While the two seem similar on the surface, there is a big difference between faith vs. expectation. One leads to disappointment, and the other to perseverance during the darkest times. But how do you tell the difference? How do you avoid falling into the trap of one while you’re striving for the other? There are… Continue reading Faith vs. Expectation: 3 Lessons from Exodus
In the span of twenty-four hours recently, this question confronted me three times in varying forms. When thinking through it, I realized that the Bible is very specific in what it says one must do in order to be saved. And while it’s ultimately between you and God to know for sure, there are definite,… Continue reading How Do I Know If I Am Really Saved?
An ad recently coined the phrase “show hole” to describe the bored, empty feeling you get after binge-watching to the end of a TV series. After so many days and days of completely investing in the characters and their lives, the end of a beloved series can come with a feeling of grief, almost like… Continue reading What NOT to Do in a Waiting Season
“What is the purpose of prayer?” That question popped into my mind this week, and I knew it was from the Lord. As I contemplated, it occurred to me that if we want to know anything about prayer, the best place to start looking is the Lord Jesus Himself. He gave His disciples the "Lord’s… Continue reading The 7 Purposes of Prayer
Salvation isn’t a prize to be won, but a gift to be received. That being said, even believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. We will answer for the things we have done and the choices we have made in this life. According to the Bible, there will be rewards given to some, and… Continue reading What Are the Requirements to Hear “Well Done”?
In the 1990’s, “WWJD?” (What Would Jesus Do?) bracelets were all the rage. The idea was that people would wear them to remember to approach life with the same mindset, goals, and attitude as the Savior Himself. If we think about what He would do -- when people are rude, when things don’t go as… Continue reading Childlike Faith While #Adulting
As a Christian, I don’t generally make a practice of sinning. On the other hand, I haven't exactly “arrived” at perfection either, so it still happens sometimes. Lately, I have started to feel a bit of shock at myself when it does. I mean, twelve years into the born-again life, shouldn’t I be mature enough… Continue reading The Lord Grants Forgiveness to Those Who Ask
“Talk to him about Jesus.” The words popped into my mind as I came out of the grocery store and saw a teenage boy unhooking his bike from the rack outside. I was in motion, so I continued to my car, put the groceries inside, and dug in my purse for a Bible tract. All… Continue reading God Tests and Retests His Children
There are a few key differences between a scab and a scar. Both cover old wounds, but scabs are temporary. They can be infected, and when bumped or scraped, can open afresh, bringing some of the same pain as the original injury. Scars, on the other hand, are just visual reminders of pain long gone.… Continue reading Jesus Can Turn Scabs into Scars
When the Lord started bringing some things to my attention this week, I knew they could be part of a blog. At first, though, I just saw a bunch of pieces. It was like I had the inside of the puzzle but needed the frame to understand what I was looking at. I asked the… Continue reading The Sneaky Sin of Self-Righteousness
