Recently, I’ve been reading Ecclesiastes. At first, it seems a bit depressing, and I began to wonder why God would see fit to have it become part of the Canon (the books or writings that made it into the Bible). Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon, King David’s son. Solomon was responsible for building the glorious temp[...]
Fear and tribulation have awakened me from our nocturnal tryst. Another day has dawned. Sadness clangs its cymbals urging me to rise—it reverberates hopelessness throughout the day. My heart is ripped open, laid bare for what feels like a final viewing. The constant trickle of tears erodes my faith. Pain has seared me. I sear[...]
“...shepherd the flock of God that is among you...And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Humble yourselves…Casting all your anxieties on Him...Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in yo[...]
“Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:9 I desire to stand firm and unshakable in my faith but to be honest, sometimes it’s challenging to do. Comparing my calling with others is one of the stumbling[...]
“For the body does not consist of one member but of many” 1 Corinthians 12:14 ESV. In a recent casual conversation with the Lord, I said, “I don’t feel I do enough to help grow Your Kingdom. I feel so INSIGNIFICANT, like a pinky finger. I wasn’t angry or upset at that moment, but how the Lord set me on a path of corre[...]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2 ESV Have you ever stood in a strong wind and, despite your best efforts, had to take a step to maintain your balance? I’ve come to r[...]
I truly appreciate a snappy metaphor. Principles and practices are made so crisp and clear through a solid, powerful word "picture." I cannot count the times where an idea/concept has been helpfully unpacked to me through the sharing of that great comment, “Picture it like this!” One of the single most endearing and deep[...]
Effective faith is based on a principle of submission to authority. "Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, 'Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.' And Jesus said to him, 'I will come and heal him.' The centurion answered and said, 'Lord, I am not[...]
"Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." Ephesians 6:13 ESV To stand firm in Christ, sometimes we need to first let go. Letting go can be a season, a sin habit, an offense, even an unhealthy expectation. As this pandemic's end is within[...]
"…the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified." Isaiah 61: 3b Do you ever feel like there is a spirit of heaviness on you? Sometimes it feels as though it's on your physical body: like your legs and arms feel like cem[...]