6 Ways to Find Green Grass in the Desert

6 Ways to Find Green Grass in the Desert – If you find yourself in a spiritual, emotional desert today, here are some ways to find relief.

What Did Jesus Teach about Prayer?

What Did Jesus Teach about Prayer? – “As mediator, Jesus brings us to God, but he does so by pouring out his Spirit upon us so that our own prayer life is to replicate his prayer life.”

Living in Light of Jesus’ Return

Living in Light of Jesus’ Return – “Jesus’ second coming is not an abstract doctrine with no bearing on the Christian life. Rather, the New Testament refers to Jesus’ return with applicability.”

 

How Did the Cross Disarm the Devil?

How Did the Cross Disarm the Devil? – “The power to accuse God’s people successfully has been taken away.”

The Weightiness of Words

The Weightiness of Words – “In a world of spin and marketing, self-promotion and self-pity, Facebook comment sections and Twitter mobs, we are drowning in a typhoon of words poorly used, carelessly cast, angrily angled.”

 

Greek Word Order and Nuance

Greek Word Order and Nuance – “There is meaning in Greek word order, but it is normally so nuanced that it can’t come out in translation.”

3 Signs You’re Dying on a Hill That Jesus Never Asked You To

3 Signs You’re Dying on a Hill That Jesus Never Asked You To – “Sometimes, we end up dying on hills that Jesus never asked us to. We engineer suffering, or at least perceived suffering, in the name of Jesus. But Jesus isn’t always in those places.”

Raised Through the Blood

Raised Through the Blood – “It is quite clear that the atoning death of Jesus stands at the center of the Christian message.”

After Disruption

After Disruption – “In our own context in the cosseted West, a pandemic has been a spark to the dry tinder of our casual approach to gathered worship, and our assumed unity in things other than the gospel.”

Sexual Sin Is Not Inevitable

Sexual Sin Is Not Inevitable – “We have a choice about whether Satan will hit that target. Sexual sin is NOT inevitable.”

The War in the Ukraine: Praying, Hurting, Longing

The War in the Ukraine: Praying, Hurting, Longing – “The evil we are witnessing in the Ukraine fuels our longing for the fulfillment of Isaiah’s vision. How long, O Lord?”

Why Be a Small Group Member?

Why Be a Small Group Member? – The author offers reasons for us to do so and reasons God would expect us to do so.

The Bible Book You Should Read Next

The Bible Book You Should Read Next – “I’m convinced there are two massive reasons to choose the whole Bible as your next reading project.”

What Does a Faith Crisis Feel Like?

What Does a Faith Crisis Feel Like? – “At some point, many Christians experience unsettling doubts regarding their professed beliefs. Some Christians experience this more than others.”

Bursting Christian Bubbles

Bursting Christian Bubbles – “We need to regularly ask God to burst our Christian bubbles.”

The Forgotten Virtue You Can’t Do Without

The Forgotten Virtue You Can’t Do Without – “Prudence is to doing justice what insight and steady hands are to doing surgery.”

Faithfulness is Right in Front of You

Faithfulness is Right in Front of You – “Whoever you are, wherever you are, faithfulness is right in front of you. It’s whatever’s next—no matter how hard or trivial or crucial it might be. For faithfulness’ reward is not in its success, but in the joy of the master (Matthew 25:21, 23).”

Closeness Comes Through Fire: How Suffering Conforms Us to Christ

Closeness Comes Through Fire: How Suffering Conforms Us to Christ – “We expect some types of sanctifying suffering, but not those sufferings that border on the unspeakable. When these come, the idea that they sanctify us may feel unhelpful.”

A Word to My Fellow Cynics

A Word to My Fellow Cynics – “Cynicism has become the default setting of our society. From our comedy to our politicians, podcasts, and pulpits, being cynical is cool. However, while sardonically assuming the worst about a given situation or person may be socially acceptable, it diametrically opposes the character of Christ.”

What Can I Do About the Sins I Don’t See?

