One glance at the news or social media exposes the collective hemorrhaging of emotions across the globe. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Bring us to our knees, Lord; open our eyes. Teach us to fear You. “For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not...
It’s amazing to be inhabited by God’s Spirit. Because of Jesus, we have direct access in one Spirit to the Father (Ephesians 2:18). Where to Begin It’s hard to know where to start with the brokenness in our country right now. What do we pray for? How do we...
In high school I bought the devotional “Streams in the Desert” by L.B. Cowman from the bookstore where I worked. Its words have encouraged me most when I’ve been in seasons of need these past 22 years. An underlined section from June 27 gives courage to my soul this week...
Something strange happens when I join a Zoom call. My brain takes several minutes to focus and concentrate like it’s rebelling against the unnatural gathering. Trouble focusing has become the norm for me — a thought will flit into my mind like a hummingbird, insert its beak into...
“For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ” (Colossians 2:5, ESV). A few days ago, I mentioned to a group of brothers and sisters that some of the people I connect with on video...
How much will people change as the result of these past weeks? What will that change look like? A quick scroll through Twitter reveals heroic stories of profound generosity as well as distasteful tales of selfishly motivated actions. Change can bring out the best in some and the worst in others...
Quarantine may feel like a gift at times while other days play out like the inescapable loop in Groundhog Day. However, in the quiet moments do you wonder what the Lord is accomplishing through our present place? Set Free “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him...
As a small, teenage shepherd boy, David protected his family’s sheep from lions and bears — by punching them in the face (1 Samuel 17:35)! Before David was confronted with slaying Goliath, God had been preparing his heart through some pretty terrifying circumstances to store up trust...
In early February I began reading through the Old Testament and am just now three-quarters of the way through Numbers. The pattern unfolding reveals a familiar story: God did not rescue the Israelites from the tyranny of Pharaoh to provide them a life of ease. The Israelites had the Promised...