Have you ever found yourself making a poor decision when you’re away from your support network? Doing things you swore you’d never do? Maybe you sat in youth group and talked about how to resist the pressure to drink at a party, but the next night when you’re at that party away from your church […]
We must have watched the movie Dirty Dancing dozens of times in college and the final scene is particularly etched in my memory. In the movie, set in the summer of 1963, the Houseman family has taken their two teenage daughters to a resort in the Catskills. The youngest daughter (Jennifer Grey), Baby, develops a […]
Peter and John had been arrested for preaching about Jesus in the days after Pentecost. Brought before the Sanhedrin for questioning, they spoke with boldness and clarity about Jesus. Upon their release, they returned to the believers. Together, they lifted their voices in prayer, asking God to “enable your servants to speak your word with […]
You’ve heard “turn your eyes upon Jesus” so the problems of this world will fade away. It sounds so simple, just look at Jesus and all will be better in your life. But, what does this really mean? How do you keep your focus on Jesus every day? Keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus means […]
Come, Holy Spirit! Prepare my heart to hear You. Soften the edges of my heart the world has calloused and let me hear Your voice calling above the rest. Quiet the static of the world around me and let me hear Your counsel. Help me to listen and obey, to trust in Your prompting, and […]
For this first week of Lent, include this prayer in your morning prayers this week. 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 ESV We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Working […]
My journey following the Holy Spirit has been a swirl of emotions. Exhilaration mixed with fear; doubt mixed with hope; darkness mixed with peace. The road has been difficult at times, but hope and peace keep winning out over doubt and fear. Even though I know the next leg of my journey will be filled with […]
I’m setting aside time this week to pray, dream, and brainstorm over plans for the year ahead. Can I ask a favor? Would you complete this brief survey and let me know what content and resources you want to see here on the blog? Create your own user feedback survey If you’re not already receiving […]
I never imagined what a difference 40 days could make. What one season of sacrifice could do to change my heart and strengthen my faith for the next step of my journey. How one practice for just over a month could form a lasting, life-giving habit. Lent used to be a season of rules and […]
When I was six years old, I started taking violin lessons. The violin is a difficult instrument to master. Unlike a piano where you have specific keys to press for each note, with the violin you have to develop a feel for just the right spot to place your finger on the strings. Slightly off […]
Reading the Bible may sound like a great idea, but how do you get started? Below are some resources I’ve collected to help whether you’re new to the Bible or want to go deeper in your study. The books and links below are some of my favorites that I’ve found helpful. 18 Resources for Bible […]
“What are your talents and gifts?” This question challenges me every time I see it. Why is this one so hard to answer? Why is it so hard to identify and claim the things that make us special? Do you ever struggle with this one too? Struggle to identify your skills and talents? To see […]
Mommy, did you know there are three kinds of dying? (Where is this conversation going, I wondered?) One is the kind where you’re really dead, but we’re not going to talk about that one right now. (Whew! OK, what’s next?) One is the kind where you paint your hair. (Yes… that one’s important, especially for […]
Prayer for Redemption Through Jesus Christ – Prayer & Possibilities
O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son […]