rebelling against low expectations
“Why does God allow the righteous to suffer?” I have asked myself this question many times, especially recently when I went through a tough season. The question baffles and vexes many pastors, teachers, and Christians, but many don’t know the answer. However, the book of Job holds a very good example and the answer to our question. Job was a righteous man in the Bible who...
I wanted to make a difference; but I never knew how or if it would count, let alone matter to anyone. When I was sixteen, I remember being out with my siblings and coming across a small, red, hardback book with a simple message on its cover. Do Hard Things. I read the back cover and after the first few pages, I was immediately convicted. I put the book back on the shelf, and left the store...
When was the last time you felt like doing something one minute, but then the next minute you changed your mind? I don’t know about you, but I sometimes get this way when it comes to washing dishes. I want to get them all washed and finished, but then when I actually stand over the sink full of dishes, my feelings change. I no longer feel like getting them finished, because I’d rather be...
A hurricane of harsh words flung from my lips one morning. Another bout with sin. Another let down. In the aftermath, guilty frustration rushed through my veins; my heart felt tired and heavy. One glimpse at my reflection in the mirror and my face crumples into a cry. Broken, weak, and flawed, I stand there asking. In the multitude of my mistakes, can fragments of beauty be found after all? As I...
Faith is an essential part of life. You might say that it begins when the phone alarm buzzes early in the morning – assuming that it does chime at the appointed time. We have faith in the engineers at Apple or Samsung or Motorola that the software they developed will operate correctly and notify us that the day is beginning. There’s also faith that the light will illuminate a room when the switch...
Scared to share the gospel? Let the glorious truth of Jesus shatter your fears: He is with you always, even to the end of the age. But doubts still scurry through your heart, refusing to be squashed by the presence of Jesus. Instead of His power opening your mouth to speak, overwhelming doubts seal your mouth silent. Even with Jesus’ empowering presence on our side, the fact is we all struggle...
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow, as it judges the thoughts and purposes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).” The Bible is an incredible book because it contains the thoughts of God and His will for each and every one of us. This is why the Bible was written and given to mankind. The...
“Lord, please give me clarity and show me what I am supposed to do.” This seems to be my go-to prayer lately. Sometimes I think “Okay, I understand what is happening now,” and then BOOM! Something crazy happens and I’m completely clueless again. Life is hard. There are bumps, turns, and plot twists all the time. If I’m not careful, I will get pulled down by the current of this wild sea. So what...
Knock knock. I glance toward the front door from where I’m sweeping in the kitchen. “Oh, Mom, looks like some Jehovah’s Witnesses!” Mom emerges from the hallway and graciously answers the door, explaining to our visitors, thanks, but no thanks. They accept the offered tract and go on their way to the next house. While I don’t agree with Jehovah’s Witnesses, I think we can learn some things...
Late one afternoon, two tiny birds perched in dappled sunshine distracted me. I remembered this phrase with a surge of comfort, wonder, and hope: His eye is on the sparrow. Often, I know it in my head more than I embrace it with my heart. Most of us grapple with those eighteen inches and although we may drift into a rusty forgetfulness about certain truths, it doesn’t tarnish their authenticity...
rebelling against low expectations
