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Learning to Be

This is where I wrestle. I have long dealt with the belief that the only way to earn God's favor is by doing enough. If I can be seen as...

On Being and Staying Happy

C.S. Lewis famously said that when we read history, we find that those who did the most for the present world are also those who thought the most...

Setting Godly Goals

What would have to happen this year for you to consider it a successful year? Have you thought about that? What is your definition of success? Most...

What to Do with Loneliness

I struggled with loneliness for years. And I did not know what to do with loneliness. In fact, I often felt as if it was a shameful secret I...

Grabbing Some Solitude

Why are we so bad at solitude? Our king did it quite well. As a man, Jesus knew his limitations. He understood his need to connect with his...

You Can't Say That on Live TV

If you watch the news, I’m sure you’ve seen it happen. A reporter will be presenting live or conducting an interview when suddenly,...

The Effect to Toxic Parents and 5 Steps to Healing

The effects of toxic parents take root in childhood. But, the problems aren’t always identified until well into adulthood. Toxic parents can...

Becoming People of Prayer

How much time do you spend in prayer each day? I once read that D.L. Moody spent up to 8 hours a day in prayer. That has always challenged me....

When a Father Wound Defines You

I have said it before and I will say it again. I am comforted—deeply so—by the fact that God put so many misfits and insecure people...

Everyone Longs to be Naked

I know the first reaction of many to the prior phrase is that it is mere “click bait”. It’s not. I literally mean, everyone...

What is Healthy Faith vs. Spiritual Bypassing?

Events in the world have been hard. And, when things get hard, our faith gets tested. So, what does healthy faith look like when it feels like the...

Words Can Hurt: 8 Ways We Wound Others

2020 will be known for many things. But it won’t be remembered as the Year of Thoughtful Words.

Snapping Turtles

I hope you had a refreshing weekend. I did, though I found myself spending a lot of time thinking about Chelydra serpentina, the common snapping...

Defeating Your Past

Do you ever feel like your faults, failures and past sins disqualify you from being used by God? Sometimes those voices that tell me those things...

God Speaks

God speaks to us through creation. He speaks to us through his Word. God speaks to us through quiet hearts.

Internet Outrage, Public Shaming and Modern-Day Pharisee Phenomenon

New York Times writer Tim Kreider coined the term, “Outrage Porn,” to describe what he sees as our culture’s insatiable search...

Types of Loneliness and the Importance of Facing It

No one wants to feel lonely. And yet, every single person does. Loneliness, along with anxiety, is one of the most basic realities of being human....

An Emotional Healing Process Everyone Should Know

Everyone deals with painful emotions from time to time. You might struggle with anger, envy, fear, or guilt. These emotions might be related to a...

We Disagree, Therefore I Need You

This week, I would like to share a few thoughts about how I believe Jesus wants his people to relate to one another on matters that are important,...

Hooked

Captivating entertainment has never been more ubiquitous, accessible, and affordable. There’s a spiritual battle being waged over our time,...

When You Take Out All the Romance

Hallmark movies and the holidays. Those two topics just go together in my family. My mom and sister know all of the Christmas Hallmark movies by...

7 Myths About Forgiveness

This topic is covered in depth in my new book: 9 Common Lies Christians Believe One of the scariest verses in all of Scripture has to be Matthew...

The Danger of Bypassing Your Emotions

Have you ever stuffed your emotions because you thought they couldn’t be trusted? I did, for most of my young adult life. In fact, I...

The Compassionate Truth About Judgment

One of the greatest stumbling blocks to Christianity, especially among those who are drawn to the idea of a loving, compassionate God, is the...

Saying "No Thanks" to Political Correctness

Often, it seems that Christians must choose between: a) political incorrectness—which can turn into a stance against secular culture...