The Scarlet Cord: When Simple Faith Changes Everything
If you feel like your faith is small, take heart. The question isn't whether you have great faith—it's whether your faith is in a great God. Jesus is mighty to save, and He is sufficient. Your simple trust in Him is enough.
Navigating Death with Wisdom, Grace, and Hope
Wisdom in the face of death requires both truth and community. We need to believe what is actually true about death—that it's an enemy, not a friend; a waiting, not a journey; an end that only God can overcome. What's your strategy for dealing with death? Some try to outrun it through legacy-building or distraction. Others numb themselves with comfort and entertainment. But wisdom calls us to a different path: to get on our knees in prayer, to invite others into our grief, to share the gospel with those who face death without hope, and to make space in our communities for honest mourning.
When Weak Faith Meets a Faithful God: The Surprising Story of Gideon
When God chooses someone who's literally hiding in a hole, shaking with fear, to accomplish something extraordinary, our expectations are turned upside down. The story of Gideon reveals how God works through imperfect people with imperfect faith. Picture a grown man crouched underground, terrified of the Midianites, yet called a "mighty man of valor." Gideon's journey is marked by hesitation and doubt, yet God meets him in his uncertainty. This powerful narrative reminds us that even our smallest, flawed faith can connect us to a God who is completely faithful. Discover how this story can inspire your own faith journey.
The Faith That Leads to Action: Lessons from the Life of Abraham
Everyone has faith, but not all faith saves. Genuine faith is more than mere belief; it leads to action and obedience. Consider Abraham, a random pagan called by God to leave everything behind. His journey was filled with ups and downs, revealing the struggle of misplaced faith. Yet, through it all, Abraham's ultimate test of faith demonstrated profound trust in God's promises. This story not only highlights the importance of faith but also points to a greater sacrifice made for us. Discover how our actions reflect our faith and the transformative power of trusting in Christ alone.
The Unshakeable Foundation: Living by Faith in What We Cannot See
Biblical faith isn't blind optimism or positive thinking. It's not pretending everything will work out the way you want. Instead, it's a deep-seated confidence in the character and promises of God, even when circumstances suggest otherwise.
The Anchor That Holds: Finding True Hope in Turbulent Times
Scripture consistently uses water imagery to describe the challenges of life. The Psalmist speaks of mountains being thrown into the heart of the sea, waters roaring and foaming—a picture of complete chaos. Paul warns about being tossed around by every cunning wave of doctrine. James describes doubt as being like someone driven and tossed by the wind. Even Jonah's literal storm was caused by his disobedience, showing how our own poor choices can create chaos that threatens to drown us.
Finding True Rest: Beyond Striving and Into Trust
Our world is fast-paced, achievement-oriented and rest feels like a luxury we can't afford. Between career demands, family responsibilities, and the constant pressure to prove ourselves, we're running on empty. But what if the deepest kind of rest we need isn't found in a vacation or a weekend off? What if there's a rest that touches our souls, calms our anxieties, and silences our relentless inner critic?
The Relentless Pursuit
Here's the uncomfortable truth: every human soul is searching for something. We're all thirsty, all hungry, all longing for meaning and purpose. The question isn't whether we'll try to satisfy that longing—the question is what we'll use to try to fill it.
Understanding God’s Heart for Sinners
This is what Christ offers every sinner: not a distant God waiting to judge, but a near God offering to heal, restore, and transform. When we encounter our own sin, we don't need to hide, deny, compare ourselves to others, or try to work it off. We need to bring it into the light, confess it, own where we fall short, and trust in the work Christ has already done.
Living Faithfully in Difficult Days
Jesus had perfect character. Where others are ungrateful, He was thankful. Where others are unholy, He was pure. Where others are heartless, He overflowed with compassion. Everywhere Jesus went, He brought restoration, healing, and reconciliation.
The Pursuit of God’s Approval
What does it mean to be "approved" by God? It's crucial to understand that this approval is not about earning salvation – that comes solely through faith in Jesus Christ. Rather, it's about living a life that honors God, bearing fruit that pleases Him, and faithfully stewarding the gifts and calling He has placed on our lives.
Do Not Be Ashamed: Standing Firm in Faith
For those who have stumbled, who have been ashamed or compromised their faith, there is hope. The gospel offers restoration and renewal. Just as Jesus reinstated Peter, He offers forgiveness and a renewed purpose to all who turn back to Him.