In Your presence is fullness of joy. — Psalm 16:11 NASB “I need a leaf blower. But for people.” I chuckled when I saw that line on a tea towel — and I think Warren Wiersbe might have laughed too. “People” represent one of four joy stealers the Bible scholar identifies in his commentary on…
Guilt
There is unspeakable joy… for the person who knows release from guilt and the release of forgiveness. ~ Stuart Briscoe Guilt says, “You failed.” Shame says, “You’re a failure.” Grace says, “Your failures are forgiven.” ~ Lecrae When I was ten years old and in the fifth grade, there was a boy in my…
Conquering Anxiety in the Face of Uncertainty
Whew. We’re all certainly living in uncertain times. It feels like every time I turn on the television or scroll through my newsfeed, there is an unsettling photo of someone gravely sick or a heated political debate among friends. Seeing the constant stream of upsetting stories, unprecedented health warnings, and watching buildings destroyed in my…
God Is with You in the Ordinary
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour…
Benevolent Detachment
Give Everyone and Everything to Me I got home from work on a Friday afternoon a few weeks ago and went outside to just sit, be quiet, try to find God. Nothing big. No crisis. Not a seven-day fast. Just sitting quietly, attempting to dial back into his presence. It was astounding how many things…
Roadblocks to Healing
Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. — Ephesians 5:15-17 There are many roadblocks to receiving Christ’s gift of healing by faith, either as a…
Who Is This Giver of Prayer?
The first privilege of having an intimate relationship with God through prayer is that you get to know God. Consider what a great and awesome honor that is — to know the One who not only created all that exists but also directs it from His mighty throne. This is an amazing thought when you…
Anxious for Nothing — That’s a Wrap!
How did that go by so fast? It’s wrap-up week already, friends! It’s time to grab your study guides and review our journey together, and if you haven’t finished the videos, or you want to rewatch them and take more notes (I do it all the time!), you have all week to catch up. This…
Anxious for Nothing Week 3 — Present Your Requests to God
[He] cried out, “Lord, save me!” — Matthew 14:30 Specific prayer provides an opportunity to see God at work. ~ Max Welcome to week three of the Anxious for Nothing Online Bible Study with Max Lucado! Have you ever worry-prayed? I catch myself doing this all the time. I find myself complaining to Jesus about…
Overcoming Anxiety with Peace
When Houston energy worker Shawn Baker was laid off in 2015, she opened a new business that quickly became a “smash hit.” It’s a place for angry, stressed-out, or anxiety-filled people to take out their frustrations on inanimate objects. Inside the building are four rooms lined with thick plywood, all stocked with old furniture, dishes,…