Why we can feel confident with the big picture Jesus left us
Whether we thrive on details or want only the big picture, Jesus has a plan for all of us.
Learning to do the unexpected—this is what following Jesus means
What if following Jesus is all about delivering the unexpected routines of life with moments of love, kindness, and generosity?
Why ‘Just follow your heart’ is inadequate although inspiring
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”
Pause and consider all the ways God has brought blessings to your life
It is tough to gain perspective and take time to express praise and gratitude to God when our business and busyness control us. We can learn much by considering prayer and praise David experienced in the passage for today.
Inside the guardrails is the place we best experience God’s goodness
Yes, Psalm 119 is about the law, but it also alludes to the good news of freedom in Christ. It’s a life of joy, inside the guardrails.
The shepherd got you through the dark. Now what? (Psalm 23, Part 4)
Even on the other side of the valley, you will still find at least one enemy. But relax. God wants to nourish and protect you there.
Sometimes the best way is to stop and make a list of all God has done
The psalmist was overwhelmed by the reality of the many blessings that had flowed from God’s throne. We can have the same experience.
Big mistake, good questions, sincere repentance, happy ending
Even when we have made the mistake of doing things our way, we can turn things around by returning to God and surrendering our will back to him.
Following Jesus: a risky decision then, a difficult choice now
Our confession of Jesus changes how we are to think, how we are to love, and how we are to interact with people and stuff. To follow Jesus means the systems of this world are not our priority. Jesus is our number one.
How you can avoid arrogance, foolishness, and embarrassing error
If we are seeking success in our kingdom living, both in daily life and with specific projects, I believe it would be a huge mistake not to seek wisdom and guidance from the people God brings into our life.
Prayers from the cave of fear, confusion, and difficulty
Maybe our best prayers are the ones we pray anxiously when we realize we have no control over some situations and only God can provide what we so desperately need.
A universal need, an everlasting offer, a basic to sustain all of us
“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ’Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”
How you can avoid the dangerous obsession that threatens death
Jealousy is a slow, silent, and wicked master. If left unchecked it can destroy you. Jealousy can trick you into thinking your actions are justified and your motives are honorable. This is what happened with King Saul.
The example we know best shows how God loves and uses the underdog
The story of David’s victory over Goliath gives a burst of confidence that God can equip the unlikely or the underdog to do what appears impossible.
Debating with God, proposing our plan, and seeing his provision
Time and time again we find that nothing we have done, are doing, or plan to do—either good or bad—surprises God. He has promised to direct our paths.
Here’s the place where we’ll remain not fetchable by the enemy
My great-great grandmother was ‘catchable but not fetchable.’ And we can find a place where the enemy won’t grab us, either.
For Jesus, it just came naturally. He was and is our Good Shepherd!
In the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus was already acting as a Shepherd who provides for the needs of his sheep.
‘For 17 years now . . . .” Thinking about my journey with prayer
As is true with so many others, I have prayed some prayers over and over again for many years. I pray because I believe God is listening and will answer.
What comes before redemption? The answer is surprising and true
The book of Ruth offers us a picture of the pattern God has used again and again to bring his people close to him.
‘Back in the day’ we see patterns still present here in our day
“Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” The problematic pattern of another age still is with us today.