Whenever there is a conflict between what we feel we’re expected to do and what we feel we should do, it’s time to step back from the decision. And seek clarity from the only source free of the entanglements of misguided opinions and unrealistic expectations. God. Maybe it feels a tad silly to bother God…
Start Your Day with the Lord
A Good Way to Start a Day I don’t trust hotel wake-up calls. Whether you will actually receive one when you ask seems to depend on the state of mind of the person entering your request. If he’s just broken up with his girlfriend, for example, and her name happens to be Sheila, I’m either getting…
Learning to Wait
When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. — Matthew 14:32 Waiting is the hardest work of hope. ~ Lewis Smedes Waiting patiently is not a strong suit in American society. A woman’s car stalls in traffic. She looks in vain under the hood to identify the cause, while the driver behind her leans…
Miracles in the Middle of the Mess
A scar is what happens when the word is made flesh. — Leonard Cohen, The Favourite Game Here I am, Lord. Everything that’s brought me to this place at this time I offer up to You. I’m holding nothing back. Do with me and through me as You will. Thank You for the honor of…
“Do You Want to Be Whole?”
One day, as Jesus was walking through Jerusalem, He came to a famous pool. The pool was famous because people believed its waters had magic powers. They believed an angel would periodically come down from heaven and stir the pool, and the first one into the bubbling waters would be healed. Jesus walked toward…
Shine On!
Try to shine as lights among the people of this world, as you hold firmly to the message that gives life.— Philippians 2:1516 CEV There’s a lot of talk about moonlight and how it lights up the night. But, actually, there’s no such thing as moonlight. The Moon doesn’t really shine at all; rather, when…
Run Toward the Fear: Run Toward the Roar
I am fascinated by the way lions hunt. I’ve read that it’s the lionesses that actually do the “lion’s share” of the work. The males are obviously incredibly intimidating, with their manes and their ferocious roars, but it’s the chicks you really have to watch out for. The fact that lionesses do not have a…
Tending the Garden of the Soul
The Interplay of Our Spiritual Temperaments At least once a week, I’ll want to spend some time going on a prayer walk through the woods. On a regular basis, I’ll need to make sure I’m continuing to study. Perhaps I’ll need to download more teachings or order more books. Also, I should begin respecting my…
Pain Is a Microphone
There Will Be Blood Pain is a microphone. And the more it hurts, the louder you get. Suffering isn’t an obstacle to being used by God. It is an opportunity to be used like never before. This truth leaps off the pages of Scripture again and again and again. Joseph suffered for years as a…
Take God at His Word
What He says He will do, He does. What He promises, He makes come true. — Numbers 23:19 NCV We need to learn to take God at His word. Sounds easy enough, especially when it’s smooth sailing. But in the midst of a storm, even the disciples of Jesus needed a reminder. On one occasion…