We are encouraged to eat from the Tree of Life, rather than from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Essentially, we are invited to choose life over death. This shouldn’t be a difficult choice, but it most definitely is. Why?

Seeking acceptance from people and or things is part of our human nature. This acceptance creates a sense of freedom, due to the feeling of security that it offers. The problem however is that relying on people or things for acceptance promotes all sorts of subtle and overt manipulation and control, creating insecurity and no real freedom at all.

A lot of our churches are run to accommodate an extroverted audience, especially in the Pentecostal sector. While there is nothing wrong with demonstrating ones faith and belief in an external way, perhaps the apparent leaning towards the extroverted service could have some unhelpful side effects.

For the past week or so, I have wanted to write a blog exploring how to stay in the Vine of Jesus; the place where peace and rest resides. Whenever I attempted to begin, I felt discontent, that the effort would not bring satisfaction. A part of me wanted to write it, yet another did not. Something was not quite right.

Due to the Cross, Jesus's focus in any relationship is acceptance first, and change (by and through the Holy Spirit) second. Unfortunately, we often approach it the other way around, feeling we need to change first in order to be accepted by Him.

Most Christian circles are familiar with the phrase ‘to die to self’ or '...die to sin...' (1 Pet 2:24); however, a lot of us do this in our own self-effort. This approach is like a branch trying to prune itself and bear fruit while detached from the vine.

Throughout history, Father God has continuously pursued his people. Beautifully expressed in the first chapter of Ephesians is God’s attitude towards us.

‘For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves’ (Eph 1:4).

While the 'narrow road' to Life may not be very trendy or popular, it is still a fundamental aspect of the Way. Embarking on this journey is the result of a Spiritual Awakening, however it also leads us progressively into one.