“You’re gonna have to worship your way through.” It really wasn’t even part of the sermon. Pastor Joby Martin was just recounting a conversation with a staff member walking through a hard time, and that was his advice. The Lord God, Yahweh, Adonai, Elohim. He is the same today, yesterday and forever. And he is …
His Presence
Think back to when you were a young kid. Did you ever have any nightmares? Do you remember how it felt to wake up in the middle of the night, filled with fear? Eyes shocked wide open, heart pounding, forehead damp. What did you do? If you were very young, you likely did one of …
The God who is with us. Always.
When everything fades to black... A failed marriage. Another miscarriage. Hurricane devastation. Medical diagnosis. It’s everywhere. Maybe it’s a single moment where the bottom drops out, or maybe it’s a slow fade, but none of us are exempt from these deep dark valleys. I can write all day about the goodness of God or his …
Did I Just Mess Up My Life?
“God knew you would struggle with this,” she told me. I was in well over my head and had felt completely at a loss. What if I messed this whole thing up? I think a lot of us fear ruining pieces of our lives - maybe we can’t get the clarity we want on God’s …
Evil for Good
But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them …
A special request
What do you want? What are you after? In the Gospels, there is a story of a mom and two sons who want something. While it isn’t particularly clear whose initial idea it is, ultimately, the trio make their way to Jesus. The mother… came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a …
There was a man.
A long time ago, there was a man who lived in the Middle East. People claimed, back then, that he could do miraculous things. He could make sick people better, they said. He could make blind people see, they said. He could even bring people back from the dead, they said. This man also taught. …
What is good about this Friday?
Friday, April 3rd, 2015As I sat down for my devotions this morning, I found myself less-than confident in knowing what Good Friday even was. Is today when Jesus rode in on the donkey? When he was risen? When he was crucified?? If it is when Jesus was crucified, then how is that good? What is …
Spiritual Routines
As a mom of three young kids, I have been struck recently by the value of creating rhythms and routines in our household. This is not anything new, especially to any veteran parent or grandparent out there. In fact, I’m sure it’s something people have told me at least a hundred times. But I’m apparently …
Identity – A Personal Response
When I know all the “right things”, and have all the Bible verses on hand, and have listened to sermons, and have read books and still can’t seem to get it together… I’m finding that my overwhelm is generally rooted in an embarrassingly low view of God's love for me. I believe it for everyone …
Soaking in the Son 