• Devotional

    Simplicity Unfolded

    December 6, 2023

    “For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and Godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.” 2 Corinthians 1:12 (ESV). This verse hangs above my desk. It’s not on anything fancy, just a piece of paper from a notebook. I haven’t adjusted to it’s presence there (and I hope I never will!). This verse stops me every time I read it. The apostle Paul encouraged the early church to follow after his example, as he followed after Christ (if you’d…

  • Current Series - Devotional

    Why a Narrow Path?

    November 15, 2023

    “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV). Why? After reading this passage, the natural question is: why is the way narrow? Why aren’t there lots of paths and options that all ultimately lead to the same place? The answer to this question is found in the pages of scripture: the way is narrow because we are…

  • Current Series - Devotional

    A Way For The Lord: Can we talk about sin?

    November 10, 2023

    “Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know…

  • Devotional

    Committed to Grace

    October 25, 2023

    “And after I’d prayed, I picked up my burden again.” I found myself saying this, mentally picturing the time I spent in prayer, offering everything in my heart to the Lord. Then, I said “amen,” and meticulously picked up every single heavy stone I’d intended to leave there.   It makes sense, in the human sense, that we would want to keep an eye on those things that are precious to us. I think this is especially true when praying for our loved ones in the Lord. We wouldn’t be bringing these requests to his feet if they weren’t important…

  • Devotional

    Forgiving Others and Forgiving Yourself

    October 7, 2023

    Unforgiveness is one of the most painful burdens a person can carry. It’s something God speaks often of in his word- his forgiveness of our sins and our forgiveness of others. Forgiveness shows up, perhaps most famously, in the Lord’s prayer (“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Matthew 6:12, ESV). We see it echoed in the old testament and in the new testament: there is forgiveness from the Lord for those who repent and the expectation that the forgiven in turn forgive others. An apostle’s question and a parable. Why are Christians called to…

  • Devotional

    Daniel and Arioch

    September 27, 2023

    In Daniel chapter 2, we find an interesting story surrounding the Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar. The king had a dream that greatly distressed him- so much so, that in verse two he, “Commanded that the magicians, the enchanters, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans be summoned…” In an effort to make sure that none of the men were lying to him, the king made an impossible request: they must tell him the dream itself. The magicians and wise men were understandably upset! Not only did their summons come with an impossible task, but Nebuchadnezzar made it clear (in rather grisly terms) that…

  • Devotional

    How To Find Your Purpose

    September 20, 2023

    “What is my purpose- and how do I find it?” Pick up a dozen self-help magazines and you’ll get a dozen different answers to that question. I’d venture while some answers differ, there are probably multiple overlapping themes. One expert might encourage their reader to follow their joy or their passion. Others might suggest (or provide) a personality inventory. In almost every scenario, the reader is encouraged to ultimately listen to their heart, their experiences, and trust their gut instincts. As followers of Jesus, we take heed of the warning found in Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV): “The heart is deceitful above…

  • Devotional

    Patterns, Predictability, and Something New

    September 15, 2023

    This season, I’ve embarked on something I’ve never done before. I am the first to tout the benefits of a routine. I think routine is important, nay- essential. We’ve all seen the articles citing the benefits of creating patterns and predictability in our lives. Where would we be without routine when motivation fails and daily tasks beckon us with unfinished fervor? There seems to be just as many articles campaigning for the destruction of routine and advocating spontaneity as it’s replacement. For better or worse, I tend to side (at least in habit) with the former camp. I love routine!…