Let’s be honest. Life can hurt. There are worries, disappointments, broken dreams, challenging relationships, health problems, pain. Max Lucado once said, “If hurts were hairs, we'd all look like grizzlies.” When it comes to the challenges we face, none of us are offered a free pass; but we are promised God’s presence and help through … Continue reading If hurts were hairs…
prayer
Feeling gross and dense
At some point or another, all of us struggle with guilt. We do something wrong, we act poorly toward another person, we disobey one (or many) of God’s commands, we make a bad decision that results in many negative consequences. And that weighs heavily on us. Have you ever fell into the water with all … Continue reading Feeling gross and dense
I love you
When you’re proud of someone, you tell them. When you miss someone, you tell them. When you’re thankful for someone, you tell them. And when you love someone, you tell them. That’s what I love about Psalm 18:1. It starts with David’s simple statement of love: “I love you, Lord, my strength.” If you feel and … Continue reading I love you
The Devil’s Achilles heel
Imagine we’re playing a football game, but we can’t see an opponent. So we obviously think the game is going to be pretty easy. But as it begins we keep running into invisible roadblocks and frustrations. This makes us scratch our heads. Why isn’t this easier? But then someone tells us that we’ve been misinformed: … Continue reading The Devil’s Achilles heel
Hearing back from God
Have you ever talked to someone… and they just sit there in silence, never saying anything back? It ends the conversation pretty quickly. Silence tends to make you think that the other person isn’t listening, or doesn’t care. That’s how a lot of people feel about prayer. Since they tend to do all the talking … Continue reading Hearing back from God
Just do it for Jesus
Well, I'm pretty excited. Today this devotional is being published as a book! It’s called “Up! – 313 Devotionals To Help You Start Your Day in a Biblical, Relevant Way.” (See the links below.) I started “Up!” in 2015. I had been thinking about a writing a devotional for a while. And I liked the … Continue reading Just do it for Jesus
The more prosperous and educated we are
When you read through the New Testament healing stories, you start to see some patterns. One is that the people who come to Jesus for help are desperate. Another is that they are convinced he can actually do something about their situation. For example, in Matthew 9:18 a respectable synagogue leader kneels before Jesus in … Continue reading The more prosperous and educated we are
For your pastor and spiritual leaders
When I was growing up, do you want to know who I NEVER prayed for?—my coaches, teachers, Sunday School teachers or pastor. It was an insane oversight. Granted, I was just a kid. But they had a huge impact on me. And as far as I can remember, I never prayed for them. So today … Continue reading For your pastor and spiritual leaders
You talk to God. But do you also listen?
Talking to God is one thing. But what about listening? What if God was trying to communicate with you but you just weren't paying attention...
When I pray, “coincidences” happen…
William Temple was an English bishop known for many things including his teaching and writing. A few years ago I came across something he said that has really stuck with me. “When I pray, coincidences happen. When I don’t, they don’t.” Today’s devotional is not overly complicated. My point is (a) that the supposed “coincidences” … Continue reading When I pray, “coincidences” happen…
