Rough Around the Edges

I was walking the shore of Lake Michigan when I encountered a lone granite rock on the beach. I picked it up and felt its smooth, rounded shape. As I rolled the rock in my hand, I thought about how the rock had been shaped by the pounding waves pressing and moving it against the […]

No Offense

There’s an interesting line in Matthew 17:24-27. In verse 27, Jesus said, “So we do not offend them.” It’s a cautionary statement for us to note. Even though Jesus is in the right, he is still sensitive to those who question what he is doing. In this passage, the collectors of the temple tax ask […]

Behind the Facade of Disbelief

God’s presence is evident even when it seems you are surrounded by disbelief and resistance to Him.

Overextended with Thankfulness

The other day I saw the word “thankful” on a shelf at a friend’s house. What caught my attention was how the word extended beyond the shelf. Suddenly I was hit with the thought about thankfulness overflowing out of our life. I’ve often heard the phrase, “I have too much on my plate right now,” […]

True Inner Strengthen

At the core of your inner being, what do you tap to get you through each day? What is the source of your strength; what makes you proud; what pleases your eyes, and warms your heart? The answer to these questions can say a lot about what you have faith in. The book of Ezekiel […]

Losing Faith

“…And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground. – 1 Samuel 17:49 (NASB) They were totally invested in the strength of Goliath. They relied on him to not only protect them, but to bring them success. They rallied behind him because he appeared powerful and unstoppable. […]

A Character for Christ

John’s life was not cluttered with things that confused his message. He did not try to impress people, rather he tried to impress upon them the need to repent of their sins and prepare for the coming of Jesus.

Judging with Discernment

At the end of what are commonly referred to as the Beatitudes, Matthew 7:28 tells us: “When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes (NASB).” The people could tell that this was the Son of God; […]

Dinner with a Friend

I did not feel worthy. Would he ever forgive me? My heart ached to be with him, to hear him. Then I heard a faint voice. Did I imagine it? Someone called my name. From the front entrance; a firm tap on the door. My heart raced, my hand on the door knob. Slowly, I […]

Grumbling to God

It is a good reminder to us that even though we may grumble to another person about our circumstances, about how we are treated, we are actually grumbling to God.