I struggle, Lord, and get distracted by the world sometimes, but I also get distracted by Christian culture and expectations. There are so many voices. Some say we must focus on evangelism or missions. Some stress discipleship and disciplines in order to grow. Others urge us to devote our energy to serving youth, or the…
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.” Psalm 23:1 NLT David wrote these words, Lord, centuries ago. I am so grateful that they are still true here and now. They are indeed still true, My child, for I am the God that does not change. You have, in Me, everything that you…
These have been hard days. It’s been ten to twelve months like nothing any of us have ever seen before. Many have fallen ill, many have died, many are alone, many have been mistreated, and many are without hope across all sectors of our society and our world. The church here in America has not…
Lord, these days are so full of striving. Even within Your church there is division and tension. It seems we can no longer find our way to common ground or even mutual respect. How do we practice both gentleness and strength, grace and conviction, mercy and discernment? How can we be a light to the…
As citizens of the United States we are blessed and thankful for many rights. We enjoy freedom of religion, the right to free speech, the right to assemble, the right to bear arms (going sleeveless or having arms like a bear?), the right to a speedy trial, the right to disagree with authority and say…
I believe You, Lord, when Your word emphasizes the importance of prayer. There are so many things in life that I have no control over; things that I care about deeply. And they are things that You care about, too. People I love, ongoing circumstances that require patience and strength, and the state of the…
“The Lord is my shepherd…” Psalm 23:1 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep… I am the good shepherd; and I know My own, and My own know Me.” John 10:11, 14 Shepherd is one of the titles that Jesus claimed for Himself while He walked on…
Joy and happiness are not the same things. I know, Lord, that my happiness comes and goes. I know, also, that my joy comes from You. I want to learn to let that joy come to the surface more than it seems to. I am so blessed and so thankful that there is a deep…
Thanksgiving is over and Christmas approaches. It really is a wonderful time of year full of lights, activities, family, and celebration for most of us. But I truly wish we could hang on to thanksgiving a little longer. Not the holiday, but the action. it seems that it is so much easier to point out…
Small beginnings. They don’t sound too impressive. We like things to start big, with lots of fanfare, plenty of buzz ahead of time on social media, and lots of publicity followed by an impressive launch. We start a new year with big ideas of all the things we will do better this time. We change…
