Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled: A Word for Today
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV One commentary says at the time of Jesus’ words in John 14, “Let not heart be troubled,” there were lots of reasons for “anxiety and alarm” among the disciples. They had just learned their world was about to be turned upside down– that they had a traitor among them; that Peter would deny Jesus; and in the midst of it all, Jesus, their teacher, friend and hope was saying He had to go away to a place they could not follow....
Read MoreFriendship In A Time Of Technology
It’s easy for pastors, church leaders, and even counselors to forego self-care and even easier to neglect family and friends in the name of doing “greater” Sadly, this happened to me. In the hurry of work, ministry, completing my degree, family crisis with my elderly father, and discipleship ministry at my church, I failed to understand the void my absence had created in my best friend’s life. I justified my actions with thoughts of how she must be busy with her husband, homeschooling her three children, and her own church leadership responsibilities. The last straw came when I texted my...
Read MoreUndivided Devotion
As a single person, have you ever felt like a second-class citizen, or that your life is on-hold until you are married, or that surely you are not favored by God because he has not yet given you the gift of marriage? As a single woman, I understand these questions. Yet, the Apostle Paul gives us a perspective that is often viewed as contrary to the popular worldview; marriage equals self-worth and happiness. Paul’s admonition to the Church at Corinth on the subject of marriage includes an encouraging verse for single believers. “I wish that all men were as I am. But each man...
Read MoreRemembering Our Mission During The Holidays
During the holiday season we often are thrown together with those who have known us longest and best, our family and friends. After all, they knew us “when,” and that can sometimes feel awkward, even vulnerable. As Christians we desperately want those who know us best, to see us as God’s Word describes us in II Corinthians 5:17, new creations in Christ. What a golden opportunity the holiday season brings to show the grace and transforming power of God through our lives – evangelism 101: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in...
Read MoreConformity to Christ: It’s An Inside Job
If conformity to Christ requires us to face our own tendencies toward idolatry, then how does facing personal idolatry relate to spiritual disciplines, suffering, and community? “God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27 HCSB Brian Hedges, in Christ Formed in You, paints a clear contrast between idolatry (self-centeredness) and living a Christ-centered life. God’s plan for every Believer is to be conformed to the image of His Dear Son, and Hedges states that God uses Spiritual...
Read MoreLetter to Women’s Ministry Leaders
Dear Women’s Ministry Coordinators, “Every person we minister too is both glorious and broken.” Dr. Sam Williams, Professor Biblical Counseling at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary I love this quote by Dr. Williams because it describes so beautifully the heart of women’s ministry, and all Christian ministry for that matter. I am writing to encourage you in the work you are doing in the Body to reach, support, and counsel women of all ages.There are a few things that are true about most women’s ministries (WM) in local churches: WM have a heart to encourage and care for one another...
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