What Can I Do About the Sins I Don’t See? – “Prejudice, lack of forgiveness, pride, love of praise—all these sins slither unseen beneath the surface of our souls.”

4 Truths the Next Generation Needs to Know About the Church

4 Truths the Next Generation Needs to Know About the Church – The Word of God is effective at pointing out what’s beautiful about the church. It teaches us how to love and serve the church. Here are four truths the next generation needs to know about the local church.”

Hidden Temper, Undeserved Grace

Hidden Temper, Undeserved Grace – “When the weight of my sin crushes me, trust in Jesus’ finished work raises me. Faith and repentance grow at the juncture of Jesus’ mercy and grace. Sin’s humiliation is cancelled at the foot of the cross.”

There Is a Reason Why You Have That Thorn

There Is a Reason Why You Have That Thorn – “We are given thorns that significantly weaken us in order to make us stronger.”

 

The FAQs: Russia’s Military Incursion into Ukraine

The FAQs: Russia’s Military Incursion into Ukraine – Joe Carter provides a good overview of the unfolding news story.

 

The Ten Commandments are a Mentor Leading Us to Faith in Christ

The Ten Commandments are a Mentor Leading Us to Faith in Christ – “Each commandment speaks to a whole category of sins, and a proper understanding of the law will lead you to say, ‘I am a sinner who needs a Savior.’”

A “Trifecta” to Choose Every Time

A “Trifecta” to Choose Every Time – This is my theme verse this year. Scotty Smith covers it well in his blog.

I Frequently Feel Like a Father Failure

I Frequently Feel Like a Father Failure – It’s a tough job and the frustrations are many. Here’s a good perspective.

 

Seven Common Misconceptions about the King James Bible

Seven Common Misconceptions about the King James Bible – “The most widely read English Bible translation has sprouted a series of fictions about it. It’s time to prune them.”

Carrying Each Others’ Burdens and Why It Can Be Hard

Carrying Each Others’ Burdens and Why It Can Be Hard – “How have you perceived people to be a burden? What can you do to grow in helping others?”

A Word from Solomon About Social Media

A Word from Solomon About Social Media – The wisdom literature’s teaching put a heavy focus on our words and communication. There are plenty of applications for social media.

 

 

The Seven Works of the Holy Spirit

The Seven Works of the Holy Spirit – What is the Holy Spirit seeking to do in your life as a believer?

Another Year Under the Sun

Another Year Under the Sun – “Wisdom is an instinct for living in the world as it is, not as we wish it to be.”

Fighting the Lie That I’m Behind in Life

Fighting the Lie That I’m Behind in Life – “When we worry about being behind in life, we’re ultimately comparing ourselves to other people, rather than looking to Christ for fulfillment and direction.”

We Are Both Job and Job’s Friends

We Are Both Job and Job’s Friends – Yes, we are.

My Comfort in John the Baptist’s Doubt

My Comfort in John the Baptist’s Doubt – “Doubting Thomas gets most of the press, but for me, John the Baptist is a more compelling New Testament example of a doubter.”

The Holiness from Below: A Warning Against Self-Righteousness

The Holiness from Below: A Warning Against Self-Righteousness – “There are two kinds of holiness. One kind is Jesus’s holiness, and the other is our own self-invented holiness. There is real holiness, and false holiness.”

The Netflix Dilemma

The Netflix Dilemma – “Why unlimited freedom + maximal choices = frustration (not happiness).”

 

How Did God Reconcile ‘All Things’ to Himself?

How Did God Reconcile ‘All Things’ to Himself? – “Everything in the new heavens and the new earth that has been contaminated with sin in any way will be reconciled.”

Peacemakers Among Warring Nations and Hearts

Peacemakers Among Warring Nations and Hearts – “Jesus help us see and grieve how we’ve turned our attitudes and words into swords, guns, and grenades. Weaponized selfishness, fear, and disappointment can do a lot of unnecessary damage. Forgive us Jesus.”

