Have you ever received a text, letter or even a note scribbled on a napkin from someone you liked - like giddy almost-loved kind of like? You know, like when that cute boy texted you and no matter how simple or unromantic the text is, to you it carries all the hidden mysteries of your relationship, so you treasure it by reading it over and over again.
Read MoreIn the United States we've become experts at simplifying the Bible - we pride ourselves on 20 minute sermons, we prefer the message Bible to "better understand" it, and our Christian stores have shelves upon shelves of books to guide our spiritual life and walk us through reading the Scriptures. There is nothing wrong with this, necessarily. It's just that too often we become to dependent on these crutches to lead us through life.
Read MoreNo one - no one - can honestly say their life is perfect. No matter how the social media posts read or what the pictures look like; no life is perfect. Now, some people invite in more (emotional) mess than others, but even so, no one has a ¨mess-free¨ life. We live in a fallen world.
Read MoreOur theology series (see Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) has moved from the history of the church in the Bible to the history of the church in England to the divisions in the church and reformation! This month we are looking at a denomination I have attended because it was a church God called me to.
Read MoreThe son of God wept. According to dictionary.com, to weep is “to express grief, sorrow, or any overpowering emotion by shedding tears; to mourn with tears.” Weeping is essentially the crying of your soul, it’s the most heart-breaking way to express the pain your heart feels.
Read MoreThis quote is often said to someone who’s experiencing something emotionally taxing and overwhelming. The advisor intends to give encouragement to the person who is ‘in the valley’ to not rely only on their feelings, but to take everything to God.
Read MoreWhat if obedience was the precursor to something God wanted to do for you later in life? Would you choose to snap to attention right away? No questions asked? Easy, right? But only if we know the why behind the ask.
Read MoreGod cannot be understood by our own human modes of wisdom. All the logic and best thinking of the history of the world cannot fully comprehend God and his ways. Instead, God’s intent was to use the Church - the “foolish” ones according to the word - to display his wisdom within the world (Ephesians 3:10-11).
Read MoreImagine a people - living in a country they've called home for generations, but persecuted by their neighbors, government and friends for their beliefs. If they're lucky enough to have jobs, they are the dirty jobs no one else will do. Even their children are bullied and anything beyond a basic education is not available.
Read MoreOur lives are full of questions; spoken and unspoken, answered and unanswered. In Ecclesiastes 1:9 we read, ‘There’s nothing new under the sun’, and this is never so obvious as when we consider how people have always pondered questions - from the earliest of Bible times through to today. Jesus himself lived with such experience, just as we do.
Read MoreAt yesterday's church service, one of the sermons was based on the above - Psalm 91, and these words have echoed in my heart long after the service was over. After reading the words above, how can you not want to leave everything and move to this Secret Place? It promises to provide a safe cocoon - nestled up high, away from all the worries, illness and troubles of the world. It's a safe haven and 24/7 protection from anything the Devil may throw at you.
Read MoreI recently wrote an article entitled “The Lie of Loneliness” as part of a series focused on mental health. The article was about how our mental health is affected when we believe we are alone. Satan will tell us that no one understands what we are going through. He will work to isolate us from our family and friends so we feel helpless and misunderstood.
Read MoreThis passage tethers my roving and restless soul to the unalterable promise that He instructs us and teaches us the way to go and guides us with His eye. There is an admonition to not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; He doesn’t want to muzzle us.
Read MoreHave you ever read something and it made your world stop? A quote, a bible verse, an email or a text message that just makes you rethink every aspect of your life? Well this is what this quote by Keith Green did to me.
Read MoreWide eyes, stumbling legs, big feelings, an innate hunger for knowledge, and a deep need for connection are the characteristics that come to mind when I think of children. Kids are constantly learning, trying, and exploring. They are never afraid to talk too much or scared to bother others.
Read MoreThese two verses humbled to a new low. “You are the temple of God.” I’ve had the opportunity to travel around the world and visit at least a dozen different churches, temples and cathedrals. Some were grand and filled with spectacular details; others were ancient, worn down by years and lack of care. But that feeling of entering a church was always the same - an awe that humbles and soothes the soul.
Read MoreToday on Tirzah, we have a WORD STUDY for you. You will need a journal and pen to complete it.
Read MoreIt was the end of 2007, life felt perfect. We lived in Kilpauk, a beautiful suburb in Chennai, India. Our apartment was a cute 3 bedroom- tailor made for us. The little window between the kitchen and dining room was a signature detail that we all loved. The little balcony had heaps of potted plants, a cage with love birds, and another one with guinea pigs.
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