What if You Could Look Forward to Reading the Bible?
I sometimes ask people, “What things are you supposed to do as a Christian?” And “read the Bible” is always…
Christian Life
The Most Overlooked Obstacle to Maturity and Wholeness
We are an impatient people. Our contemporary culture has fueled our natural human tendency to go for instant gratification. We…
The Biggest Thing Missing From the Abortion Debate
Roe v. Wade and the abortion debate has been a volatile topic for decades. And the US Supreme Court’s decision…
How to Make Jesus Irresistible to Others
As a follower of Jesus you care about the people around you. So how do you respond to your coworker…
What Jesus Cares About More Than You Doing the Right Thing
What Jesus cares about most is not people doing the right thing. Does that surprise you? Certainly every human being…
Why Church and Devotions Aren’t Working for You
Is what you’re doing as a Christian bringing the results you need, want, or expect? And while we’re talking about…
10 Scriptures for Overcoming Fear and Anxiety
You know the Bible says “Don’t be afraid.” But sometimes anxious thoughts and feelings seem to overtake your heart and…
God Has an Answer for Your Fear and Anxiety
You’ve prayed. Maybe you’ve fasted, and cried, and asked others to pray for you. But the swirling thoughts and anxious…
Your Brain CAN Change
When I went through medical school back in the “dark ages” we were told that 50% of what we learned…
How to Build a Life of Resilience Against Stress
Resilience allows a tree to bend in the wind instead of breaking. It’s what an athlete cultivates in order to…
What do Unafraid, Worry-Free People Know that You Don’t?
You don’t want a completely stress-free life. Not really. But don’t some people seem to handle it better than others?…
How to Celebrate Easter in a Time of Turmoil
This weekend is what many Christians consider the holiest time of the year. We remember and celebrate the event on…
Are You Using Your Influence to Help Others?
You have influence. You may not consider yourself an “influencer.” You may not have millions of “followers.” But there are…
What Telling Your Story Does for You and Others
Darla wanted to hide. She’d been doing it all her life. Her story was a difficult one, and she’d gotten…
What Trusting God IS and What it ISN’T
Your head probably says that trusting God is a good idea. But trust is not only a decision, though it…
How Can You Trust God When His People Let You Down
On a good day the best part of your intellect may agree that God can be trusted. But consider your…
When Pain Makes it Feel Impossible to Connect with the Family of God
After being deeply hurt in church or experiencing spiritual abuse you want to hide. Your body and soul may recoil…
Good and Not so Good Reasons to Leave Your Church
Over the last few weeks I’ve heard from many of you who have experienced church hurt. Such wounds usually come…
Three Things You Need to Recover from Church Hurt
“Raise your hand if you have not been hurt in church.” Just this week I heard a friend of mine…
What to Do If “God” has Become a Bad Word for You
When you think of “God,” what is your internal experience? Are you afraid, wishing you could hide behind some fig…
To Those Who Have Been Hurt in Church
Church hurt is real. There’s no use pretending it’s an anomaly or that true followers of Jesus should simply forgive,…
Confronting the REAL Reason You Go to Church or Not
Feelings around church can be complicated. And the Covid-19 pandemic has made it even more complicated. You might be one…
Jesus, Please Help Me Understand What’s Going On Here
When things are difficult one of the most helpful questions I’ve learned to ask is, “Jesus, what’s going on here?”…
What’s Your One Thing for 2022?
Resolutions can sometimes help, though just making a New Year’s resolution is likely to last about as long as your…
From Surviving to Thriving, and Passing It On
Life had not been easy for Pauline. Emotional struggles, financial struggles, marriage struggles–she felt worn out. Through it all she…
Pastor’s Marriage and Ministry Restored
John is a pastor. He loves being a pastor. He loves being the husband to his wife and the father…
The Baby Who Changed Everything
It’s almost Christmas. Children are eying presents under the tree. Adults are perhaps both tired and expectant. Church volunteers are…
5 Things to Do When the Holidays are Hard
Feeling ambivalent about the holidays is pretty normal. You’re “supposed” to enjoy this season of lights, music, giving, and family.…
My 2021 Favorite Books, Podcasts, and Organizations
Each December I love sharing with you some of my favorite things that I’ve enjoyed reading, listening to, and being…
Experience God Being With You This Advent Season
The season of Advent is here. For some this season brings joy, busyness, and countless activities connecting with family and…
2021: A Different Year, A Different Gratitude List
Today is Thanksgiving Day in the United States. I love that it’s the least commercialized of the major holidays. If…
When You Need an Attitude Adjustment
A couple days ago I could feel the tension rising in my body. My mind was ruminating on all the…
Have You Counted the Cost of Following Jesus?
When Jesus called people to follow Him, what did they understand they were saying Yes to? And if we are…
Does Your Life Smell Like Jesus Yet?
Fragrance is a delicate thing that’s hard to put words to but impossible to ignore. Freshly brewed coffee. Freshly baked…
Seven Things I Do Every Day: Navigating My Midlife Lifestyle
For all you women out there trying to navigate your menopause and midlife season, I see you. I get you.…
What Has God Given You Executive Authority Over?
God is in control. How many times have you heard that? Said that? And of course it’s true! But the…
What Life do You Want Five Years from Now?
We’ve all heard stories of people lost at sea, left to the mercy of the currents. While there’s a remote…
You Don’t Need This if You’re Comfortable with Change
You can ignore the rest of this post if: Changes internally or externally don’t bother or disturb you at all…
Why “Too Old, Too Young or Too Hard” are Bad Excuses
Excuses, excuses. They sure sound good! How could I ever do that? I don’t have the training or money or…
What is the Measure of Success for a Christian?
You’re committed to following Jesus. How’s it going? If your life continued on the trajectory it’s on now, would you…
The Dangers of Rule-Based Christianity
Rule-based Christianity is dangerous. Doubt that? Surely at some point you’ve had a parent or teacher or boss or leader…
9 Questions Jesus is Asking You
Have you ever noticed how often God asks questions? We often think of ourselves as asking questions of Him. But…
What to do When Frustrated that Your Prayer Isn’t Working
As a Christian your head believes prayer works, and you might even try to “defend” God if someone tries to…
Why Your Mental Image of God Matters So Much
What is it you love about your best friend? Why did you pick your spouse? That may be complicated, but…
Three Things To Do Between Mountaintop Experiences
Yesterday God showed up. Perhaps you experienced the power of God like Elijah did, calling down fire from heaven. Perhaps…
HELP! I Don’t Love My Spouse Anymore
In today’s Western culture being married usually means you started out “in love.” In that condition it seems your brain…
How to Have an Encounter with God
A few years ago I was privileged to travel to Bangalore, India. Hundreds of thousands of Christians from all over…
How Identity Leads To Behavior: Who You Are to What You Do
Why do you do what you do? Why do you work out, or keep a clean house, or go on…
Is It Gossip, Loyalty, Cover-up, or Getting Help?
Should you tell? Does keeping it hidden mean you’re being loyal – to the family? To the church? Does telling…
How to Deal with Doubt and Make the Choice to Believe
Is God real? Can He be trusted? Is He good? Is He for me? Where is God when it hurts?…