Am I Real? A Basic Guide to Christian Assurance

Am I Real? A Basic Guide to Christian Assurance – “Genuine Christians doubt their salvation for many different reasons, and God nourishes assurance through several different means.”

Broken Hallelujahs

Broken Hallelujahs – “Our broken praise displays God’s glory to others and fosters a chorus of more broken hallelujahs, if we give each other the grace to do so. We need to give one another room to be weak, questioning, doubting, and hurting but hopeful, to be struggling but still faithful.”

Seek God’s Face Before You Seek His Hand

Seek God’s Face Before You Seek His Hand – “The Holy Spirit has been gently opening my eyes to see my recent tendency to allow what I can see and understand to interpret God’s Character, rather than his character to interpret what I can see and understand.”

7 Tips To Make Reading the Bible Easier

7 Tips To Make Reading the Bible Easier – Here are ways to get more from your Bible reading.

Another Year Under the Sun: Learning Wisdom from a Long Pandemic

Another Year Under the Sun: Learning Wisdom from a Long Pandemic – “Far beyond the physical impacts of the disease itself, the pandemic experience has exposed the fragility of so much of what we take for granted in life.”

Pornography Use Is Becoming an ‘Acceptable’ Sin

Pornography Use Is Becoming an ‘Acceptable’ Sin – “A recent poll shows pornography is affecting relationships between men and women—and reveals how indulging in porn is becoming an acceptable sin.” Don’t fall for it.

Why We Need the Local Church

Why We Need the Local Church – “The culture continues to be hostile to the Christian worldview. Social media outlets are becoming more aggressive towards us, and cancelations by the culture of confusion continue to increase. Where do we turn? The answer isn’t clever or new. We turn to the local church.”

Just Keep Going

Just Keep Going – “In the doing of good for God, the only way we fail is by giving up. The only way the harvest doesn’t come is if we pack it in. The only way time wins is if we never regain our enthusiasm. We will reap, if we do not give up.”

The Necessity of Sound Doctrine

The Necessity of Sound Doctrine – “The following are some practical ways to ensure you are pursuing sound doctrine.”

The Sin-Defying Power of Words

The Sin-Defying Power of Words – “With the help of the Spirit, and through the power of words, we can say “No!” and drive it away with God’s better promises.”

The Nearness of God is Not Always Good News

The Nearness of God is Not Always Good News – “We cannot get too close to fire without being burned, and (left to ourselves) we cannot get near God without suffering his judgment.”

Keep Your Heart with All Vigilance

Keep Your Heart with All Vigilance – “Like a soldier defending his post against attack, you must guard your heart.”

Bigger Gospel-Hearts

Bigger Gospel-Hearts – The Gospel is never “us-versus-them”; but “You-for-all-of-us.”

The Obvious Secret to Building Relationships With Unchurched People

The Obvious Secret to Building Relationships With Unchurched People – “We need to be sensitive to people’s needs, beliefs, and attitudes towards things rather than an agenda we might have.”

Walk the War Before You: What It Means to Live by the Spirit

Walk the War Before You: What It Means to Live by the Spirit – “As Christians, we wake up every day in the midst of a war. Fleshly desires pull us in one direction; the desires of the Spirit pull us in the other.” 

15 Resolves for Maintaining Spiritual Balance in Severe Interpersonal Conflicts

15 Resolves for Maintaining Spiritual Balance in Severe Interpersonal Conflicts – “Here are fifteen areas of obedience that will bring personal peace, assure that God’s reputation is honored in our lives, and improve dramatically the possibility for reconciliation.”

Faith Like A Beach House

Faith Like A Beach House – “I had foolishly thought that time would be the vehicle of sanctification, that being an older Christian would automatically make me a more Christ-like Christian. But it hasn’t.”

3 Truths for When Christians Don’t Remind You of Christ

3 Truths for When Christians Don’t Remind You of Christ – “Over this past year, I’ve been so deeply discouraged and truly saddened by the way I’ve seen followers of Jesus speak and act in relation to the world around them—in relation to fellow image bearers. My soul is heavy and tired.”

