Our lives are shaped by our experiences and our interactions with others. Still, we like to think we are in control of our thoughts, beliefs, and opinions. Since we control our thoughts, we should be able to will ourselves out of depression, anxiety, or despair. Although we may be influenced by external factors, we are... Continue Reading →
Victory Through Surrender
Throughout the world, we see increasing hostility and intolerance toward those viewed as our enemies. Hate and war is spreading and it's touching every nation. We see it as our duty to resist evil and fight for what is right. But where does it end? We have come to love the fight rather than the... Continue Reading →
What Is the Purpose of Prayer?
Why do we pray? We may pray for many reasons. We pray in church, for those on our prayer list, and we have specific prayers at mealtime or at bedtime. But when is our prayer life usually most authentic, consistent, and heart-felt? When we're in need. What does that say about our motivations? While God... Continue Reading →
Are Christians Too Sheltered?
Christians, as a whole, come from widely diverse backgrounds and locations. It would be impossible to say that all Christians live sheltered lives, but in America many Christians do fit this description. In fact, some Christians have experienced little else. They raised sheltered in a Christian home surrounded by Christian friends while attending Christian schools.... Continue Reading →
Am I Ready for Jesus?
Lately, I find myself thinking a lot about spiritual readiness. Jesus frequently used the words asleep and awake to describe our spiritual readiness. Just before Jesus was betrayed he told his disciples that they would all fall away. Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for... Continue Reading →