“God does not save us from temptations—He sustains us in the midst of them.” —Oswald Chambers In The Lord of the Rings, the protagonist, Frodo, is not spared from troubles. He goes through many mental, physical, and emotional trials as the adventures unfold. While he surely would have liked to have been rescued from his hardship, … Continue reading Sustained in Temptation
Category: Sin
“I Will Forgive Their Iniquity”
As part of the New Covenant, God makes an astounding promise. He declares, “For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more” (Jeremiah 31:34). To forgive is to pardon; it is not holding the wrong someone has done against them. This is what God does for us with our sin—He … Continue reading “I Will Forgive Their Iniquity”
“My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?”
This devotional is the fourth in a seven-part series leading up to Easter through the season of Lent. Each week’s devotional will focus on one of Jesus’ seven sayings from the cross. “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, … Continue reading “My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?”
“Father, Forgive Them”
This devotional is the first in a seven-part series leading up to Easter through the season of Lent. Each week’s devotional will focus on one of Jesus’ seven sayings from the cross. “And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ And they cast lots to divide his garments.” Luke 23:34 … Continue reading “Father, Forgive Them”
Conduct Cards
At the school where I teach, we use something called “conduct cards” as a form of discipline and to invoke a consequence when a student breaks a rule. If a student talks out of turn during class, is disrespectful to a classmate, or causes a disruption anywhere in the school, any adult can sign their … Continue reading Conduct Cards
Christmas is For You
Maybe this year the lights are too bright, the carols too cheerful, and the company too crowded. Perhaps this has been a difficult year that left you in no condition to be holly or jolly. It’s possible that the burdens you shoulder have stolen your joy, and the last thing you want to do is … Continue reading Christmas is For You
Why We Forgive
When we realize the magnitude of God’s forgiveness towards us, it motivates us to forgive others. We were born with a sinful nature, lost, disobedient, and our sin was offensive to a holy God whose standard is perfection. We deserve nothing from Him; yet He has given us everything. God not only forgave us, which … Continue reading Why We Forgive
Don’t Play Hide and Seek
A mom is outside tending to the family garden, leaving her five-year-old son alone indoors. The little boy is playing with his toys when he realizes that the glass tray of recently-baked cookies has been left unattended. He steps up in a chair, attempting to reach the delectable dessert while he has the opportunity, but … Continue reading Don’t Play Hide and Seek
He is Worthy
Andrew Peterson’s song Is He Worthy? is one of my all-time favorite Christian songs. The song comes from Revelation 5, and if you haven’t heard this song, I would strongly encourage you to stop reading this and listen to it right now. Once you’ve done that, we can pick back up here! There’s a lot … Continue reading He is Worthy
King Edmund the Just
In C.S. Lewis’ beloved children’s novel The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, there is a small, often overlooked detail that speaks to the transformative power of the gospel. The royal title given to one of the main characters, Edmund Pevensie, shows us that no one is too far gone to … Continue reading King Edmund the Just