Here we stand on the threshold of a new year. Three hundred sixty five days stretching out in front of us. What will we do with them? What will 2014 bring? And in return, how will we respond as it unfolds? I think Isaiah was a branch of the True Vine anointed by the Lord […]
Vineyard Days – A Company of Horses
Sometimes our heart knows what our lips cannot quite articulate. There is a stirring inside that is of a nature not our own. An air of expectancy and restlessness. Anticipation, Heinz ketchup-style. An impatience born of a sense of something greater… I think it’s not too far-fetched to compare such stirring to internally ‘pawing the […]
Vineyard Days – Three Confessions of Love, Part 3
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 […]