In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. — Genesis 1:1-3 ESV If…
Joy Through Sorrow
The LORD blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first. — Job 42:12 Job found his legacy through the grief he experienced. He was tried that his godliness might be confirmed and validated. In the same way, my troubles are intended to deepen my character and to clothe me in gifts I…
When We Can’t Walk Away
When we can walk away from toxic people, we probably and usually should. But when financial necessity, work obligations, family relationships, or even the accomplishment of our God-given mission necessitates that we find a way to live or work with a toxic person, we can learn much by following Jesus’ example with Judas. JESUS AND…
When You’re Not Doing-Just-Fine-Thank-You
A year before Mum’s death, I was sitting in a departure lounge waiting for my flight to board when that dreaded announcement graced our ears: “The 3:30 p.m. flight to Dallas, Texas, will now depart at 5:40 p.m. Thank you for your patience.” I looked at my fellow passengers and questioned the announcer’s gratitude for…
Doin’ the Stuff
When I first met John Wimber, I was nineteen. I had been a believer for about five years, but I had virtually no understanding of the concept that I could be actually be involved in Kingdom ministry. Ephesians 4:11-2 had somehow slipped right past me. My concept of Christian living was to be good person,…
How to Overcome Temptation
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. — Matthew 4:1 After His baptism but before He began His public ministry, Jesus was led into the desert to undergo an attack by Satan. It was a profound testing of Christ’s human nature and a profound blasphemy against…
God Has a New Name for You in the New Year
I’ve been a Christian a long time. I remember praying the sinners prayer many times in hopes that God would extend ongoing grace and forgiveness to me and accept me as His daughter. After some time, I learned I didn’t have to pray this prayer over and over again, and I discovered that God adopted…
The God Who Heals
I am a God who heals. I heal broken bodies, broken minds, broken hearts, broken lives, and broken relationships. My very Presence has immense healing powers. You cannot live close to Me without experiencing some degree of healing. However, it is also true that you have not because you ask not. You receive the healing…
Comparison Distorts
A couple of years ago, I was asked to speak at a local outlet of a national conference. I gave a short talk on the civic engagement of millennial women and then joined a small group of attendees at one of the tables that peppered the room. Everyone had been asked to discuss the topic…
God Is Our Provider
Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. — Proverbs 24:3-4 In the Scriptures, wisdom is portrayed as valuable as precious treasure and riches. We all know of foolish people who lost a great deal of wealth due to…