The Only Topic More Controversial Than Religion or Politics

The Only Topic More Controversial Than Religion or Politics – “We are all dependent on parenting to wean us off of immature thinking. The world we are looking at right now, however, is in large degree a reflection of a major shift in parenting.”

Loving Each Other Beyond Valentine’s Day

Loving Each Other Beyond Valentine’s Day – “Valentine’s Day should function as a small reminder of the kind of romance we should be cultivating 365 days a year.”

With God, Learning From Sin Is Possible

With God, Learning From Sin Is Possible – “In the hands of the Adversary learning from sin is not possible, but in God’s hands learning from sin is. This, too, is part of God’s great redemption.”

Did God Die on the Cross?

Did God Die on the Cross? – “It’s the God-man Who dies, but death is something that is experienced only by the human nature, because the divine nature isn’t capable of experiencing death.”

Discipled by Everyone and No One: Is the Internet Good for the Church?

Discipled by Everyone and No One: Is the Internet Good for the Church? – “When we reorient toward the local church, the Internet revolution will enhance — not supplant — the ministry of the word.”

ERLC Hopeful as Immigration Reform Proposed

ERLC Hopeful as Immigration Reform Proposed – “The Southern Baptist Convention’s ethics entity expressed hope a new congressional proposal is an indication of the start of a focused attempt to reform the immigration system.”

To See Someone, Love Someone

To See Someone, Love Someone – “Jesus invites Simon to see deeper than before, to see beyond the outer expression to the inner person. And the only way to see someone with that level of depth and profundity is to love them first.”

Mansions for Homeless Souls

Mansions for Homeless Souls – “The closer we follow Jesus, the more we realize this world is not our home.”

God’s Anger Can Open the Door to Experiencing His Mercy

God’s Anger Can Open the Door to Experiencing His Mercy – “God’s anger ‘marks the end of indifference.’ It marks the end of His patience with sinners, and ironically, it also signals the opening of the door to experiencing His mercy. 

Do Your Kids Know That You’re Together Forever?

Do Your Kids Know That You’re Together Forever? – “When kids have the reassurance that mom and dad are together forever, it provides these things…”

Facing the Issue of Biblical Literacy

Facing the Issue of Biblical Literacy – “God has given us a sure and powerful message in Scripture. While we can’t assume people love and know the Word, we can be clear in communicating its message and confident in its power to change lives.”

Sending Love

Sending Love – “The most potent acts and words of encouragement spring from the well of love found in Christ. And the most satisfying and soul-quenching examples of love, big and small, also point back to Him.”

Seven Ideas to Overcoming the Cinderella Syndrome

Seven Ideas to Overcoming the Cinderella Syndrome – “The concept is not limited to romantic relationships nor is it limited to females. It is much larger than that. In fact, it’s relevant for millions of teens and young adults in Generation Z who’ve been given the expectation that life should be pleasant, rewarding, and even fun each day.”

He’s Got This

He’s Got This – This is a helpful reflection. “The simplicity of my trust in him causes me to pause. I was fortunate to have a father that never left me wondering if he would take care of me. I realize now what a blessing that is. If only I would think of God in that way.”

Sons of Lionhearted Saints: Recovering Our Lost Lineage

Sons of Lionhearted Saints: Recovering Our Lost Lineage – Here’s a moving perspective on Hebrews 11 – the “faith chapter”.

He Met Her at a Well: The Bible’s Crucial Meet-Cute Scenes

He Met Her at a Well: The Bible’s Crucial Meet-Cute Scenes – “This scene teaches us that true worship is centered on Jesus; true life is found in his grace; and perhaps most breathtakingly, this scene teaches us that true love is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ the Lord.”

The Martyred Lover: The Story Behind Saint Valentine’s Day

The Martyred Lover: The Story Behind Saint Valentine’s Day – “There is nothing inherently wrong with modern commercial traditions, but Saint Valentine’s Day is a good day to also remember that there is a love that surpasses all earthly loves: our love for our great God and our Savior, his dear divine Son, Jesus.”

