Do you ever look in the mirror and wonder, who am I … really? Deep down? What are my dreams, my goals? What is my worth? I have had those times. Times when the enemy knew just where to hit me to make me doubt my worth, my purpose, my God. Oh, but how thankful…
A Cup of Water
Living with Purpose: Strategies for a Focused Life
Doing a word study in the bible for the words “one thing” led me to three verses that seem to fit together, and they fit together in a kind of philosophy of life—life as God intended it—a life of focus. First, I came across the scripture passage where Martha is very worried about the details…
Immediately
What strikes me most in Matthew 14:24-31 is the use of the word immediately. The first immediately is unspoken but clearly evident. The disciples were out on a turbulent sea in the middle of the night. Jesus knew they were having trouble, so he came to them immediately. When the disciples saw Jesus, their fear…
Sharing What I’ve Seen
Have you ever not spoken about God because you were worried that you would not be able to answer questions that come up if you did? John 4:1-42 tells the story of a Samaritan woman running into Jesus when she is doing one of her chores—fetching water at the well. Jesus speaks to the Samaritan…
3 Ways to be Sure God Exists
The definition of faith is to believe in things that we cannot see. And God rewards and loves faith. But there is plenty to see that builds faith as well. The placement of Earth in the universe In space, stars often explode into supernovas. The Earth however is located in such a position that it…
Some Stories Stay with You by Sherry Shindelar
Twenty-five years ago, I read the story of Cynthia Anne Parker, the most famous captive in nineteenth-century America. I was devastated by her loss. I contacted museums and libraries to find out everything I could about her (this was before the world of information was only a keystroke away). Her story haunted my heart for…
Cultural Christianity isn’t Enough by Dr. Ruth Wuwong
Recently we traveled to Lima, Peru. Our private guide Fernando, a young man about our son’s age, took us to St John the Evangelist Church and then to El Museo de Convento Santo Domingo. Since we were visiting a church and a monastery, our conversation shifted toward faith and religion. Fernando told us he’s Catholic…
6 Beautiful Ways to Understand God’s Grace
God rains down grace on all mankind. He gave us the beauty and wonders of nature that we see each and every day. He gives us near misses when accidents are heading our way. He often brings us the right thing just in time. And He also gave us an innate conscience to know right…
How to Pour Out Your Soul to God
Do you have trouble sharing your heart and feelings completely with God? You can trust Him completely. You don’t have to leave anything out. He knows everything anyway, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be completely honest with Him. Coming to Him wholly is for your benefit, even though He loves it when you…
Wading through Life
The adolescent me stood on the bright white, springy board. The sun beating on the tops of my shoulders. My eyes fixed on the clear blue, inviting water below. “One…two…three…” Voices of my friend and her mother chanted. I stood there longing to jump into the refreshing, cool water but feeling held back by something….