(This the second post in a series on Bible versions. You can read the first post about how I Corinthians 13 came alive to me in a new way, here.) I never intended to regularly use The Message paraphrase. Just like I never intended to live where I’m living now. And like I never intended […]
Devotional Thoughts
Rhythms lead us into intimacy with Jesus. Intimacy with Jesus leads us to enjoy life even in its unpredictability and pain. These devotional thoughts will help you reflect on the goodness and character of God and the abundant life that He has promised.
Valentine’s Day + Non-Traditional Bible Versions (Part 1)
One morning last week I decided to read a biblical passage about love. It seemed fitting, after all, since Valentine’s Day was at hand. I chose I Corinthians 13. The obvious choice! I wanted my heart and mind oriented towards loving others during this season. I expected to come away thinking about love, or perhaps […]
Tips to Enjoy Life + Still Serve Others
Which is easier for you? To serve others? Or enjoy life? If I had to guess, I would guess you’re pretty good at serving. At home. At church. During the week. Into the evenings. On the weekend. The requests pour in. From your family, from friends, from your child’s school, from church. And, if you […]
Life is Best Lived When You Let Go
In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. (John 12:25a MSG) These words have taken up residence in my head and heart for weeks now. I happened upon them once and was struck by them. Then they came around again and again. Different times, different locations. […]
Fingerprints of Grace: Psalm 27
I’ve loved this Psalm for a while now. It’s been a solace and refuge over the years. But not until recently have I seen it as a Psalm that is filled with grace. You won’t actually find the word “grace” anywhere in it, but its fingerprints are everywhere. I think the reason I see grace […]
5 Reasons Why it “ ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus”
It’s another one of those seasons of life where the same ideas keep coming up everywhere I turn. Faith. Trust. Assurance. God’s shown it to me repeatedly. Devotionals. Creation. AWANA lessons. And this week, in a song. I love music. Its lyrics and melody do so much for my soul. Soothe. Fortify. Undergird. God was […]
God is Faithful. Not Predictable.
God is Faithful. Not Predictable. God spoke this truth to my heart over 10 years ago. I needed it then. And I still desperately need it today. Several months ago, I wrote a devotional for a teen magazine on this topic and it gets published online today. Today finds me in the midst of circumstances […]
Journeying with God
Have you ever had a calling or a dream that you were ready to run after? But even in the midst of knowing WHAT to do, you didn’t have any idea HOW to actually do it? Me too. At least we’re not alone! The Bible tells us of many more. Abraham journeyed from his home […]
Clean Slates, Fresh Starts, & New Mercies
I was journaling earlier this week about the new year and all the things I love about it. Here’s a sentence that encapsulates it all, “I love new beginnings, fresh starts, clean slates.” And it’s true. Everything seems fresh and exciting. The world is open to possibility, hopes, and dreams. Then God whispered, “This is what […]
Emmanuel, God with Us
It seems everywhere I turn this Christmas season I am bumping into this name – songs, Scripture, sermons, posts. I’ve learned that when something comes up repeatedly, it’s usually because God has something to speak into my heart. So, I’ve sat with this word. This name. This essence of Christmas. And my heart has been […]