What Does It Really Mean to Cause Someone to Stumble?

What Does It Really Mean to Cause Someone to Stumble? – “Love for my brothers in Christ guides and restrains my liberty in Christ.”

Joyless Christianity Is Dangerous

Joyless Christianity Is Dangerous – “Joy is one of the vital gauges on the dashboard of the Christian life. When the needle dips—when you lose your joy—you should take note of your joyless Christianity. To stay safe, you need to pay attention to your joy.”

 

How Important Is It for Believers to Be Debt Free?

How Important Is It for Believers to Be Debt Free? – “Let’s get out of debt so we can give more money to God’s kingdom, and be financially free, not centering our lives around our debt. Our goal should be a life that mirrors Jesus’ generosity, not a money and possessions-driven life.”

 

Can We Speak with Angels?

Can We Speak with Angels? – “It is an insult to God to act as though we need paths into the supernatural besides what he has taught in his word.”

How to Argue Against Gender-Transition Interventions for Children

How to Argue Against Gender-Transition Interventions for Children – “Most reasonable adults, of course, would not support giving children the ability to make irrevocable decisions about their vocations or marital prospects. Why then do they support irrevocable decisions about gender transitioning that will also affect them for life?”

Why Spiritual Habits Are Good

Why Spiritual Habits Are Good – “Two things you have to plan into your day is your exercise and your quiet time. If you don’t plan them into your day, they will not get done. I have found this true in my prayer and Bible reading.”

Grave Words

Grave Words – “Contemplative epitaphs speak volumes about the deceased.”

5 Steps to Create a Discipleship Plan

5 Steps to Create a Discipleship Plan – “The church cannot assume people know where they are on the discipleship pathway. Nor should church leaders assume people always know what their next step should be.” 

 

9 Things Christians Should Know About Super Bowl LVI

9 Things Christians Should Know About Super Bowl LVI – This is helpful in reflecting on any public event. God is interested in everything.

Be Half Monk and Half Missionary

Be Half Monk and Half Missionary – “Be with Jesus everyday. Engage in spiritual disciplines. Deepen your relationship with the Son of God. Then take it to the streets. Reach those around you with the love of God. Share the Good News with as many as you can.”

Romance After Kids: Ten Ways to Keep the Fire Burning

Romance After Kids: Ten Ways to Keep the Fire Burning – “What might romance look like in the season of survival on the Serengeti that is parenting?”

 

Cactus Spines and Groaning

Cactus Spines and Groaning – “Our groaning is not grumbling, but rather lamenting. Our lamenting God invites us to lament with him.”

The World Is Busy Promoting Its Catechism—Will We Get Busy Teaching Ours?

The World Is Busy Promoting Its Catechism—Will We Get Busy Teaching Ours? – “Here’s the reality facing every Christian in the West: the money, power, and prestige of the mainstream media, big time sports, big business, big tech, and almost all the institutions of education and entertainment are invested in making sin look normal.”

4 Common Sins Christians Are Oddly Okay With

4 Common Sins Christians Are Oddly Okay With – “The list of acceptable sins in the life of Christians will look different for each person, but here are four common sins that Christians tend to be oddly okay with. We must be aware of and repent of them.”

Breaking Social Media’s Grip on Teens

Breaking Social Media’s Grip on Teens – “Whether you’re a parent, youth minister, youth volunteer, or mentor to a teen, here are three ways you can help break the grip of social media on the teens you love.”

What Does It Mean to Cry, ‘Abba, Father’?

What Does It Mean to Cry, ‘Abba, Father’? – “God is very patient with his children as they grow up into the wonders of what their adoption really means.”

The Paradox of Parenting and How To Trust God More

The Paradox of Parenting and How To Trust God More – “The more we want to hold on to them, the more time reveals we have to keep letting them go, little by little.”

 

The Necessity of Friendship

The Necessity of Friendship – “We don’t need friendship to live, but who would want to live without it?”

