Have you ever been mad at God? Before you give a self-righteous answer, let’s be really honest. Has God ever disappointed you? I’ve been mad. God disappointed me. I decided following God was a waste of time and energy. I decided that I could be a part-time follower of Christ like a large part of…
Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to…
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our…
I shared this post several months ago after I ran my first half marathon. This weekend, however, I found myself reflecting on this post. You see, I have had an extremely difficult weekend filled with doubts and fears–doubts that God will do what He has said He will do for me. He keeps telling me…
Every night, my nine-year old daughter prays the same prayer: “Lord, please bring my mom a godly, athletic, sexy, rich, smart, involved man who loves us all very much.” Yes, as a single again, I long for God to bring that man into my life—and my daughter has managed to capture the image of a…
My name is Dena, and I am divorced. There. I said it. I have worn the scarlet letter “D” around my neck for four years now. It was not a word that I ever wanted—or expected—to define who I am. As a matter of fact, it’s the last title I ever expected to be associated…
To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven (Karen Sunde). I’ve spent a lot of time lately contemplating sexual purity. Before I was married, I held to very high standards of purity. I never allowed myself to be in a situation where I might be tempted to compromise my standards. I filled my mind…
For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) Several months ago, I was reading Mark 9. It contains the story of a man whose son was possessed by a demon. The man came to Jesus begging him to help. He said to Jesus, “If you can do anything, have compassion on us…
In the month of May 2013, Oklahoma was hit—HARD. Every single day, I drove by areas of tornado destruction. On every street, there were piles of trees by the road. Fences blown down or propped up with pieces of wood. Roofs covered with tarps. Signs blown out or down. Trees lay across fences. In the…
Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life….She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks,…
When I first separated from my husband, I was angry with God. I couldn’t even open my Bible or pray. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue walking with Him. After all, following Him hadn’t worked out so well for me. When I finally recovered enough to open my Bible, I somehow landed in the book of Job. I’ve…
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). In the days following Hank’s death, I prepared myself for the funeral. I had reintroduced myself to the church,…