Is suffering necessarily discipline, though? Paul argues that is the case. Paul says that more than anything, he wants to know Jesus. What is the most intimate way Paul can think of knowing Jesus? Knowing him in his suffering.   “Forgive me for all the times I needed to suffer and I ran from it,... Continue Reading

Learn and study your God for He alone is the fountain and source and well-spring of all true and real happiness. Why, then, is God truly happy?  First, God is truly happy in Himself. He has perfect fellowship with each of the divine and eternal members of the Godhead.   God is an infinitely happy... Continue Reading

Identity is not a means of self-fabrication, but identity in Christ something to receive because we are in Christ and belong to him.   More Than Marks of Faith When many Christians today think about the sacraments of baptism and communion, they think of them primarily as acts that we perform. That is, that they’re... Continue Reading

Priorities are a powerful decision-making tool. They allow you to think about what matters most and make decisions in light of that. So for Christians, priorities are ultimately shaped by a love for Christ and a willingness to live for him above all else. When you’re facing a fork in the road, you need to... Continue Reading

As Christians, ours is not to be envious, jealous or bitter but content and especially happy for others when they succeed and we know there isn’t wrongdoing involved. Someone else gets a promotion, a raise, makes a sale; can we be happy for them? Sometimes it’s hard, especially if they aren’t acting in an ethical... Continue Reading

In our introductory post for this series on the Fruit of the Spirit, we took a general look at the list to begin to uncover the meaning of the Apostle Paul’s words to the Galatians. Now we will examine each of these slices of the Spirit’s fruit, starting with love.   Defining love is not... Continue Reading

We can hope for the nations to glorify Him, but does that happen in your own heart? Are you routinely falling before the throne to offer worship and praise? Do you hear His word and honor Him with your love and obedience? Do you actually speak His praise to Him? I want to be diligent... Continue Reading

In life, regardless of difficulties and struggles, look to God intently while depending upon His strength as you wait in hope. Psalm 27 calls us to courageous trust in God’s provision, presence, and promises. Here’s how you can consider applying this to your personal life today.   It is easy to love the Ozarks. The... Continue Reading

We hear a lot about grassroots in the PCA—everyone seems to invoke grassroots (meaning bottom-up, not top-down governance) to support something or other. Well, if there are grassroots in the PCA, they grow from the concrete and carpet of the GA meeting hall floor. If grassroots exist, that’s where you’d find them.   The General... Continue Reading

Even through afflictions, uncertainties, trials, and great struggles of life, God remains with His people He promises to His covenant-ones, “I am the LORD your God who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go” (Isaiah 48.17).    God’s guidance is His wise, decreed, good, and timely direction in orchestrating... Continue Reading