faith

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 Danger of “Good Enough”

Have you ever found yourself wanting something for another person more than they seem to want it for themselves? Perhaps you’ve watched someone remain in a relationship that continually hurts them, or you’ve encouraged a friend to pursue an opportunity they keep talking themselves out of. Maybe you’ve prayed earnestly for someone to draw closer…
The Presence That Brings Peace

Scripture Focus: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33 If happiness depended upon a trouble-free life, very few people would ever experience it for long. Jesus never promised…
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…
Retired… or Reassigned?

I once read a quote often attributed to Benjamin Franklin that has lingered in my mind for years: “Many people die at twenty-five and aren’t buried until they are seventy-five.” Whether he actually said it or not, the thought is sobering. It made me wonder if something similar can happen spiritually among Christians. I’ve noticed…
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.…
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 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…
Roots by the River

Scripture Focus: “For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.” – Jeremiah 17:8 I…