“Nothing changes if nothing changes.” The quote scrolled across the TV screen while the leader talked. I immediately started thinking about the truth behind those words. It was one week before the beginning of the new school year, and I knew it was time to practice some of the changes I had committed to making during the summer. Let me rephrase it: It was time to start implementing some of the changes I felt God was instructing me to make. Leave it to me, and I will keep doing things Continue Reading
How Not to Go on Guilt Trips {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
We weren’t created to go on guilt trips. But we learned to send ourselves and each other on these unpleasant excursions because sin entered the world. First, let’s look at desirable trips. Maybe a planned or spontaneous travel schedule. Perhaps our favorite vacation spots. Possibly, places familiar or unknown. Or, traveling abroad. And a voyage by sea. Also, guided tours, historical landmarks, the mountains, a natural wonder, the beach, tropical climates, and soaring Continue Reading
Worship Beyond Music and Church {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
What does worshiping God look like in our daily life? How can we worship the Lord with our life? Because we often limit it to church services. We went to worship this morning. Join us Sunday for worship. Or it becomes about music intended to lead us into God’s presence. These are both good, good things. Gathering with the family of God for corporate worship is biblical and powerful. And anointed music that speaks directly to our hearts, carrying us before God’s Continue Reading
LINKUP: Lessons from the Parable of the “Rich Fool” {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}
A substantial part of the preaching of Jesus in the New Testament is recorded in parables. Parables tell a story, not about something that happens in real life, but a one-time fictitious event written in a simple, vivid way that engages the audience. One cannot underestimate the importance of the parables in the gospels, especially since scholars generally regard them as words that we can confidently credit to the historical Jesus. When Jesus spoke in parables, he did not create a new Continue Reading
Never Underestimate Prayer {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
Many times we underestimate the considerable power of prayer. And what praying accomplishes in our lives, hearts, and in the heavenly realm. Because believing in prayer is not the same as actually spending time in prayer. So we often struggle in this area of the Christian walk. In these current unprecedented days, I desire to spend more time with God in prayer—to anchor myself to Him. I need the power of prayer every day. Let’s unpack some reasons not to Continue Reading
Valley Promises {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP}
What if we knew God had valley promises just waiting for us to claim and cling to? Because sometimes we travel on a journey we never chose. A valley experience. And we never made reservations, packed our bags, or headed off in that direction. Besides, my heart’s GPS is wired to stay on the mountain top. Isn’t that what we secretly or openly wish the Christian life promised? Still, we often forget God’s glory and presence dwells wherever we are, and in whatever we Continue Reading
