A few weeks ago, I wrote about how the Bible tells us to specifically clothe ourselves with certain virtues, qualities, and spiritual armor. It’s a great thing to put these on each day, both as protection and also as part…
Obsessing over Holy Things vs. Jesus
I was thinking yesterday about how various people and organizations tend to set up one or more Christian practices, commands, or gifts as extremely important. Some choose Biblical knowledge, fasting, healing the sick, evangelism, feeding or helping the poor, missionary…
Surrender Isn’t Giving Up
The more I intentionally walk out surrender in this Christian life, the more I realize that surrender isn’t really about giving things up. It’s how I’ve thought about the topic in the past – to lay down and abandon whatever…
Faithfulness and Purity
If we read through the Gospels – and really, through the entire Bible – we see that faithfulness is an important aspect of our faith. Jesus even said, “When the Son of man comes, will he find faithfulness on the…
Seven Ways to Support a Friend who is Struggling
As I wander through life, people cross my path – or maybe they’re dear friends or family – who are struggling. Sometimes there’s a reason for their feelings, and sometimes they have no reason, or the reason doesn’t seem big…
8 Ways to Spot (and Recover From) Self-Dislike or Self-Hatred in Christians
As Christians, we have the opportunity to be the most identity-certain people in the world. We are sons and daughters of God (1 John 3:1, John 1:12, Hosea 1:10, Galatians 4:5, etc.), and so we have an anchor and an…
10 Ways to Grow in Trusting God
Trusting in God is one of the foundations of the Christian life. It’s extremely difficult to live in faith, surrender, love, obedience, or other parts of relationship with God if you don’t trust Him. But when you do trust –…
15 Things to Clothe Yourself
The New Testament contains several references where we are told to clothe ourselves. I’ve heard of people who intentionally put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). But I’ve heard of very few who take the other references to heart…
Traits of a Pastor or Leader at Risk for Scandal
After last week’s post, I felt that I should put out a guide for everyday people who don’t want to get caught in a church scandal. We can so easily be coasting along at church without realizing the evil that…
Thoughts on Restoring Fallen Leaders
With the multiple reports of fallen leaders in the last few months, my heart breaks. I’ve seen first-hand the devastation that abusive leadership can cause. My heart goes out to the families, to the victims, to the innocents who are…