We love the names of Jesus, don’t we? Christmas songs are filled with them, echoing God’s Word. They remind us of God’s unchanging character, on display in His incarnated person, God the Son. This week, our playlist gift is sing-praying the names of Jesus, singing to Jesus by name in Read more…
In this week’s one-year anniversary of brain surgery, I am in awe of what our Lord and King has done. I’m alive! Hallelujah! Beloved in Christ, it’s far grander than His kind gift of so much physical healing. It’s way more holistic and weighty than that. I can only describe what Read more…
A mighty fortress is our God,a bulwark never failing;our helper he, amid the floodof mortal ills prevailing. (“A Mighty Fortress,” Luther, M., 1529) Mortal ills and storms of life in this fallen world, raging temptations to sin, all of us desperately needing God’s help. Here’s one of the greatest of Read more…
My heart is in agony, and I have to share. Thousands have written me, having been taught that if we “do” things a certain way, God “has to” remove suffering and give us “favor,” as a reward for our works. Beloved, do you see the pride and pain this brings? It’s making ourselves into gods above Him. Read more…
Suffering is prime time for our enemy to tempt us to sin. We’re tempted to doubt what God says about Himself in His Word. If we’re suffering, how can God be good? We’re tempted to doubt the gospel is true…are we really saved? If we’re suffering, how could He love Read more…
Some days, we desperately yearn for suffering to end. With the Psalmists, we cry, “How long, oh Lord?” In those moments, God reminds me…we’re actually longing for home. What a kind Father to give us details of the end of every ache and loss, hope for reaching His promised land. Read more…
Father, I come today so weary. Feeling alone and discouraged. Feeling so unrighteous as I hunger and thirst for righteousness, amid my hardship right now. You compassionately understand our deep need for You and have given us so many promises in Your Word. Thank You. You even encouraged Your people Read more…
Happy New Year! I’m now six weeks from God’s miracle of a second lifesaving brain surgery and I’ve prayed about what to share with you. I’ve been unable to write a blog post for several months. Why? I was again walking the valley of the shadow of death, for the Read more…
The beautiful familiar story seems unique when we’re suffering. Those shepherds must have been cold. Lonely. Maybe they were tired of caregiving. Sick of beating down wolves. Weary of trying to find greener pastures and water, keeping the wandering ones safe, the sick ones sheltered and alive. And who got Read more…
How silently, how silently,the wondrous gift is given!So God imparts to human heartsthe blessings of his heaven.No ear may hear his coming,but in this world of sin,where meek souls will receive him still,the dear Christ enters in. (“O little town of Bethlehem,” Brooks, P., 1868) Father, Because I have been Read more…
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