I have been engaged in a silent war this summer. A bi-weekly standoff between me and a grove of dying trees. You see, I have to mow the grass that resides under these trees every other week. But before I can mow, I need to pick up sticks. May I say, it isn’t anything like the game of Pick-Up Sticks...
Read MoreRead More
I’m not sure why I keep landing in Thessalonians lately. These letters were written to encourage believers who were "fighting the good fight." Despite persecution, they clung to their faith. Paul wrote to them to praise them for their spiritual maturity and encourage them to continue. There's much to be gained when studying biblical heroes like Moses and David. But what...
Read MoreRead More
I wonder, can constant obedience, like unceasing prayer, become as natural and continuous as breathing? If that sounds like a tall order it is! But the good news is that we are not the ones to fulfill it. Psalm 119:88 says, “In Your great love revive me so I can alertly obey your every word.” Strong’s Concordance has amazing things to tell...
Read MoreRead More
I recently read this verse: “Pray without ceasing…”1 Thessalonian 5:16 The hamster on the wheel in my brain started its spin. What does it look like to pray without ceasing? Is it even possible? A medium dive into this took me down several paths. Namely–– Why do we pray? How do we pray? Who enables us to pray? What makes prayer powerful? Years ago, a portion...
Read MoreRead More
In recent years, Jesus has liberated me from thinking I'm responsible for outcomes. So today, I hold outcomes far more loosely. I think I was trying to play God in those early years (without meaning to). If I reach out to this person, I bet this may happen! If I help this family member, I bet this will be the result! If/Then...
Read MoreRead More
Context is everything as is perception. Both can be game changers when it comes to giving thanks. The book of Thessalonians was written to people who were being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, its author, wanted his readers to know they could live (or die) with HOPE. Jesus rose from the grave and they could look...
Read MoreRead More
“Humility is the perfect quietness of heart. It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me. It is to be at rest when nobody praises me, and when I am blamed or despised. It is to have a blessed home in the Lord, where I can go in and...
Read MoreRead More
This week we get to unpack what Jennie Allen called “the transforming power of awe.” She says, “Delight in God and His goodness tears down our walls and allows hope, trust, and worship to flood in.” Cynicism is the direct opposite of this. The cynic is always waiting for the rug to get pulled out from under them. Cynics may call themselves...
Read MoreRead More
They say that to be an expert at something, you need 10,000 hours of experience. Turns out I’m an expert at worrying and being anxious. Ten thousand hours throughout my lifetime translates into roughly 30 minutes of anxious/worrisome daily thoughts. I’m embarrassed to admit that that number is a cakewalk for me. Jennie Allen says that one of the greatest tools the...
Read MoreRead More
Years ago, I was volunteering with the Wednesday night kids ministry. I and another gal were keeping an eye on the older elementary kids as they burned off some steam by throwing balls and chasing one another. It was chaos. The other woman looked at me and said, "You know, when Pastor talked about the need for help in the...
Read MoreRead More