Adversity Anniversaries

Adversity Anniversaries – “It does not surprise me that calendars don’t include ‘Adversity Anniversary’ among their Hair Appointment and Birthday reminder stickers, as there is not much cute or marketable about remembering devastating days.”

 

Personal Christian Retreat

Personal Christian Retreat – An Outline for Spiritual Renewal. These are good resources I saved to my prayer notebook.

Leave Your Imperfections with God: How Remaining Sin Inspires Holiness

Leave Your Imperfections with God: How Remaining Sin Inspires Holiness – “For a forgiven people, we can still be terribly bad at coping with our imperfection. I can be terribly bad at coping with the fact that, though redeemed, I am still deeply and pervasively imperfect.”

 

What About the “Lost” Books of the Bible?

What About the “Lost” Books of the Bible? – “In modern studies of the NT canon, there is a lot of discussion (maybe even obsession!) with so-called ‘lost’ books of the Bible.” 

What Is Saving Faith?

What Is Saving Faith? – “The Holy Spirit changes the disposition of our hearts so that we see the sweetness of Christ and embrace Him. None of us loves Christ perfectly, but we cannot love Him at all unless the Holy Spirit changes the heart of stone and makes it a heart of flesh.”

I Was Patient Before Having Kids

I Was Patient Before Having Kids – “This is what makes God’s patience with us so shocking. When we have kids, it reveals our lack of patience. But when God has children, it shows his abounding patience.”

 

Escaping the Love of Comfort and Safety

Escaping the Love of Comfort and Safety – “People in love with heaven are the ones that are free to change this world.”

6 Concerning Trends in Global Christianity

6 Concerning Trends in Global Christianity – “Globally, Christianity is growing, and there’s good news for churches to celebrate. But not every statistic and trend paint a positive picture for the church around the world today.”

Does the Woman Caught in Adultery Belong in the Bible?

Does the Woman Caught in Adultery Belong in the Bible? – The story may well go back to a very early tradition about Jesus and a woman accused of many sins.”

Want to Follow Jesus? Bring Your Bible

Want to Follow Jesus? Bring Your Bible – “Let’s work toward a day when more followers of Jesus will be eager to advance in the knowledge of the Lord—when their professions of affection for God and his Word will be matched by real effort to know divine truth.”

It’s February: Check on Your Single Friends

It’s February: Check on Your Single Friends – “I’m not writing this to engender pity, but to remind us all that we need each other. In this Valentine’s season, check up on your single friends–the widows, the abandoned, the single moms, those caregiving for elderly parents, the ones who just suffered a break-up, the ones who haven’t had a date in a decade.”

Changing the Way We See Our Students

Changing the Way We See Our Students – There are some notes about the next generation but Tim Elmore’s discussion of how he approaches personal growth in a new year is valuable and worth saving.

Hope Beyond Heaven and Justice Now

Hope Beyond Heaven and Justice Now – “Many Christians crave heaven as an escape from such unjust realities on earth. Yes, but the Bible presents something better.”

8 Terrible Reasons to Leave a Church

8 Terrible Reasons to Leave a Church – There is a lot of drifting in church life across our country just now. These are good reminders.

Emotional and Verbal Abuse Within Marriage

Emotional and Verbal Abuse Within Marriage – What is it and what do we do about it?

Burial is Hopeful

Burial is Hopeful – This is a poetic sort of reminder. “When we place that body in the ground, we prepare it for the future, we make it ready to rise again and meet Christ in the air as he returns. In the meantime, it is a seed returning to the earth.”

God Loves Through Human Love: How Grace Breeds Generosity

God Loves Through Human Love: How Grace Breeds Generosity – “What is even more surprising about 2 Corinthians 8–9 is how the material grace of humans is inextricably connected to the immaterial grace of God.”

There’s No Such Thing as a Post-truth World

There’s No Such Thing as a Post-truth World – “Why do we resist the truth? Because deep in our souls is the desire to be the masters of our own destiny, and truth too often gets in the way.”

 

Overcome Your Fear of the Future

Overcome Your Fear of the Future – “What can we do when we find ourselves paralyzed by anticipatory anxiety?”

