Do you ever just stop and say, “God, thank you for all that you have given me”? No, better yet, get specific: “God, thank you so much for this toaster and the bread that is in it. Thank you for the chair that I get to sit in. Thank you for a measure of health.... Continue Reading

Maybe you’re wondering how you got here—unemployed, disabled, unhappily married, overwhelmed by an unexpected child, trapped in a frustrating job. You never imagined this path. You’ve prayed every prayer, read every book, made every attempt—yet nothing changes. Here is a truth worth repeating: your path is his choice. Fences and all. When God fences our... Continue Reading

One of the things I deeply enjoyed about this book was Challies’s reflections at the end of each chapter. They cover a variety of topics. His comments about learning customs in Southeast Asia I really loved. He points out that if we live and travel as ambassadors of Christ we ought to avoid unnecessary offense,... Continue Reading

Right now, you are walking in the tension of mystery but with meaning.  Some days, you will feel the ‘mystery’ more than meaning.  But God does not just leave us wondering about every ‘mystery’ and wandering through every ‘gap.’ He gives mercy for every mystery and grace for every gap.  His Word tells us exactly... Continue Reading

The wind is mighty and relentless. Why can’t we hold onto it? Why won’t it share its power? We turn our backs on the wind. If it won’t stay with us, we don’t want it here at all. We grab paddles, racquets, and oars, swinging at the wind. It’s still coming; it pays us no... Continue Reading

We define ourself as the one who serves others, but we rarely let others serve us.  Why is that?  Is that because you’re afraid of your own weakness and struggles and afraid others will be repelled by it too?  Is it just a trap you’ve got yourself into?  We love our church family when we... Continue Reading

In Habits of Grace, David Mathis writes, “In that gnawing discomfort of growing hunger is the engine of fasting, generating the reminder to bend our longings for food godward and inspire intensified longings for Jesus.”3 Fasting creates space so that I can turn to Christ with my boredom, my anxiety, and my desire for control... Continue Reading

In his moral failing and distorted view of God, he certainly felt distant from Him. Yet in his repentance, he gives one of the richest confessions of God’s faithfulness to His people: “Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me... Continue Reading

The unseen realities of the heart inevitably become visible in action. As 1 John 4:20–21 reminds us, anyone who claims to love God while hating his brother deceives himself; love for the unseen God must be reflected in love for the brother we can see.     It is relatively easy to profess love for... Continue Reading

We eagerly await the return of Christ; something good is coming. And as we wait for His coming, we must also endure this treacherous life. We must face the difficult moments, the trying times, the painful circumstances by faith in the Son of God, knowing that one day—one day soon—He will come back.    ... Continue Reading