Salted With Fire: Finding the Good News Hidden in the Hard News
Most of us want to hear bad news first so we can brace ourselves, yet we prefer to give good news first because delivering hard truth is uncomfortable. The disciples felt this tension in Mark 9 when Jesus told them about His coming death.
From Belief to Following
In Mark 2, Matthew moved beyond merely knowing about God to leaving everything and following Jesus after experiencing His kindness and acceptance.
The Blessing of a Dirty Trough
Proverbs 14:4 reminds us that a clean manger usually means nothing meaningful is happening. Real life, real work, and real love always create a bit of a mess.
Building a Life That Blesses
We spend so much energy trying to look good on the outside—through fitness, appearance, and discipline—but Scripture reminds us that the condition of our character has far greater impact.
Mentoring the Generations Behind Us
Younger generations today are hungry for guidance—not because they are weak, but because they recognize the gaps left by absent parents, cultural pressures, and the illusion that older adults “have it all figured out.”
The Weight of a Good Name
Our reputation grows from daily choices shaped by our spiritual center.
The Horse Before the Cart
When we seek God first and approach our work with humility, service, and trust, we can confidently face both planned opportunities and unexpected challenges, knowing that while we prepare faithfully, the victory ultimately belongs to the Lord.
When Suffering Shifts Your Focus
While Job's friends searched for reasons and blame, God redirected Job's attention to His power, wisdom, and sovereignty.
Faithful Love in a World of Temptation
Solomon advises married couples to pursue and enjoy each other rather than looking for pleasure in the wrong places.
The Wisdom That is Available
What greater gift can we desire for ourselves and our children than the wisdom of God?
Quick to Hear, Slow to Speak
When we feel so angry and so confident that we have to add our opinion, that might be a good time to hold back, take a breath, and even offer a prayer before we speak, post, comment, or even give a thumbs up to what someone else has said in person or online.
Immediate Obedience, Lasting Wisdom
Just as Jesus immediately followed the Spirit’s leading and His disciples immediately left everything to follow Him, we are called to pursue God's wisdom and serve others without delay.
When We Don’t Understand
Though we may never fully understand His ways, we can trust that God is sovereign, just, and working according to His perfect purposes.
Seeking Wisdom Beyond Easy Answers
Reading Job and Proverbs together reminds us that God’s wisdom is deeper than quick solutions or simple explanations.
Hope in the Middle of Suffering
After losing his possessions, children, and health, Job honestly expressed his pain to God rather than hiding it.
Trusting God Through Loss and Blessing
Though Job lost his possessions, his children, and his security, he responded with worship and surrender, recognizing that everything ultimately belongs to God.
The Day of Pure Speech
Zephaniah paints a beautiful picture of a future day when deceit, fear, and rebellion will disappear, and all people will worship God together in truth.
Honest Conversations With God
The book of Habakkuk shows us that God welcomes honest conversations filled with grief, frustration, and questions. Even when we struggle to understand His plans, God remains just, merciful, and faithful.
Seeking God Above Everything Else
Psalm 63 reminds us that our greatest need is not simply God’s blessings, but God Himself.
While We Wait
Though we often struggle with delayed answers and brokenness around us, we can trust that God is working, restoring, and caring for us even when we cannot yet see the outcome.