Advent Joy isn’t shallow or sentimental—it is rooted in the appearing of Christ. When Scripture speaks of Christ being manifested, it means that God has made Himself clearly seen, known, and encountered in order to save. “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation…” — Titus 2:11, ESV The Child in the manger is the […]
Where do you long for Christ’s Peace to enter your story this week? Or have you given up hope for that? Perhaps it would be good for you and me to remember Jesus' words about the kind of peace He gives. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the […]
As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man sat by the road, begging. He heard the crowd going by and asked what it meant. “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” they told him. He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” — Luke 18:35–38 When Jesus stopped and asked the blind man, […]
In the summertime, my horse Emmett has two great loves: fresh watermelon and his fly mask. Yes—his fly mask. As odd as it may sound, Emmett knows it’s a gift. He doesn’t resist it; in fact, he seems to welcome it, especially when the heat rises and the flies swarm. With his dark coloring, he’s […]
What are you waiting on the Lord for? Perhaps it's guidance, good news, a job, a provision of some kind, or reconciliation with a loved one. Are you finding that difficult? Waiting well can be so hard. I’ve been waiting on the Lord for months for a sense of closure on an issue that is […]
"For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite." -Isaiah 57:15 […]
Do you ever feel ashamed or disappointed that you have lacked faith or confidence in God…or even doubted Him? Our doubts, lack of trust, or weak faith may tempt us to think our faith isn’t strong enough. Let’s look at some scripture passages that might encourage us – even if our faith feels small today. […]
Not too long ago, I wrote a post about how my cat, Lovey, shows my family what abiding does and doesn't look like. Among Lovey's many desirable cat qualities, He enjoys taking walks in the woods with me and my dog, Shadow. It's difficult to make great progress when Lovey comes along for the walk. […]
What do you think the artist was trying to show his audience in each person's direction of attention? This painting, Gentile Da Fabriano's Nativity from 1423, and the art study question are included in my updated and expanded Advent devotional, Beyond the Nativity. In it, each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas has […]
Earlier this year, my family was punched in the emotional gut numerous times in a matter of weeks. Two officers were shot in my small hometown just twenty minutes away from where I now live. Tragically, one died and the other is still recovering. As a pastor and chaplain, my husband went on the scene […]
Advent Joy isn’t shallow or sentimental—it is rooted in the appearing of Christ. When Scripture speaks of Christ being manifested, it means that God has made Himself clearly seen, known, and encountered in order to save. “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation…” — Titus 2:11, ESV The Child in the manger is the […]
Where do you long for Christ’s Peace to enter your story this week? Or have you given up hope for that? Perhaps it would be good for you and me to remember Jesus' words about the kind of peace He gives. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the […]