When we are kind to ungrateful people, we bear God's image and heart in a big way. How counterintuitive is it to return kindness for an insult? It's not normal. Our instinct is to punch back and get even. Here are seven practical ways to live out counterintuitive kindness...
A $15,000 Miracle
A Prayer for a New Year
Usually I set goals for a new year. But I have to say, this year...I'm not in the mood. That's not a good reason. At the heart of the mood, is a sense of not wanting to go one more year trying to "make it happen." Whatever "it" is. Sometimes, "it" is just exhausting. So tonight as I write this, rather than adding pressure on myself (and you, since I assume you're reading this...because you are...) I thought I'd just share a prayer with you to kick off this New Year. After all, this is the day the Lord has made. And days eventually makes years.
Therefore, this is the year the Lord has made. Let us rejoice!
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Father,
A new year is before me.
I don't know what to expect, or what to hope for.
But all my days lie before You perfectly, patiently, peacefully.
"Sic 'Em Jesus" and 5 Truths You Need for Spiritual Warfare
Last week I visited a Catholic shrine up in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I drove through rain, sleet, and snow to get there. It was a spiritual pilgrimage of sorts. I'm not Catholic. I don't understand a lot of things they do. I’m the odd looking one at mass who doesn't know when to sit, stand, kneel or how to cross myself. But, I think there are strengths in every denomination. Someone told me about this place, and I was compelled to go and pray; to meet with Jesus; to experience God in a new way...
When Christmas Is Gray
All His Benefits
As I've continued in my healing journey this month, the Lord brought an interesting memory to mind.
When I went to Azusa Pacific University, I was in two different choirs during my time there. I played piano and accompanied the 100-person ladies choir, Bel Canto. I also sang in the University Choir and Orchestra for a year. During both of those years, we sang a song called, "All His Benefits." Something about that song resonated so deeply in me, even back then. The lyrics are taken directly from Psalm 103.
31 Days of Prayer in December
I decided to make a simple prayer guide for us through the month of December. 31 days. Specific people to pray for each day. Before I dive in, let me give you three pointers for prayer.
1. Put yourself in these situations and ask: What would I want someone to pray for if I was in this situation? Then pray that.
2. If you think of any verses or Scriptures specific to these situations; if any verses come to your mind as you are praying, put your finger on that verse while you pray and boldly proclaim that promise of God in prayer.
3. Pray in a command form. Like this: "Lord, give us this day our daily bread!" That's how Jesus taught us to pray. Not like this: "Lord, if it's okay with you, would you please think about maybe providing for us?" Pray boldly. Intercede. Press in for each of these daily needs. Tell God exactly what you need and what you want in each of these scenarios. This is how He teaches us to pray.
Okay. Are you ready? Feel free to print this out and post it somewhere to remind you each day.
Healing Has Launched!
Hello my friends! Healing has begun! This is a longer post. When you have a few extra minutes, I encourage you to sit down and soak this up. This is one post you don't want to miss!
It is with great excitement, astonishment, and elation that I tell you Jesus has begun His supernatural, physical, healing work in my life!! After 23 years of Lyme Disease, here's the rest of the story...
A Prayer for Your Inner Procrastinator
Success or Significance?
"Sometimes the will of God is scary because He is asking us to choose between a life that looks successful and a life that is actually significant, between a life that wins the applause of our peers and life that actually transforms lives through love."
-Gary A. Haugen, from Just Courage: God's Great Expedition for the Restless Christian
Sometimes it's difficult to wrestle between success and significance. Often we want both...