Christian Living · Knowing God

Do I have to carry THAT cross?

Jesus calls us to lift up our own cross and follow Him. Sounds easy enough, right? Just lugging around some metaphorical wood isn't too daunting. But as the wood sinks heavily into our aching muscles, and unruly splinters embed themselves into our raw skin, we grumble endlessly over each agonizing step.

Christian Living · Knowing God

My Greatest Fear

We often fear the wrong problems while being complacent about the right ones.

Study · The Word of God

Lessons from a silly goose.

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17, NASB Never miss a teachable moment---even from a silly goose. My children have been memorizing the above passage from 2 Timothy for the past two… Continue reading Lessons from a silly goose.

Knowing God · Study · The Word of God

Why Study the Bible?

Last week, I shared with you why I ditched my Bible reading plan, and relayed my current plan for trekking through the book of Romans. In the past week and a half, I have read through Romans three times. I've read and reread various chapters, trying to grasp the bigger picture of the letter. I thought, perhaps,… Continue reading Why Study the Bible?

Christian Living · encouragement

A Spark in the Darkness.

Shootings in Dallas. Riots in Charlotte. Explosions in New York. Deceit in the debate hall. Worry abounds. When darkness prevails and our grief overwhelms us, how do we get through it? What do we hold on to?  Should we cling to the power of our country? America is currently the world's superpower with an unrivaled military and… Continue reading A Spark in the Darkness.

Knowing God · Trust

Do you trust Him?

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?

Knowing God

Does the presence of evil negate the power of God?

"If there is a God, why do bad things happen?" "If God is so powerful, then why was this ruler able to murder all these people?" "God doesn't work in the world today. If He did, He wouldn't have allowed my child to die." People from every race, color, and time have asked questions like these. Humanity is perpetually baffled by suffering. Grief or pain cause some to lash out at God or abandon Him altogether. How do we reconcile a loving, all-powerful God with a world overrun with destruction?

Knowing God

Does Everything Happen for a Reason? (part 1)

In our fast-paced, sound-byte world, people want (and give) quick answers with no real thought to the complexities of the question. Consider, for instance, the following question: "Does everything happen for a reason?" For the past several weeks, I have been rolling this topic around in my mind after reading an article that a few of my… Continue reading Does Everything Happen for a Reason? (part 1)

Christian Living · encouragement

Navigating the labyrinth of life.

Welcome to life---a constant stream of unexpected twists and turns, frustrating interruptions and derailments.

Christian Living · encouragement

Why “going through the motions” is necessary at times

There is a popular song that plays occasionally on the Christian radio station called "The Motions." I had to look up the lyrics because I could only remember the chorus (even after I looked them up, they made little sense to me). This is how the chorus goes: I don't wanna go through the motions I don't wanna go one more day Without Your all consuming passion inside of me I don't wanna spend my whole life asking What if I had given everything Instead of going through the motions? Not to slaughter anyone's sacred cow (or song), but this song has got it backwards.