Our scars tell our stories. They are the mile markers of our existence, reminding us where we have been. Like chapter titles, they announce what has been written onto the pages of our lives. Even as they cover and hide our wounds, they reveal to all that we have suffered. As with a block of…
Sin: Temptation, Red Flags, and a Way Out
In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army… But David remained in Jerusalem. One evening David got up from his bed and walked around the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The…
Did the Devil Really Make Me Do It?
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. — 1 Corinthians 10:13 Early on in my…
Jesus Calling: Don’t Worry
Keep your eyes on Me! Waves of adversity are washing over you, and you feel tempted to give up. As your circumstances consume more and more of your attention, you are losing sight of Me. Yet I am with you always, holding you by your right hand. I am fully aware of your situation, and…
Why God Allows Trial and Temptation
God allows temptation and trial because they can be good for us. Seriously? Yep. The same Greek and Hebrew words are used in Scripture for both temptation and trial. The distinction depends on intent and motivation. Is the difficult situation for the purpose of tearing down? It’s a temptation. Is it for the purpose of…
Bible Verses about Strength: 12 Scriptures
Bible Verses about Strength Say the word strength, and immediately one thinks of diet plans, workout routines, and trips to the gym. The word reminds us of the workout clothes we bought last year, with good intentions, but never wore. To be physically strong and fit is a fine goal, but there is a greater…
Enemies of the Christian
Enemies of the Christian For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. — Ephesians 6:12 Possibly you have already found that you have enemies. These are dangerous, vicious enemies who will use any method to defeat…
Unforgivable Sin: Does God Ever Leave Us?
An Earth Shattering Instant No one saw Harriet’s suicide coming. Two nights before her death, she wrote an e-mail to a friend in which she admitted that she was struggling with doubt but believed she was turning the corner. She even had an affirming conversation with her spiritual mentor the night before she took her…
On Losing a Loved One: God Is a Good, Good Father
Losing a parent is never easy. I know. I lost my father one year ago this month. Even as I write those words, I can hardly believe it. I had fallen into a rut of telling people I lost my dad six months ago. Then last week, I started getting emotional about him all of…
The House Founded on the Rock
The rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. — Matthew 7:25 If you’ve climbed on boulders like those found on beaches in the Pacific Northwest or New England, you’ve probably slipped a time or two. In…
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