If we could imagine the love of one who loves men purely for their own sake, and not because of any need or desire of his own, purely desires their good, and yet loves them wholly, not for what at this moment they are, but for what he knows he can make of them because […]
Vineyard Days – Selah III
Penning Vineyard Days has been to this wellspring’s heart what writer’s block is to an author’s novel. I hit a wall. For four weeks I have been focused on writing other pieces and getting a Fall video series underway with fourteen students in the class. It was also four weeks ago that I posted Part […]
Vineyard Days – Three Confessions of Love, Part 2
If a branch is going to bear fruit, there comes a time in the believer’s life when growth is not an option. It is a necessity. To advance upon the stairs toward the heart of the Beloved means that Eros love must be left behind and a higher expression of love embraced. It is a […]
Vineyard Days – Three Confessions of Love, Part 1
The Shulamite’s (and our) progress in spiritual growth can be likened to ascending stairs from one level to the next. The lovely truth is that Shepherd Lover was so intentional in His desire for her fellowship that He designed opportunities for her to respond to Him (just as He does for us). At every level […]
Vineyard Days – Selah II
I’ve been on a pause that refreshes. (A polite way to say my writing brain cells have been melting…) Where I live, we spent the last many weeks sweating in relentless 90+ degree heat. It has been a beautiful summer season, but like life, too much heat and sun without a cooling break can drain […]
Vineyard Days – In the Footsteps of the Flock
*** Yoyo-ing between frustration about herself and others and feeling good about her self-impression and how others viewed her, had swung her one too many times in the wrong direction. She was worn out and had finally tired. It was about time. The Shulamite was ready to listen… “Tell me, You whom my soul loves, […]
Vineyard Days – A Branch, A Vine and A Pile of Rocks
The Shulamite was coming uncorked. She was upset with those close to her (“my mother’s children were angry with me” SS 1:6b), while not yet realizing that her frustration resulted from some erringly placed attachments. All she knew is that she was laboring hard, trying her best, working long hours guarding the vineyard, and feeling […]
Vineyard Days – The Processes of Potential
*** The Shulamite had some un-learning to do. But that did not deter her Shepherd Lover. In fact, this is where He excelled and took such delight for He had the patience of Job and His very nature was hope. This Man with a plan possessed great confidence in the final outcome. And it was […]
Vineyard Days – Rock Piles of Potential
A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral. – Antoine de Saint-Exupery Previously: Either way, we have a pile of rocks to deal with. What becomes of the rocks has everything to do with the image we bear within… *** […]
Vineyard Days – Terroir
The selah moment is concluded, unless this post throws you back into another one…which is often my hopeful intention! I sit in amazement at how the Lord continues to bring to my notice intriguing tidbits relevant to Vineyard Days. I go off on a search about one thing and hit pay dirt. Which now leads […]