A Prayer For Letting Go and Trusting Through Suffering
A lady recently asked me how she should pray for a difficult family member she is caring for. This family member is not just difficult, but sometimes just downright mean. The situation is painful as health issues are also involved. She felt as if she and her family were being punished. My heart went out […]
Does Social Isolation Really Increase the Risk of Early Death?
I’m continually reminded of how thankful I am for my church community. However, there are times when it’s simply easier to isolate—especially in the evening. Until recently, I had no idea about the profound impact that isolation can have on a person’s well-being. Modern research underscores the serious physical toll of lacking human connection. A […]
Running Beyond Comfort
In a recent story titled “An Austin Marathoner ran an incredible pace—while wearing blue jeans,” the writer noted, “There’s a reason behind the odd wardrobe choice.” Running a marathon is impressive enough—especially in Austin, with its brutal hills. Just finishing is worth celebrating. But one runner completed it well under three hours…in full-length blue jeans. […]
“Who Told You That You Were Naked?”
“Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” And He [God] said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which […]
Don’t Participate In Foolishness
April Fools’ Day often celebrates harmless pranks, but it also reminds us of true foolishness—the kind that leads to eternal peril. Imagine driving on a foggy night and spotting a sign: “Bridge Washed Out Ahead: Turn Around.” Ignoring it would be catastrophic. Who, in their right mind, would press on the gas and speed towards […]
Perceiving God’s Presence: How Thankfulness Produces Powerful Intimacy
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17 God’s presence is not governed by our perception. He is always near, always at work—whether we sense Him vividly or feel nothing at all. Our […]
Do You Know How to Captivate the Heart of God?
“He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, For they were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, But the Lord was my support. He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me.” Psalms 18:17-19 This staggering […]
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: God’s Unique Design in Every Life
“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” Psalm 139:13-14 In an almost unbelievable story, Ashley Paulson set a new women’s world record for the 100-mile ultramarathon at […]
Is Our Worry a Disguise for Our Control?
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 Worry is repeating a future where God does not show up. […]
The Fragile Religion Of Legalism
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, […]