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Hebrews 4:15 – For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:16 – Therefore let us draw near…
Category surrender
Thankful in Everything?
In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Sometimes God’s requests seem illogical, sometimes impossible, and sometimes both. How can we give thanks in the midst of excruciating pain, or…
Three Doctrines To Buoy the Spirit and Anchor the Soul
Nothing makes Bible doctrines come to life like desperation. While I was fighting cancer, I was reassured by three facts about God that buoyed my spirit and anchored my soul. 1) The Sovereignty of God Despite pain, oppression, and confusion,…
Victory March In The Wilderness, Part 1
(First in a series on journeying through desert places in our lives). O God, when You went forth before Your people, when You marched through the wilderness, Selah. The earth quaked; the heavens also dropped rain at the presence of…
Is Pain In Vain – Part Four
For twelve years I had stood at a pulpit on Sunday mornings and proclaimed that our significance and value comes primarily from the Lord, and not from what we do. Yes, we can feel good about our performance, but God…
Is Pain In Vain? – Part Two
We’ve seen them in grocery stores and restaurants. Chaos is their partner, and tantrums their tool of choice. After observing their interactions for a moment, you suspect they aren’t simply having a bad day. They’re kids caught in a pattern…
Hedged In To The Giver
Until recently, some of you may have not experienced much trouble. Troubles were… for others. Then suddenly and without notice, trouble showed up at your door; but this was inevitable. Someone has rightly said, we are either in trouble, coming…
Heard It From The Grape Vine
It may seem foolish to cut back vine branches to produce more and better grapes. Yet pruning is a centuries old practice of vinedressers. Sometimes after pruning, grapes don’t return in force for two full years. In the same…
Getting What You Deserve
At some point during the TV show, Extreme Makeover, Homeowner Edition, my wife, Terri, will look over at me and ask, “Are you crying?” No! Must be something in my eye. I honestly think it is difficult not to cry.…
Biting the Hand that Restores You
We have a friend whose battling cancer right now. She and her husband had an experience with their dog which was full of symbolic meaning for me. Recently, her husband was giving instructions to the dog, but it refused to…