James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” — Mark 10:35 The disciples were on their way to Jerusalem. Struggling to understand all Jesus was telling them about what awaited Him, James and John made one of the Bible’s boldest…
Reordering Our Thoughts
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. — Joshua 1:8 What consumes your thoughts most days? When given the chance, where does your mind wander? Are you frequently…
He Bends Down: He Is Listening
Turn Your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. — Psalm 31:2 As I sat waiting for a friend to join me at a local coffee shop, I overheard part of a conversation from a woman who was visibly frustrated. She was a…
Nourishing Words
The lips of the righteous nourish many. — Proverbs 10:21 There was once a monk who, like many followers of Jesus at the time, was looking for a deeper walk with God. This monk, Abbot Agatho, fled to the desert. The story goes that Abbot Agatho, aware of his temptation to sin with his words,…
Get Your Gifts for Mom! (…and Yourself)
Editor’s note: Mother’s Day is right around the corner and I don’t know about your mama, but mine is challenging to buy for! She doesn’t want anything fancy, or expensive. She doesn’t want a massage, she doesn’t need much, and she’s completely content with a painted-glitter-macaroni necklace from the kids. She’s been given gobs of…
Answering Our Own Prayers
Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” — Luke 11:1 ESV A group of teenagers and I sat cross-legged on the church lawn, soaking in the warm summer sunshine. One of the girls…
Settle My Soul: Martha Martha
You know the drill. When retiring for the night, you have every aim that tomorrow you will carve out time to meet with Jesus. You envision an early morning summit alone with the Lord — Bible wide open — joined only by perhaps a helpful devotional book and a steaming mug of something hot. It…
Why Are You So Angry?
The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?” — Genesis 4:6 The first sin recorded for us in the Bible outside of the garden of Eden is the sin of Cain killing his brother, Abel. We’re told that Abel kept the f locks and Cain worked the soil (Genesis…