thoughts on life and faith
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! - Psalms 139:23-24 Perhaps there is no more vital a practice than to lay ourself bare before God. Truth is, it is impossible to hide … Continue reading Lay Bare Our Soul
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 He has now reconciled in His body of flesh by His death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before Him," - Colossians 1:21-22 Our salvation does not thrive despite suffering, rather it flourishes because of it. … Continue reading He Suffers With You
"Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin." - (Psalm 32:1-2 via Romans 4:7-8) There is refreshment found in forgiveness. We can carry our mistakes with us for so long, they become forever attached to our conscience. The … Continue reading A Courageous Step Towards Forgiving Yourself
12 "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;" - Joel 2:12 There must be a place for mourning in our faith. This can take many forms, but all are crucial for us to grow in both our dependence and humility. A thriving saint … Continue reading The Place That Mourns
13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the lord in the land of the living! 14Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:13-14) Faith takes courage. To believe something as utterly ridiculous as the works of Jesus, you have no choice but to lean … Continue reading Evil and The Ridiculousness of God
9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment" - Philippians 1:9 The more you get to know God, the more love should abound. Like a raging fire, one cannot get in near vicinity without feeling the warmth. Trust not those who claim relationship with God, … Continue reading Abound in Love
7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. - Philippians 1:7 Any time I get stuck in my writing and faith, I … Continue reading Children of Grace
6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. - Philippians 1:6 Writing, and creating in general, can be humiliating. On weeks where you feel like you are contributing with "fresh" ideas and content, you can almost feel … Continue reading A Good Work / A Good Story
When I worked in student ministry, I saw a lot of volunteers who came and went. This is not too uncommon in any volunteer position. Time and demands end up pulling even the most committed of us in other directions. Yet, in student ministry especially, this can be especially frustrating. Working with kids is a … Continue reading Crock Pots And Microwaves
29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. - Matthew 11:29 Do we "let" His Spirit teach us? Do we live in a certain manner that keeps the door open to the speech and movement of God? These are … Continue reading What Do We Have to Learn?
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