Have you heard the popular song, “Don’t worry, be happy” or the phrase “don’t worry it’s really not that bad – everything will get better.” Are these words of encouragement or could this be denial of the pain and reality, the stifling down of emotions? Thinking about these responses got me wandering. John had just experienced the earth-shattering, heaven-opening…
‘Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves… Then do what is…
It doesn’t seem fair, does it? Paul spent his life serving Christ, and yet he experienced continual suffering. Why would God let one of His most faithful servants go through so much pain? This isn’t just a question about Paul; it’s an issue we face today. In our minds, the Lord should protect His loyal followers from…
When we go on a diet, we often make a list or think about things we need to cut out. we also must examine our thinking for that’s when real change comes. It’s not enough to keep the bad stuff out. We’ve got to let the good stuff in. It’s not enough to keep a…
United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund estimates that about 240 million children are born with impairments. As a result, Christians raising children with disabilities must understand how to nurture them biblically. However, this might be one of the most difficult elements of parenting. The good news is that you can often find guidance on how…
The battle for our minds and hearts is real and ongoing. Have you ever been ambushed by spontaneous impure thoughts — thoughts that undermine your faith? Lots, of distracting thoughts, sometimes infiltrate our minds, especially when we’re praying or contemplating God’s Word. I ask myself are they my thoughts or are they the strategic mind…
Landing in Tanzania has given me a chance to reflect on my spiritual direction. Direction, “a purpose or orientation toward a goal that serves to guide or motivate,” has an inevitable flow in our lives. In consideration of our daily direction, the above verse from Romans aligns our internal compass with the One who breathes…
Last week I was at a bomb fire. Have you ever watched a fire begin to burn down to the point that all you have left are coals? It looks as though there is no fire left, but when you take a fresh log and toss it on top of those coals and stir it…
Many Christians focus on what God has done in the past. He parted the Red Sea, stopped the sun for Joshua, and fed thousands of people with just a little boy’s small lunch. Yes, God has performed many amazing miracles throughout history, and we must give Him praise and glory! But at the same time,…
As many of us celebrate birthdays this summer, we tend to look back and reflect on our mistakes and shortcomings or what may have been. We get down on ourselves and think, “if only…” “I should have…” “What if…?” It’s easy to feel like you’ve missed opportunities over the year, then we get depressed and…
