Every year, Life.Church has a special series in July called At the Movies. Each location goes all out, choosing a movie theme and decorating the lobby with incredible scenes from memorable movies. Pastor Craig Groeschel chooses a movie each week, shows clips from the movies, and then brings biblical lessons from the movie. (I highly encourage…
Stuff. I have a lot of stuff. To truly understand how much stuff I have, I need to go back about 15 years. You see, when I walked through my divorce, I was living about 15 miles from where I am now. My parents lived about 100 miles away with my then 98-year-old grandpa. My…
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9 Roy and I decided to go to see The Sound of Freedom at the movie theater Tuesday. If you haven’t see the trailer, I encourage you to watch it here. The movie portrays the true story of Tim…
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Sunday morning, we had a rousing and somewhat uncomfortable conversation in Sunday School. Before we even started our lesson, the topic of the Southern…
Deconstructing Christianity. It seems to be all the rage these days, outspoken individuals raised in the church who are sharing their stories. Telling of how they have left the faith. Discussing the disappointments of unanswered prayers. Sharing how they have been disillusioned by their upbringing. I listen intently, inquisitively. Many of these individuals have faced…
This last week, I visited with a lady who marveled that I had kept the faith in the midst of the storms of this life. This precious lady is struggling through some of the same trials I’ve faced, those of mental and emotional abuse, divorce, and false accusations. It has been a struggle to keep…
It’s a thankless job. When is the last time you read Proverbs 31? Let’s take a few minutes to read it: A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all…
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3 I woke up Sunday morning with these words running through my mind. As I began to pray for my children that morning, I couldn’t shake the scripture. I’m laying my requests at your feet…
I love the Bible! Every year, I read through the entire Bible starting in January. Without fail, I learn something new. The Holy Spirit illuminates scripture in new ways, and I see things from a different angle. That’s how we know the Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12)! As I read through…
Seven years ago. I have relived that day over and over, but for some reason this year it is really taking an emotional toll on me. Last night as I drove home from dinner with my daughter, I began to reflect on that day. I found myself in tears–both good and bad. Seven years ago…
This last week, I have been broken-hearted to see a number of videos of individuals who grew up in the church that are now turning away. They boldly proclaim why they have left the toxic church culture, explaining how they are now enlightened. The church is toxic. The church is abusive. The church keeps people…
If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 What do you know about the story of Esther? If…