A Heartbreaking Interview Several years ago I was interviewed on a live radio talk program of a popular Christian station in a large city in the South. We were discussing one of my books. Ten minutes into the radio interview the announcer took a break. During that time, I heard several commercials and announcements at…
Journey into the Fire of Surrender
For He will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. — Malachi 3:2-3 The embers glowed as the blacksmith stoked the fire. One callused hand held a piece of metal to…
Breathing Authentic Bravery
Breathing Authentic Bravery Maybe it’s my age or where I am in life right now; I’m not sure. But I’ve simply grown weary of a yo-yo type of bravery. It is with all love that I insist we can’t be plucky one day and pitiful the next. The unhealthy habit of swaying between faith and…
Training in Trust
May God, who puts all things together, makes all things whole… Now put you together. — Hebrews 13:18-21 The Message A round pen is like a corral with no corners. One of my friends bonds with her horse Luke in a round pen because it limits the ways he can avoid the pressure of what…
What Are You Thinking About?
What Are You Thinking About? Whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things. — Philippians 4:8 Too often our thoughts take on a life of their own, wandering freely and sometimes landing in dark places. Our Creator…
God Loves Broken People: The Story of Gomer
A Prodigal Wife Learns the Meaning of True Love For your Maker is your husband — the Lord Almighty is His name — the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth. — Isaiah 54:5 She stands outside in the cool, refreshing rain, allowing it to run…
Courage Makes a Difference
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord. — 2 Timothy 1:7-8 Daniel had been in Babylon for decades when we are told of a very dramatic confrontation he had with the new…
What Is the Purpose of Prayer?
“This happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” – John 9:3 The primary purpose of prayer is not to change circumstances; the primary purpose of prayer is to change us! But either way, the chief objective remains the same: to glorify God in any and every situation. My friends John and…
Stop Driving Your Kids Crazy
Stop Driving Your Kids Crazy One of the most important opportunities we have as parents is the opportunity to teach our children genuine mercy. This teaching begins with us. Our treatment of our kids is the first place they learn about mercy and forgiveness, and so it is one of the most powerful and enduring…
Joy Is Soon Coming
God’s Promise Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. — Psalm 30:5 NLT Amanda Todd was the Canadian teenager who became an unwitting spokesperson for despair at the age of fifteen after a predator had convinced her to pose topless for a photo. He later blackmailed her with threats…