What does a thankful heart look like?

  An old song says to give thanks with a grateful heart.   Growing up, Thanksgiving meant lots of food on the table with the family gathered around saying what they were thankful for.   That tradition still takes place at our house on Thanksgiving; I...

The past week has been especially challenging

The past week has been incredibly challenging. A two-month battle with a kidney stone is wearing on my physical side, while unrelenting financial attacks are wearing on my emotional side.   As one taught in the school of intercessory prayer, I understand the...

Life isn’t fair, and God is not always understood

Life isn’t fair, and God is not always understood. An Old Testament Proverb goes something like this; sometimes you might have to draw straws when faced with a tough decision.   I have not liked that proverb because (to me) it gives the impression that God...

When was the last time you felt the living presence of Jesus?

Let me ask you a question when was the last time you felt the living presence of Jesus? Can you recall the moment? Has it been recently, some time ago, or never?   The New Testament book of Acts’s opening pages record a powerful verse about Jesus that says...

Even when life sucks—there is Jesus

    This has been a particularly challenging week. Just over a month ago, my mundane routine was abruptly interrupted by (what I would find out following a 10-hour ordeal in the ER) a kidney stone.   This was followed by two weeks of life-altering pain...