The kids and I are currently reading through Numbers. We've already tackled the first three books of the Pentateuch and they are well-acquainted with the Israelites' litany of complaints since their departure from Egypt. Shaking our heads in disgust at their obvious lack of faith is a knee-jerk reaction. However, if we are looking into God's word like a mirror, we may see some glaring (and disturbing) similarities in ourselves!
Once upon a time, in a life far, far, away, I had my whole life planned out. Well, honestly, I only had it planned out through age thirty. My seventeen-year-old self couldn't really think past thirty. As I mentioned, I had these grand schemes. I knocked out my Bachelor's Degree, landed a good job (followed… Continue reading Three Things You Need to Remember Before Making Plans.
As a young adolescent, I remember thinking that I had been born in the wrong era. I imagined that I would have fared well as a young adult during World War II, listening to big band music and supporting the war effort overseas. I remember as a teenager in the 90s feeling lost among the… Continue reading You are here… for such a time as this
The deceitful and cruel nature of humanity molds many of us into skeptics. We have no desire to be duped into evil schemes. Investing, for example, often feels like an exercise riddled with doubts. Experts tell you to hang on to your Mutual Funds for 20 years and they will yield a decent increase. All… Continue reading Dangerous Doubts
Mountains, beautiful and majestic, serve to remind humans of their mortality and insignificance. There are those who climb the mountains "because they are there," and we consider them fearless. Don't be deceived---they are not without trepidation. They are fully aware that one misplaced grip, one sudden avalanche, or one failure in equipment could lead to… Continue reading How Do You Deal With Fear?
Suffering is frequently linked with the word "why." Why do we suffer? Why does God allow suffering? Why me? Suffering triggers an immediate desire to understand why. When sin entered the world suffering came along for the ride. We have seasons of peace, seasons of prosperity, and seasons of pain. Even in the good seasons,… Continue reading Patience, Even When Suffering Doesn’t Make Sense
As our car pulled out of the church parking lot on Sunday, all five of us spotted a cloud of smoke billowing on the distant horizon. My oldest daughter’s voice rose in panic from the backseat. “Do you think our house is on fire?!” My husband, in his calm reassuring manner, replied, “No, honey, it’s… Continue reading If You Worry About It, You Can Pray About It
This idea of walking with God comes up again and again in the scriptures. Noah walked with God. Moses commanded the people to "walk in all [God's] ways." The apostle John commanded Christians to "walk in the light as [God] is in the light." The apostle Paul wrote "walk by the Spirit" and "keep in step with the Spirit." We know we are supposed to walk with God, but what does this look like in our lives?
In the aftermath of the mass shooting at Sutherland Springs Baptist Church, there’s been plenty of blame and finger-pointing. There’s also been something else: People mocking those praying for the situation. This derisive attitude toward prayer is nothing new, but it may stir up doubts as to the effectiveness of prayer or the power of… Continue reading For Those Questioning the Effectiveness of Prayer after the Sutherland Springs Shooting
Got a sinking feeling? Pesky premonitions? Just a little nervous? That's nothing! Here are seven sure-fire tips to fuel that anxiety. Dwell on Your Fears Worried about the state of the country? Read more news. Join one of those activist movements and meet up with fellow disgruntled souls so you can gripe and grouse together. Listen to your favorite political news… Continue reading 7 Ways to Be Properly Worried
