The Christian life is marked by notable milestones, and you’ll find joy in every one of them. Remember, just because something is important and serious doesn’t mean it can’t also be filled with joy and the beauty of deep, abiding contentment. Salvation The moment of salvation is inexpressibly joyous. This is our eternal, spiritual delivery…
Stop the Downward Spiral of Guilt and Shame
Shame, by formal definition, is a painful feeling of having lost the respect of others because of an improper behavior, sin, or label of incompetence. It arises from dishonor or disgrace stemming from something regrettable, unfortunate, or outrageous. Chronic Guilt and Shame Can Lead to Depression Our main reason to be concerned with guilt…
All Things New: The Hope of Renewal
Picture a treasure chest. Not a small box that might hold jewelry on a girl’s nightstand — a large treasure chest, larger than any suitcase you own, larger than any suitcase you’ve ever seen. Picture a massive oak treasure chest, like pirates might have used, with large iron hinges and a huge clasp. The size…
The Power of Persistent, Spirit-Led Prayer
A note from the author: After another weekend of devastating mass shootings across America and the senseless loss of dozens of lives, our hearts go out to the victims’ families, and our minds ask “Why?” and “What can we do?” As for “Why?,” these things are happening because as more and more people reject God…
Giving Thanks for Blessings
A Reflex Action The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my Savior. — 2 Samuel 22:2–3, 2 Samuel 22:47 We are concerned about a person or situation. We pray…
Hannah’s Request
Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the LORD… I rejoice in Your salvation.” — 1 Samuel 2:1 When have you really wanted something? We all know what it feels like to long for something desperately, for something, such as a life-giving job, a significant other, a repaired relationship, a sense of purpose, or…
Loving My Fire Kids
Somewhere between Heaven… and burning in hell. She doesn’t believe in God. At least that’s what she tells me. Heidi is so much like me it’s scary. No, not in that way… I do believe in God. But she’s like me in the way that she questions everything and analyzes life to the nth degree.…
21 Uplifting Billy Graham Quotes
Billy Graham preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ to some 215 million people through his crusades and simulcasts around the world. He passed away today, February 21, 2018 at his home in Montreat, North Carolina. He was 99. Although we are grieving, Heaven rejoices. Here is a collection of some of Billy Graham’s most treasured…
Sufficient Grace
Sufficient Grace To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, My power…
God Will Never Leave You Alone
The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them. – Luke 19:10 Our God is the God who follows. Have you sensed Him following you? He is the one who came to seek and save the lost. Have you sensed Him seeking you? Have you felt His presence through the kindness of a stranger? Through the majesty…