Like revolving skyward on a spiral escalator, my thoughts ascend to the realm of the Kingdom. “First things first,” I hear upon entry, for Kingdom matters are of utmost importance here. Rather than allowing lower things to feed anxiety into my mind, I turn my restless energy toward seeking Truth above. Breathing deeply of hope, I loiter among the promises …
Holy Father, The evil one seems to be coming out of the woodwork. All around me, I see his handiwork: rioting, theft, suicide, cancer, and failed marriages. All point to the work of the destroyer (John 10:10). We recognize his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). Diverting my thoughts with videos and social media isn’t the battle plan for Your people. You …
For as long as I can remember, one of my mother’s favorite pieces of jewelry was a mustard seed necklace. Dangling from a simple, inexpensive chain, a globe of glass encapsulated a tiny grain of mustard. It held no intrinsic value, but my mother’s estimation of it made it valuable to me: “You see, Kandy,” Mother explained, “This tiny little …
We stared at one another in disbelief. Surely the misunderstanding was because of translation. I repeated the question in Mandarin and he repeated his answer in the same. In a few moments, the Taiwanese realtor and I realized the problem was culture. I’d asked why there was no room in the kitchen for the fridge and he’d replied that it wasn’t needed …
What is your weightiest prayer request? What is your greatest spiritual desire? A healing? A salvation? A cash infusion? When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He began with worship, then moved to petition. Remember what the first one was? Not food or even forgiveness but: “Thy kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10). John the Baptist preached it: …
Holy Father, We praise You that Your reign has no geographic boundaries or cultural limits (Psalm 22:28). You sit upon Your throne ruling and directing all the nations, despite their exalted view of their own wisdom (Psalm 47:8). Thank You that indeed one day You will be exalted in all the earth and that Truth will one day …
In middle school, I discovered an ad for a “free book”. Excited, I filled out the information and awaited its arrival. Turned out, it wasn’t that great of a book and I didn’t even finish it. The following month – you guessed it — another book arrived addressed to me. In my ignorance, I opened it, glad …
Inappropriate. Vulgar. Suggestive. No, this wasn’t a movie, a book, or a joke. It was a high school health test and I was required to take it. The exasperation had been building for several weeks. My classmates and I knew the rumors about this teacher before walking into class the first day. Although the accusations hadn’t been proved …
Dear Mentor, My anger continues to get the best of me. I seem to erupt over the smallest thing lately. Can you help? Signed, Burning Dear Burning, Nature teaches us that …
So how does your body connect with the outside world? Through your senses, right? Sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch allow our bodies to perceive what is going on around us. Cookies in the oven? Our nose knows as we walk through the door. Mosquito gnawing on your ankle? Our skin alarms us by that …
