the Kingdom of God isn't just a destination down the road, but a living reality waiting to be experienced right now, in every corner of creation? Scripture “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” — Mark 1:15 “Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God... Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” — John 3:3 , 7:38 Reflection After moving to the north side of Houston last year, I looked for a Quaker Meetinghouse or a community rooted in Quaker spirituality, but couldn't find one nearby. While my attempt ...

Welcome! Pull up a chair and grab a cup of coffee. Today, I want to share a reflection that hit me deeply during my morning quiet time—one that challenged the way I think about faith, everyday distractions, and how we love those around us. Scripture Matthew 25:40 (NIV) “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Reflection I was drinking coffee this morning, as usual, when these words came to mind: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” As I thought about them, I wanted to go back and read the full parable in Scripture. I began reading through several chapters around this verse, and the weight of what Jesus was teaching hit me hard. Here is what stood out during my study: 1. The Immediate Context: Matthew 25 The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats serves as the climax of a three-part teaching on spiritual r...

There are moments in our walk with God when questions rise to the surface—questions about how we come to know Him, how He draws us, and how His love reaches us long before we understand it. These reflections often come through Scripture, but also through conversations, books, and the quiet leading of the Spirit. This post gathers those threads into one simple, clear picture of where knowing God truly begins. 1. The Father’s Eternal Love: Where Knowing God Begins (A simple foundation: God’s love comes first.) Before creation, before time, before humanity existed, Scripture shows us something astonishing: the Father loved the Son. Yeshua says: “You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” — John 17:24 This is the starting point of everything. Knowing God begins with the Father’s love, not human discovery. It begins in heaven, not on earth. In the same chapter, Yeshua speaks of those whom the Father “gave” to Him: “Yours they were, and You...