Have you ever caught yourself repeating a catchy phrase you’ve heard, but haven’t really thought through? Just because something is oft-repeated doesn’t mean it’s actually so. As followers of Christ, we need to put today’s common sayings through the filter of God’s word to see if they are true. According to Colossians 2:8, some philosophies are empty and deceptive. They come from the elemental spirits of this world, not from Christ. Here are two examples: 1. “Everything happens for a reason.” Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for Continue Reading
5 Things Not to Say When Jesus Picks You
Jesus regularly invites us on adventures, but we often hesitate for some pretty short-sighted reasons. Is it just me? Or do some of these sound familiar? “I’m not adequate.” None of us are up for what God calls us to. He seems to choose us for our weaknesses more than for our strengths. On the flip side of this, you might be very surprised at how much is on your spiritual resume. Do you know Christ? Have you read and studied the Bible at all? Heard any sermons? Boom. You already have something to offer someone else. “I need to be healed first.” Jesus is happy to heal you from unresolved Continue Reading
Five Reasons You Need “Not Marked”
She was only five years old when it started. Two teenage brothers came to her babysitter’s house and offered to take her for a while. Mary went with them, an innocent lamb. They took her to forests, to ravines, to their own bedroom. They took her again and again. They took her innocence and scarred her soul. But the story does not end there. Mary survived those episodes, along with the pain of rejection, poverty, and dealing with her parents’ addictions. She bravely tells of the redemption she found, and is finding, in Jesus. She tells her story not to be dramatic or sensational, but Continue Reading
Five Things Jesus Does For a Hot Mess
Ever feel discouraged about your life, wishing you could get it together and see some progress instead of just chaos? I get it. That’s me, too. Those of us who serve Jesus are works in progress. Your story is far from over, and the end result will be stunning – but the process is not pretty. Kind of like the water damage we had two months ago. One harmless gurgle in the bathroom wall, and the next thing you know, we have to rip out tile, sheet rock, vinyl, sub floor and fixtures. For eight weeks we made multiple trips to Home Depot and tripped over stuff. For eight weeks we had Continue Reading