Filthy, stained, and weary, I trudged in from the unfinished work in my yard. My strength and supplies had run out. I couldn't go on, and I needed cleansing from head to toe. Shame had once devastated my life in a similar, but far more profound way. I desperately sought…
Sacrifice. Surrender. The spiritual disciplines urge us to give up things we might prefer to retain. The term "discipline" itself carries a grim reputation. Those who observe the season of Lent often wrap these pre-Easter weeks in terms of self-deprivation. We must resist all things delicious, luxurious, or fun so we…
In preparation for Easter, we'll continue our series this week to highlight revitalizing our spirituality. We've discussed mental, social, and physical health. These integrated parts of life weave together as a skin over the most vital substance of self--our core essence. [bctt tweet="Well being begins and ends with the state…
" I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord" (1 Samuel 1:27-28). Hannah endured years of endless persecution. She faced it while cooking. The torment followed her into the marketplace. She could not escape it at night.…
"Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, 'Pray that you will not fall into temptation.' He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 'Father, if you are willing, take this cup…
"Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, 'Pray that you will not fall into temptation.' He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 'Father, if you are willing, take this cup…
"children running and shouting through the Temple, 'Hosanna to David’s Son!' . . . Jesus said, 'Yes, I hear them. And haven’t you read in God’s Word, ‘From the mouths of children and babies I’ll furnish a place of praise’?'” (Matthew 21:15-16). Easter dawned on the horizon as Christ marched through formidable gates to…
"Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me on level ground. Because of Your name, Yahweh, let me live." -- Psalm 143:10-11 September clung to the calendar by less than a week. I still hadn't enjoyed my autumnal pumpkin spice latte. My…