Metanoeite XIII

"You are all one in Christ Jesus."

How do You feel about, uh, well, You know...?

"How do you feel about your children?"


"God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through Him."

Metanoeite XII

"The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve...A disciple is not above his teacher."

I've heard the rationalizations, but reserved parking for clergy doesn't seem right.

"It's wrong."

"I tell everyone not to think of himself more highly than should think."

Metanoeite XI

"The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep."

Praying and laboring to be Your good undershepherd, I'm really trying; but when the sanctuary's not filled and tippers outnumber tithers, I take it personally.

"Tell Me about it! Loving 'em to death, I get the lastfruits of their time, talent, and treasures; so consider how I feel if your heart's breaking."

"I know My sheep."

Metanoeite X

"I will pour out My Spirit."

The abstractionist said, "I could paint like masters at 12; but it took until now to paint like this."

"Sight comes with intimacy."

"Open my eyes so that I may see wonderful things...Turn my eyes from looking at what is worthless."

Metanoeite IX

"Watch out for those who cause dissensions and pitfalls contrary to the doctrine you have learned.
Avoid them; for such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites,
and by smooth talk and flattering words they deceive..."

She left because she didn't get her way.

"It's not about her...or you."

"If you love Me, you will obey Me."

Metanoeite VII

"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

He's resigning on Sunday; and all of the church's problems will go away with him.

"What's that I see in their eyes?"

"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves."

Metanoeite VIII

"Do not commit adultery...Do not have other gods."

John David Burton was a pastor, professor, and poet; and I confess enough humanity to have felt like him on occasion: "I cannot love you as you wish, nor let you be the whole, known world for me. There is a larger, unknown world I have to know and to that world I go, alone."

"I honor prayers honoring Me: 'Do not lead me into temptation.'"

"He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able."

Metanoeite VI

"Just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel,
so we speak, not to please men, but rather God who examines our hearts."

He is so much more appreciated now than then - declaratives after decades of interrogatives.

I was wondering...

"Your reward will be great in heaven."

Metanoeite V

"I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord.'"

After nearly 25 years as their pastor, he wept after the call to worship.

You moved the elder to embrace him with affection, affirmation, and anticipation: "He called you to feed not count the sheep."

"I know My own sheep, and they know Me."

Metanoeite IV

"The Lord disciplines the one He loves."

I climbed to the top of the ladder of ecclesiastical success by 30; and found I was leaning against the wrong building.

"I pulled out the ladder from under you; so you would fall...into My arms."

"It was good for me to be afflicted so I could learn Your statutes."

Metanoeite III

"Can these dry bones live?"

When will You come back?

"When will you come back?"

"If anyone is thirsty, he should come to Me and drink!
The one who believes in Me...will have streams of
living water flow from deep within him."

Metanoeite II

"The Lord added to them those who were being saved."

Lord, where have the people gone?

"You have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember then how far you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place - unless you repent."

Metanoeite I

"Send Your healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done
through the Name of Your Holy Servant Jesus."

Revive us, O God!

"Return to Me; and I will revive you!"