Years ago, I found myself involved in a boundary-centered religious setting. The premise of this type of group is boundaries keep us “in” and the bad “out.” It is possible to know who is “in” by observing external behaviors. I am the perfect candidate for this setting because I am also a recovering approval addict. …
Horses were a big deal in the Ancient Near East. Horses were a sign of wealth, they were a vehicle for war, they pulled chariots, carried kings. In the book of Deuteronomy, the Lord gave instructions to Moses regarding a king. He knew that one day the people of Israel would want a king just …
Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.” Mark 9:36-37 Much has been written about the reality of …
Shame is born in public and lived out in private. This statement caught my attention the other day while watching a Netflix original. It started me thinking. It seems to be true and yet, is it always? It is said that shame is about WHO we are while guilt is about WHAT we do. I …
Good News! If your taxes aren’t submitted yet, no worries. They aren’t due until July 15. You’re welcome! Scripture tells me I have an adversary that “prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8) He also “accuses me before my God day and night.” (Revelation 12:11) Our response to …
The Lord is my Shepherd. I have all that I need. I have strength to work in my yard, walk on the bike trail, put together a stroller. I have food to make three meals a day. I have family who love me, grandchildren who adore me, friends I can count on. I have a …
The following isn’t a joke. It is true and can be applied whenever you need a little boost! In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue …
After this, the armies of the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites declared war on Jehoshaphat. Messengers came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army from Edom is marching against you from beyond the Dead Sea. They are already at Hazazon-tamar.” (This was another name for En-gedi.) Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news … 2 Chronicles 20:1-3 The most beautiful …
Good Saturday morning to you! Today may not feel much different to you than every other day this week if you are home with the kiddos or unable to go to work. I get it. Staying in calls for creative action and creative action calls for energy that is sometimes missing. The other night, Dave …