Just Punishment

It’s a profound line. One of the criminals crucified with Jesus said, “And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong (Luke 23:41, NASB).” Indeed, we deserve to suffer, deserve death for our sins. We deserve to be on that cross […]

Prayer Journey — Worthy

You know me even more than I know myself. You created me. You have a plan for me at this moment in history. You invite me to join you around the charcoal fire and share a meal.

Prayer Journey — Who Am I?

Who am I that you have brought me this far? You are the great I AM, but who am I? You knit me together in my mother’s womb. You gave me breath. You continue to shower me with grace and love. You patiently teach me and mature me. There are days I feel your gentle […]

Learning About God’s Love from an Unbeliever

During each visit she would share stories about her life over the last 80 some years. As her tough exterior veneer began to peel back, I learned about the pain and abuse she had suffered at the hands of others. I began to understand why she was so bitter and angry, I started to empathize with her.

Prayer Journey — Who Am I?

The complexity of life contrasts against your simple statement “I AM.” The struggles of life contrast against “peace I give to you.” The temporary nature of things in life contrast against your eternal nature. Who am I next to you dear God? I am a contrast to you, yet you are not against me. You […]

Finding Hope in Chains

This Paul has knowledge of a god seemingly so powerful, yet so personal that he prepares him for future events. What kind of god shows such love and grace to a mere man?

Prayer Journey — Deep Grace

You are vast and infinite, yet your hands crafted me. You desire intimacy with me. You care infinitely for me. You look past my faults and see me as redeemable.

God is in The Smallest Details of Your Life

Today I only need to look at my hand and see my fingers moving to remind me of his marvelous deeds; to remind me of the healing I have experienced in the past week.

Prayer Journey — Releasing the Burdens

Over the years I have accumulated so much trauma, each bag of sorrow carefully secured on my pack. You try to loosen the restraints that secure the load, but I tighten them, clinging tightly to this burden.

Friday Faith — Grace and Peace

I collect Bible commentaries that are around 100 years old. Each Friday this month I will share an excerpt from one of these books. Today’s excerpt is from Charles Erdman from his 1930 book, The Epistle of Paul to the Galatians (commentary on Galatians 1:1-5): The greeting which Paul sends to these churches is summarized […]