I hate failure. I want everything I try to be successful the first time. I want to go from glory to glory with no floundering in between. Who is with me? But alas, failure at one point or another is inevitable. Mistakes happen. We hear God incorrectly. We birth Ishmaels. We deny Christ. We let our emotions drive the bus. We let fear have a voice. No one wants to...
Not My New Normal
“Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.” Romans 8:37 AMPC When this all began, I was insistent: “This is NOT my new normal.” I would roll my eyes and my spirit would cringe every time I heard the phrase, “new normal.” I was determined I would never accept this new way of life as normal. But somewhere...
First Response
David’s life suddenly resembled the lyrics of a country music song. He had been expelled from his homeland. A king sought his life. He had been robbed. His two wives and children were kidnapped. His closest friends talked of stoning him. But David’s response was priceless. He did not complain. He did not blame. He did not wallow in self-pity. He did not question God. David’s first response was to:...
Shout The Walls Down
This is How I Fight my Battle. Lessons learned from Joshua at Jericho. 1. Spy out your land. Envision where you are going. Know your purpose. 2. Find your Rahab. Align yourself with people who are where you are trying to go. 3. Don’t be intimidated by walled cities or glass ceilings. Engage in the battle from the perspective the victory has already been won. 4. Get your marching orders...
No Dread
I have been dreading something. The reasons I’m dreading this event is unimportant. The “dread” is the problem. When I dread anything I partner with lies. Some of the lies I’m partnering with are 1. The impending event is bigger than God. 2. God won’t be with me in the circumstance. 3. There will be no joy as I was walk through this circumstance. When you come right down to...
Why?
Christian artist’s, Toby Mac, son dies at 21. My Christian friend’s Daughter is making bad life choices. My heart is heavy for both situations. So I look to God and in my sadness asked, “Why are Christians not exempt from stuff like this? Why even be a Christian?” Now before you get all sanctimonious and vow never to read my posts again, let me remind you of two things. First,...
The Struggle
The struggle is real. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NKJV The struggle to discern the spirit and attack it not the person. The struggle to not be offended by the person. The struggle to love, to bless, to wish well those...
Life Lessons from the Story of Jehoshaphat
Most of us are familiar with the story of King Jehoshaphat. A vast army threaten Israel and God gave them a miraculous victory. If you are not, I suggest you read II Chronicles 20. It’s a great story of faith in the midst of adversity. Here are some lessons God reminded me of as I read it: 1. When trouble is threatening our first response should be to pray, fast,...
Victory!
We have victory through Jesus Christ. It’s guaranteed. It’s promised. Now that does not mean you will not engage in a struggle. In fact, you can’t have victory without a fight. But the fight is rigged. Because you have victory, be steadfast. Be fixed in purpose. Be faithful to what God has called you to do. Despite circumstances that may rise, despite fruitless seasons, despite what you may see with...
Spoiler Alert
I have an important announcement to make to ALL of my Christian Friends: YOU WIN! Sin has been defeated. Death has lost its sting. Satan has been stripped of his authority and any right to you. You are victorious in Christ! Therefore, no matter what you are facing, no matter what your circumstances are screaming, no matter what the economist, the doctor, or the news are proclaiming, know the game...