It started mid-morning when the routine of the day felt lifeless. Without thinking, I opened the browser, typed "Fa," and autofill did the rest sending me directly to Facebook. After an unknown amount of time, looking at vapidly entertaining content, I jumped over to Twitter, and it was more of the same. I checked to see what was … Continue reading Distracting Ourselves to Death
No matter how much I struggled, there was no relief. I could not win the fight. At the time, none of it made any sense. Who or what was this enemy anyway? All I saw was wave after wave crashing upon me. I fought and fought but to no avail. At first, I was resolved to win, but the battle continued, the … Continue reading When God Contests His Children
You cannot cast your cares on Jesus without a biblical worldview. Often, when we are dealing with a problem that has us worried, a friend will remind us of 1 Peter 5:7, which says, "Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." Though it is a great verse, we rarely know what … Continue reading How to Cast Your Cares on God
I have been having more difficulty writing lately. I think it all started in January when work became extremely busy. It is not that I stopped using my creative energy; it is simply depleted by the end of the day with my other obligations. In one sense, this shows my priorities are correct. After my … Continue reading Writing As a Spiritual Discipline
She stopped by again today and gave me one of those looks. The beauty of her face set against the backdrop of the tumultuous sky promised me peace. It was soft and gentle. It was like she was telling me, “I know life is not perfect, and I can help.” There was a grace in … Continue reading The Misleading Beauty of Temptation
By affliction, the Master Artist is adding some new touch of loveliness to the picture He is bringing out in our souls. Afflictions, when sanctified temper worldly ambitions, burn out the dross of selfishness, humble pride, quell fierce passions, reveal the evil in our hearts, manifest our weaknesses, faults and blemishes, teach patience and submission, … Continue reading Afflictions, When Sanctified
Where to go in sorrow is one of life's great questions. For there are none to whom sorrow does not come at some time. The Master, whose footprints are on all life's paths, shows us the way to the refuge in the time of trouble. He found it in prayer. "Being in agony, He prayed." … Continue reading Prayers of Sorrow
Sometimes you are called to preach from the pit. Pain, suffering, grief, and sorrow are not reasons for the minister to back away from his calling to proclaim the word of God; they are often reasons to lean into it. Times of peace and comfort highlight certain truths as we study scripture, but there are … Continue reading Preaching from the Pit
I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. - Philippians 4:11 How can we learn contentment? One step toward contentment is patient submission to unavoidable ills and hardships. No earthly lot is perfect. No mortal ever yet in this world, has found a set of circumstances without some drawback. There are trials … Continue reading How to Learn Contentment
What is God doing when he tests our faith? Why is it necessary that our faith be tested? What are some of the ways he tests our faith? How are we to respond in times of testing? I recently had the privilege of preaching a sermon called, The Test of Your Faith at Bethel Grace … Continue reading The Test of Your Faith
The Fight of Faith 