character

The Junk Drawer Solution

Scripture Focus: “And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh.” — Ezekiel 11:19 Every home has a repair drawer. It may not officially be called that—I call mine…
The Light We Were Made For

I’ve tried to imagine the brightness of heaven, but somewhere along the way my imagination simply runs out of road. John writes, “The city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof” (Revelation 21:23).…
The Measure of Success

Scripture Focus: “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringth wicked devices to pass.” — Psalm 37:7 Waiting is difficult enough. Waiting while it appears that those who ignore God are getting ahead can test our faith…
The Silver Beneath the Soot

Scripture Focus: “And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver… and shall purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.” — Malachi 3:3 Long before wheelchairs, oxygen tubing, and frequent doctors’ appointments became part of my daily life, I loved wandering through thrift…
The Measure of Love

True love nurtures growth. It doesn’t simply accept someone as they are and leave them there. It patiently encourages what’s good, gently corrects what’s harmful, extends grace when grace is needed, and quietly draws out the very best in the one it loves. When I stop and think about it, isn’t that exactly how Christ…
Still Under Construction

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 1:6 Most of us like to think we’re making good progress in our Christian walk. We learn to be patient, extend grace, and speak kindly. Then someone cuts…
The Blessing We Didn’t Expect

Inspired by: Matthew 5:1-12 Jesus began His greatest sermon in the strangest way. He didn’t start with strength, success, or victory. He started with emptiness. “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” I’ve often wondered what the crowd expected to hear that day. Many were looking for a Messiah…
When the Road Disappears Into Fog

There’s something deeply comforting about the fact that some of the greatest people of faith in Scripture were not people who always understood what God was doing. We sometimes imagine faith as fearless certainty where a person never wrestles, never grows weary, and never questions anything. But when you read the life of Abraham, you…
The Whole Armor of God

In Ephesians 6:10–18 Paul writes, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might,” then immediately tells believers to “put on the whole armour of God.” God’s armor, not man’s armor. The armor of God is designed for a spiritual battle where the real battlefield is the mind and…
Becoming What I Behold

I am discovering more and more that so much of the Bible not only reveals the character of God, but also shows me the kind of character He desires to form in me. Scripture doesn’t simply describe who God is in some distant or abstract way. It draws me in. It calls me to linger,…