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
Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the… Continue reading Something to remember on Election Day
This passage in Psalms began my daily reading today. In light of our discussion, "does everything happen for a reason," this scripture seemed quite timely. In this Psalm, David challenges his own soul to remember no scheme of man can ever snatch Him from God's omnipotent hand. Here is the full text of the Psalm: Be… Continue reading Do you trust Him?
She raked slender fingers through her long hair, willing the movement to ease her tensed nerves. Her heart seemed to gravitate towards the floor. Why couldn't something go right for a change? No matter what she did, it all seemed to unravel in the end. Seized with sorrow, she sank to her knees and wept. Plagued with doubt. Overwhelmingly defeated. Dogged by despair.
With all the big leaps I've taken lately, my mind has travelled several times to the account of Peter stepping out on the water in the middle of a storm. There are a plethora of songs that allude to this idea of stepping out in faith/walking on water. Many focus on Peter sinking the moment… Continue reading “Little Faith” — Good, bad, or simply a start? (Coffee Chat 15)
A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. ~ Proverbs 16.9, NKJV When I was young, I had very definite ideas about what I wanted to achieve in life. I wanted to have enough money to live in a nice big house in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I wanted a college degree, a good career and a good church to worship with. I wanted to be married, have children. I wanted to have it all. There's a funny truth about our crazy dreams: while many are attainable, they are not necessarily attainable together. I couldn't have everything without sacrificing something.
So often we think we've been dealt a bad hand. We see God as unjust and unfair---though I daresay we only think it in our heart. The truth is, Satan is trying to pull us away from God by any and every means possible. Satan will use wealth and prosperity to create pride, apathy and complacency. He inspired concentration camps to create despair and hopelessness. He destroys families, feeds loneliness and abandonment so that people will seek help outside of God, falling deeper into his clutches. God is not unaware of what goes on, and we are never beyond his reach. God is able to transform any agonizing trial into something glorious if we accept the situation and allow Him to work.
We've been waiting for doors to open, putting out resumes and preparing for some lean times. We've been busy during our wait and praying hard for direction and strength. Around Christmas, we got a phone call---a potential job opportunity in Texas. Houses, food, gas (pretty much everything) is cheaper in Texas. We could do more than just "get by" over there. My immediate reaction was resistance and---though I am ashamed to admit it---fear...
