As some of our physical blessings are stripped away, let's encourage each other with the reality of this incredible spiritual blessing in the days that lie ahead of us, whatever they may hold. We are who we are in Christ because before the dawn of time, God chose us and set his affection on us. Which means we are incredibly special; we are part of an eternal story; and our future is absolutely secure.... continue reading
If we’re honest, most of us have cried this, or something like it, to God at some point in our lives. Yes, we can repeat that “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28), but sometimes there are things that just don’t seem good no matter which way we look at them.... continue reading
Some buoyant personalities can celebrate Christmas even in hard seasons of life, seemingly unfazed. But for others, all the talk of joy and merriment at Christmas can make our sorrows feel all the more acute and our pains all the more painful. Normal life is hard enough. It’s even harder when all the world seems to be singing, ringing bells, and pretending everything’s suddenly merry.... continue reading
A short while ago I announced to my church that we were going to study Ruth as our church’s Advent series. Several people cheered! We are not an overly expressive church, and so this vocal celebration struck me. Why are Bible readers so drawn to the book of Ruth?... continue reading
This is the real key to the secret. Christ was the most important thing in Paul’s universe. Whatever his personal achievements or failures, his triumphs or his challenges, they were like garbage to him (which is a polite English translation of the original word, which meant something more like sewage!). Paul wanted to pursue Christ.... continue reading
Philippians 4:13 is the sort of verse you can easily find on coffee mugs, runners’ shirts, jewelry and other memorabilia.... continue reading
We need to talk about periods.... continue reading
