crop faceless woman showing small gift box on palms

Give yourself grace…the wonderful grace of Jesus

My compassionate doctor kindly encouraged me, “Give yourself grace.” Needing more rehab, more medication, more rest? Her words were God’s gift of grace, melting away a burden I’d been feeling.  “Give myself grace” when my body, mind, and spirit endure ongoing suffering. As God continues His holistically healing work, He Read more…

white and pink box

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound! God’s gift of grace!

My heart broke when I saw her post, changing the lyrics of this hymn, saddened by what had become her angered unbelief in God’s gift of grace in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Suffering rattles our trust in Him, doesn’t it? Oh, how we all need God’s amazing grace, offered Read more…

christian cross surrounded by daffodils

Amazing love! How can it be? 

Amazing love! How can it be  that thou, my God, shouldst die for me? (“And Can It Be,” Wesley, C., 1738) Lord Jesus, we come to You in this holiest of weeks, with its emotional downs and ups. As we hear each story, help us to remember that things were Read more…

letters surrounded with white flowers on a white surface

How can this suffering be good?

Father, we sing: The Lord has promised good to me,his Word my hope secures. (“Amazing Grace,” Newton, J., 1779) But sometimes, in the years of suffering, our hearts grieve so much that we cry to You when we sing this. You promised good to me…but how can this suffering be Read more…

photo of red boxes

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound

In the dark moments of suffering, we can easily be tempted to doubt God’s grace. Is God gracious if I’m dealing with so much hardship? How can this be His favor toward me?  Let’s think about God’s grace to us as we suffer. Let’s battle the accuser’s lies with truth Read more…

snow covered mountain during sunrise

Rest and Strength Beneath the Cross of Jesus

In quietness and in trust shall be your strength (Is. 30:15b ESV). “But Lord,” she cried. “Nothing in my life feels quiet or calm. My life is filled with chaos, this fallen world is filled with chaos and noise. I’m honestly battling the ever-present anxiety that underlies my life circumstances Read more…

singing praise to God fosters trust in God

Singing the Gospel Into Your Stress

I call it “micro-stress” when I chat with students. We laugh about it, but there is a quiet knowing and empathy about its compounding challenge. You know…that underlying anxiety caused by constant infusion of horrific on the news. That incessant loud of needing the next “like” on social media, of Read more…

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