thoughts on life and faith
And if you don't believe the sun will rise, stand alone and greet the coming night in the last remaining light - Chris Cornell "The Last Remaining Light" I was in eighth grade when I heard "Black Hole Sun" for the first time. It was a surefire hit. Being a newly minted teen perhaps helped gain … Continue reading Suicide and the Burden of Living
Blessed is the one who trusts in you! (Psalm 84:12) As I sunk into the all too comfortable couch in my newly found counselor's office, I felt my walls begin to lower. As I worked quickly to catch her up on the last eight months of life, she listened with a trained but awkward silence. … Continue reading Lessons From My Shrink
"God will make us broken bread and poured-out wine with which to feed and nourish others" - Oswald Chambers Your pain has purpose. The struggle you face in each 24 hour span of time can be redeemed. More than this, it is observed by the many who surround you. In the nothing is wasted economy of … Continue reading God, What Are You Doing?
Mothers day at Western Reserve are always great. There is no population of human beings more overlooked than moms and it is refreshing when the Church, in however small a way, can recognize this. Of course a free ice cream sundae, tuned down mimosa, and a devotional can never repay or even represent our appreciation … Continue reading Moms Are Kind of a Big Deal
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13) Your faith is … Continue reading Discipline and Devotion Day 5
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:3-5) A lot … Continue reading Discipline Day 4
22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24) What is your "old self"? We simply cannot encounter the risen Jesus and stay … Continue reading Discipline Devotional Day 3
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body … Continue reading Discipline Devotional Day 2
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7) Discipline can be counter to what we so easily settle for. Yet, a God sized purpose demands a relentless yes to discipline When we pursue such discipline, we pursue how God has wired us. His … Continue reading A Relentless “Yes”
33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (Matthew 6:33-34) True and blessed surrender starts with putting God in His rightful place as King of … Continue reading Surrender Devotional: Day 5
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