 

Marks of Manhood

Marks of Manhood – “At a time when there is more confusion in the culture about gender and role relations, it would help us to take a step back and consider what Scripture sets forth as the model of manhood, namely, the Lord Jesus.”

A Tender Approach to Anxiety

A Tender Approach to Anxiety – “No anxious person desires to be endlessly anxious, and the Scriptures make it clear that because God is gracious and desires to bestow goodness upon humanity, neither does he want anxiety to be our lot.”

The Beijing Olympics: Pray for the Persecuted in China

The Beijing Olympics: Pray for the Persecuted in China – “Voice of the Martyrs shares these five ways you can pray for Chinese Christians during the Olympic Games”

Has the Gospel Already Reached the Entire World?

Has the Gospel Already Reached the Entire World? – “Paul had no notion that the gospel had already been preached throughout the whole world.”

 

Lord, Deliver Me from Me: A Daily Prayer Against Unbelief

Lord, Deliver Me from Me: A Daily Prayer Against Unbelief – “When we face dangers and threats, where do we turn? When our self-sufficiency is proved to be the lie that it is, where do we run? When we sense danger, we all seek refuge. But do we seek refuge in God?”

5 Christian Athletes to Watch in the Winter Olympics

5 Christian Athletes to Watch in the Winter Olympics – “The 24th Winter Olympics features 3,000 athletes from 91 nations, competing for medals in 109 different competitions. If you’re looking for athletes to root for, we recommend following these five Christian competitors—and also a specific way you can pray for each of them.”

 

 

As if God Had Ever Made an Atlantic Wide Enough…

As if God Had Ever Made an Atlantic Wide Enough… - “As we go through times of suffering and sorrow, we inevitably come into contact with those who would seek to comfort us. Some offer true help and true hope while others, unfortunately, do not.”

Delight in God

Delight in God – Here’s a great take on the Ten Commandments. “Why and how should we delight in God?”

 

10 Ways to Start the Day Well for God

10 Ways to Start the Day Well for God – Here are several practical ideas for including God in your day from the start.

The Man of God You Could Become

The Man of God You Could Become – Six Steps Toward Spiritual Maturity

Mind Inventory

Mind Inventory – “What if we had a ‘Mindtime’ app which sent a notification at the end of each week graphing out the various categories of thoughts which occupied our minds? What would it reveal?”

What Do I Do When I Can’t Seem to Get Over My Grief?

What Do I Do When I Can’t Seem to Get Over My Grief? – It’s hard to do but here are some considerations and steps.

What Does It Mean to Deny Yourself and Take Up Your Cross?

What Does It Mean to Deny Yourself and Take Up Your Cross? – “We aren’t occasionally called to pick up a certain cross; we are called to an entire way of life.”

All This Wasted Worry

All This Wasted Worry – “I find it strange that I don’t have a problem trusting the Lord with my eternity, but I am loathe to trust him with my day.”

The Bible’s Light-Bulb Hasn’t Blown

The Bible’s Light-Bulb Hasn’t Blown – “Sadly, it’s very easy for Christians to act as though the Bible’s light-bulb has blown! We can treat our Bibles like a faint LED that offers no real guidance for our complicated, advanced modern lives.”

Jesus is Here

Jesus is Here – “Jesus is here with us. He is not distant, far off, or lost. He is here and cares for us.”

Love Your Wife – Give Her A New Kind Of Man For Valentine’s Day

Love Your Wife – Give Her A New Kind Of Man For Valentine’s Day – “Read these, husbands, and then break them down into practical ways you can express them to your wife.”

Jesus Wept

Jesus Wept – “The verse is short in words but long in meaning. It is an ocean of truth in a teaspoon of words. The weeping Jesus is a comforting truth.”

7 Easy Ways to Miss a Childhood

7 Easy Ways to Miss a Childhood – “It’s no parent’s goal to intentionally miss the quickly passing years of their kid’s childhood. However, if you were trying, here’s some really easy ways that you could make sure to do it.”

