Category: Scripture / Doctrine

The Glory IN You

The Glory IN You

Some days feel like a contest for who can tally up the most suffering; who can endure the most pain and loss.  And the onslaught, at times, is merciless. Please keep in mind that, while certainly true, pain and suffering aren’t the entire truth.  In fact, they’re only a very small piece of our eternal … Continue reading The Glory IN You

Slipping Away from Me

Slipping Away from Me

Albert Schweitzer wrote, “The tragedy of life is what dies inside a man while he lives.”   There are things - eternal things - that are significantly more important than the immediate context of today. A part of you is eternal, formed by and in the very image of an eternal creator.   Won't you, … Continue reading Slipping Away from Me

“Be Strong & Courageous”:  Why Are We Still Afraid?

“Be Strong & Courageous”: Why Are We Still Afraid?

Why are we still afraid? Every one of the more than 400 days I spent in combat, I wore a chain necklace with my dog tags and a small silver shield. On the back of the shield was inscribed the popular scripture from Joshua 1:9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do … Continue reading “Be Strong & Courageous”: Why Are We Still Afraid?

Guard your Heart!

Guard your Heart!

As a child, I often heard the phrase, "See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil."  So many times, the lessons of our childhood ring with truth in our adult years. Solomon wrote, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Proverbs 4:23). As the center of our being, … Continue reading Guard your Heart!

Lifting the Veil: “Things are not as they seem”

Lifting the Veil: “Things are not as they seem”

I remember the truth spoken quietly, almost as a secret, from my wise grandmother:  "Things are not always as they seem." The veil lifts to expose reality, not hiding but not at first clear. What if the world around you, as it is presented, is not as it seems?  What are the implications of this … Continue reading Lifting the Veil: “Things are not as they seem”

You’re More Than Your Labels

You’re More Than Your Labels

Don't allow your labels to define your identify.  You're more than your labels. We're made to believe that we fit certain demographics.  The world of big data, targeted marketing, and political segregation fits each of us nicely into "our" segments. Skin color.  Gender.  Education.  Income-level.  Sexual preference.  Political affiliation.  Ethnic background.  Veteran status.  Religious affiliation. … Continue reading You’re More Than Your Labels

A Missionary’s Mission

A Missionary’s Mission

Book Review To the Ends of the World by Chad & Amanda Garrett Passion can be exhilirating.  Someone passionate about his work can drive success; extending his circle of influence beyond typical boundaries and defining new, atypical comfort zones.  As missionaries for the Lord, the passion behind the work of Chad and Amanda Garrett is … Continue reading A Missionary’s Mission

“The End of Me” by Kyle Idleman

“The End of Me” by Kyle Idleman

Book Review The End of Me: Where Real Life in the Upside-Down Ways of Jesus Begins by Kyle Idleman Perhaps the most "famous" sermon of all time, there is certainly no shortage of material covering Christ's Sermon on the Mount.  The early statements of that sermon, known as the beatitudes, are simple, timeless lessons for … Continue reading “The End of Me” by Kyle Idleman

Lessons from Joshua’s Final Addresses to Israel

Lessons from Joshua’s Final Addresses to Israel

As one of the most renown and successful men in the Old Testament, Joshua stands out as a God-fearing leader.  His exploits are well-known, assuming command from Moses, conquering the promised land for the nation of Israel, and delivering upon the richness of God's promises made to Abraham so many years before.  His words and … Continue reading Lessons from Joshua’s Final Addresses to Israel