Hidden Bitterness

Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:15 “Mom,” Cole began, “I have a new friend. His name is Luke Williams.” I was somewhat surprised. Something inside of me jumped […]

All Alone

As a pastor’s family, we usually moved every three or four years. We never felt quite like we were home until we returned to the Oklahoma City area. Despite the emotions of having to disappoint people and leave relationships we had built, it was just a way of life for us. However, when we had […]

Christ’s Prayer for Us

Do your kids argue and fight? I have three kids whom I love dearly. But, there are days when I feel like I will never survive. “He touched me!” “She didn’t ask if she could ride my bike!” “He came in my room without asking!” The bickering seems to never end. I often become weary […]

Loving Yourself

“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.  A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:36-39 I had a conversation […]

Passion Through Pain

I was recently having a conversation with a dear friend whose marriage is struggling. As we talked through the issues they are facing, she shared just how deeply the pain is affecting her. She talked about her dreams—dreams of an extraordinary life, dreams of being used mightily for God’s kingdom—and she wondered aloud how those […]

I’m Tired

I’m tired. I’m tired of being responsible for everything in our home. Making the money. Paying the bills. Balancing the checkbook. Making all of the decisions. Doing all of the grocery shopping. Planning all the meals. It’s exhausting to carry the burden alone, to have no one else to help determine the best course of […]

After the Resurrection

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was […]

The Power of the Resurrection

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was […]

A Biblical Love Triangle

In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites….However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over […]

I Write Because…of You

Several years ago, I was dealing with the fresh pain of my divorce. The wounds were still gaping, and pain was my constant companion. One Sunday, I went to church. I was blessed that “our” church continued to love on me and support me (for the most part). What happened on this particular Sunday, however, […]