Is God Enough?

Is God sufficient for all my needs? “Of course!” is my reflex response. But what am I really thinking? “If only I had this or that; if only my circumstances were different, then I would be able to trust Him more.” However, trusting God for what...

Thanksgiving in Adversity

Life is hard. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 Scripture tells us that even in the midst of difficulty we are to give thanks. Expressing my gratitude in times of adversity does not come easily.  I am...

A Lavish Lifestyle

A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 NIV. Giving generously is a priority in my life. My mind quickly goes to money. However, Jesus reminds me that poverty exists in many forms, not just monetary.   Those...

Strive or Surrender?

The world has always told me to strive. I listened. I studied hard through years of education and I have worked diligently all my life. Even the church encourages me to strive – in Bible reading, prayer and service. These are all good things. Yet striving in...

Snarky

Sin sneaks into my life in various ways, such as meditating on less than noble things that lead to anger, resentment or pride. The result is not good and I can become snarky. The Snark Handbook suggests that snark is everywhere on television, movies and in...

Devoted or Lukewarm?

Devote yourself to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2 NLT I ask myself, What does it mean to be devoted – to be “all in”? Is it possible to be a true follower of Jesus and be lukewarm? Believers in the early church were...