I recently visited a Bonsai collection. In God’s design, these trees are designed to grow tall, to offer shade, to bear fruit, to multiply. They are designed to thrive. And yet, with constant and intentional trimming, wiring, and repotting, these bonsai trees will never reach the full measure of what they were created to be. Just as a bonsai tree is shaped by the hands of a gardener, we are molded and fashioned by God to flourish.

The only way I will learn to walk in the Spirit, and surrender to the ropes of love that are pulling me gently along on life’s journey, is to look at the Lord. To turn my gaze to Him when distractions put me in a tizzy, and I want to react with urgency and jump at the next thing that needs to get done. To look to Him when my emotions want to get the best of me...

That which has been born of the flesh is flesh, and that which has been born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3:6 NASB Why commemorate our...