Status Updates From This Outside Life: Finding ...

"By welcoming those who feel excluded, or being an empathetic listening ear, a merciful parent, or even a joyful Ping-Pong player, we can exude the fragrance of Christ wherever we are. It will draw hearts closer, open up relationships more quickly, and change lives more powerfully than finger-wagging ever could.... We can spread the beguiling aroma of the kinship of Jesus."

"If you want community, it's not so much about your home decor, the best music track, or fabulous food; it's more about being available. Because in the end we are all just scattered souls needing to huddle close, put down our phones, and share stories. That's the power of community. That's how Jesus built His church." (emphasis mine)

“It's easy to sit in our houses of worship and nod in acquiescence to doctrine and three teachable points. But how we react in tough times is the real measure of our faith. It shows where we are willing to put the weight of our future, and what we believe will hold us. Our behavior will reveal who or what we have been listening to and truly believe. Our actions expose our innermost thoughts.”