Christ

The Poverty of Plenty

“He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.” -Ecclesiastes 5:10 Have you ever noticed how quickly “just a little more” quietly becomes “still not enough”? Solomon certainly did. Few people have ever possessed more wealth, influence, opportunities, or accomplishments than he did.…
The Fragrance of Our Influence

“Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour…” — Ecclesiastes 10:1 I have always found this to be one of the most vivid illustrations in Scripture. An apothecary would carefully blend fragrant oils and costly spices into a beautiful perfume. Every ingredient was chosen with care, yet it only…
The Wind in the Branches

There are some things in life we know are real, even though we’ve never actually seen them. I’ve never seen the wind. I’ve watched towering trees bow beneath its strength, curtains billow through an open window, leaves skitter across the driveway as though they suddenly remembered an appointment somewhere else, and clouds drift across the…
Seeing More Clearly

I used to have a rather romantic idea of spiritual growth. When I first became a Christian, I assumed maturity would eventually arrive like some sort of heavenly graduation ceremony. One day I would wake up, angels would probably sing a few bars of Handel’s Messiah, and I would glide through life with remarkably few…
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…
Small Things Matter

There are certain moments in nature that almost feel too gentle for this world. A leaf drifting slowly from a tree. Snow falling in complete silence. Tiny drops of rain gathering along the edge of a windowpane before finally slipping downward. Small things. Quiet things. The kind of moments most people pass without a second…
Some Fires Do Not Need More Wood

We live in a world that practically runs on outrage now. Everybody is offended, reacting, posting, correcting, arguing, tweeting and sub-tweeting, unfriending, reposting screenshots, and occasionally writing entire emotional dissertations over a sentence somebody probably typed while half-awake and looking for coffee. Somewhere along the line, many people started treating self-control like weakness and emotional…
When Trouble Knows Where to Find You

Scripture Focus: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1 Trouble has a way of finding the address we never gave it. It knocks at the door without an invitation, lets itself in without asking, and sometimes has the nerve to sit down and make itself comfortable. One…
When My Order Sends a Message

I am, for the most part, a very organized person. I like things in their place. I like spaces to feel settled, useful, and uncluttered. Chaos, disorganization, and things sitting where they do not belong can really affect me on an emotional level. I do not really know how to explain it, but I can…
Words That Outlast Any Storm

Words… we use them every day. Granted, some of us use more than others. We use words all the time. Words have an amazing capability. They allow us to communicate knowledge, to inspire others, to calm fears and grief, to encourage, to express anger, and when used just right, you can even paint a picture…