Why Christians Should Care About Apostasy Laws

Why Christians Should Care About Apostasy Laws – “Religious freedom does not mean that everyone’s religion is true. All it means is that God judges the heart and that people must really believe in their heart that Jesus is Lord, instead of saying, ‘Lord, Lord’ merely because they are required to do so by law.”

Let Tragedy Find Us Living

Let Tragedy Find Us Living – “How are we to go on living in a world where risks threaten us at every turn?”

 

Men and Women in Romans 16: a portrait for today

Men and Women in Romans 16: a portrait for today – “The Bible paints a magnificent picture and it is one that is to be displayed in and by the local church. That’s why we mustn’t give up on difficult conversations about men and women and it’s why we must also pursue these conversations with grace and kindness.”

You Might Be a Stingy Forgiver If…

You Might Be a Stingy Forgiver If… - “Though I’m sure we could come up with a few more ways to fill in the blank, I’ve drawn upon my own shortcomings to help you see you might be a stingy forgiver if…”

Is My Salvation an Event or a Process?

Is My Salvation an Event or a Process? – “We have been, we are being, and we will be saved.”

Showing-Up Without Shaming-Down

Showing-Up Without Shaming-Down – “Thank you for remaining kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving when we deserve the opposite, Jesus.”

Who Got it Wrong? Was There One Or Two Demoniacs Delivered?

Who Got it Wrong? Was There One Or Two Demoniacs Delivered? – When you encounter apparent contradictions in the Bible, how do you address them? Here’s an example.

 

The Antidote to Anxiety During Troubled Times

The Antidote to Anxiety During Troubled Times – 3 Realities of for Peace in Troubled Times

How to Find Peace in an Anxious, Out-of-Control World

How to Find Peace in an Anxious, Out-of-Control World – Here are some good suggestions.

What Is Dispensationalism?

What Is Dispensationalism? – “Dispensationalist theology is perhaps best known for its distinctive eschatological doctrines, particularly the doctrine of the pre-tribulation rapture of the church. According to this doctrine…”

How to Spot Political Manipulation and Give It No Quarter

How to Spot Political Manipulation and Give It No Quarter – “Here are twelve of the most common distortion techniques used by political leaders:”

 

A Personal Testimony — In 3 Minutes or Less?

A Personal Testimony — In 3 Minutes or Less? – “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Your Jesus story should be as fresh as today.

The Case for Rearranging the Old Testament Books

The Case for Rearranging the Old Testament Books – “The ordering of the books in our English Bible is standard, if not universal―seemingly set in stone, even. But that order actually embodies a break with the wisdom and practice that came before. For many years, the Old Testament was read in a different order.”

 

Patience Will Be Painful: How to Love the Hard-to-Love

Patience Will Be Painful: How to Love the Hard-to-Love – “Patience exists only in a world of disruption, delays, and disappointment. It grows only on the battlefield.”

 

Ways to Disagree Without Tearing Each Other Down

Ways to Disagree Without Tearing Each Other Down – “While disagreement is inevitable, some ways of disagreeing harm the relationship.”

Embracing Unpopular Truth in an Age of Political Correctness

Embracing Unpopular Truth in an Age of Political Correctness – “There’s a way to respect somebody no matter what they’ve done, because they’re created in God’s image.”

The Downside of Your Bible-Saturated Newsfeeds

The Downside of Your Bible-Saturated Newsfeeds – “While we’d love to get our prayer life in order, learn the attributes of God, and foster deep discipleship with our children by next Tuesday, God knows our sanctification will most likely be a much slower process.”

How to Spot Media Manipulation and Block its Effects

How to Spot Media Manipulation and Block its Effects – “Media institutions play an outsized role in the life and health of communities and nations, and their abandonment of ethical principles causes untold harm.”

 

Every Christian Beats Cancer

Every Christian Beats Cancer – Sometimes it feels like cancer is winning way too often. For a believer in Christ, here is why cancer always loses.