In 2 Samuel 11–12, the Bible walks us through an exceedingly dark place. It tells the story of David’s sin. He commits adultery with another man’s wife—Bathsheba—and has her husband killed in battle. Then, David is confronted about his sin by the prophet Nathan. Once David realizes the heinous nature of his behavior and that … Continue reading Blessed Is The One
Category: Devotionals
Serve Even Then
Perhaps one of the most difficult parts of serving is serving even when you do not feel like it. (To read a recent devotion on the topic of serving, you can click here.) I remember reading a book by Tim Tebow when I was younger in which he described such an experience. Tebow had spent … Continue reading Serve Even Then
Our Shepherd’s Persistent Promise
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…” Psalm 23:6 Those six words, “all the days of my life,” are powerful. It is easy to believe that God’s goodness and steadfast love are following you on the good days and in the mountaintop experiences of life. However, according to this … Continue reading Our Shepherd’s Persistent Promise
Moving a Piano and Christian Community
My family recently inherited my grandmother’s piano. It is an upright piano and, based on how much it weighs, could also double in use as a boat anchor. Moving the piano from her house to our own took the combined efforts of about seven people, a metal ramp, a wooden moving dolly, an enclosed trailer, … Continue reading Moving a Piano and Christian Community
This World Is Not My Home
There is a hymn you may have heard before called “This World Is Not My Home” (click the title to hear the song). Through social media, I have seen a few artists record their own newer versions of this song. I believe that this particular hymn, though it was written several decades ago, resonates with … Continue reading This World Is Not My Home
Reconciled
“For in him (Jesus) all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” Colossians 1:19–20 What does it mean to be reconciled? One definition for reconciliation is "bringing again into unity, harmony, … Continue reading Reconciled
Preparing a Place
Where I teach, today is the first day of school! At the time of sharing this, my students will arrive for our first full day of learning together in third grade, and my second year as a teacher will begin. However, today is not my first day back at work. That was last Wednesday. For … Continue reading Preparing a Place
Ode to the Ordinary
I once knew someone who seemed to fixate on the next big thing, whatever it was, in his life. He was always talking about the next concert, the next trip, what the next grand experience would be. Yet when it came to his everyday life—his college classes, everyday interactions with friends, and the ordinary aspects … Continue reading Ode to the Ordinary
Serve God’s Purpose in Your Own Generation
As Christians, many of us feel like we are simply not doing enough. When we hear stories of missionaries who gave up their comforts and left their homes, or see the examples of great evangelists who travel the globe proclaiming the good news, we reckon that what we are doing for the Kingdom is not … Continue reading Serve God’s Purpose in Your Own Generation
Count It All Joy
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” James 1:2 Notice what this verse does not say. It doesn’t say, “Count it all joy, my brothers, if you meet trials of various kinds.” No, trials in the life of a Christian are not a possibility; they are a guarantee. It’s … Continue reading Count It All Joy