Childlike Perspective: He Heals, He Holds, He Hears; Rediscover Psalm 147
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” —Psalm 147:3 Psalm 147 is a song of praise. It bursts with joy, gratitude, and awe at who God is and what He does. But tucked into its soaring celebration is something surprisingly gentle and tender: God sees the...
Childlike Perspective: Drowning, Crying, and Held; Rediscover Psalm 69
“Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck.” —Psalm 69:1 Psalm 69 begins with a cry—a desperate, gasping cry for help. It's raw, messy, and deeply emotional. For adults, it can be hard to admit when we feel this way. We often put on strength like armor,...
Childlike Perspective: Seeing God’s Love in Psalm 23
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want…” —Psalm 23:1 Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages in all of Scripture. Its words have echoed through hospital rooms, battlefields, family devotions, and late-night prayers. But have you ever paused to read it through...
Love Suffers Long: Paul, Philemon, and the Gospel That Reconciles
The short letter of Paul to Philemon is often overlooked in the New Testament, nestled between the theological depth of the epistles and the action of the early church. Yet within its single chapter lies one of the most powerful pictures of the Gospel at work—not in a...
The Triune God: Not Three, But One
Christian doctrine affirms what Scripture makes clear: God is One (Deuteronomy 6:4). Yet within this divine unity exists a holy mystery—the Trinity. The Father is God. The Son is God. The Holy Spirit is God. But they are not three gods. They are one God, equal and...
Greater Healing: Mark 2 and the Priority of Forgiveness
In Mark 2:1–12, we are presented with a remarkable moment in Jesus’s ministry. A paralyzed man, carried by four friends, is lowered through a roof in desperate hope of physical healing. But what Jesus does next is startling: “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:5,...
The Handwriting on the Wall: Learning from the Sins of Our Fathers
In Daniel chapter 5, we are presented with a chilling scene: a hand appears and writes a cryptic message on the wall during a royal banquet thrown by King Belshazzar. The message—Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin—was interpreted by the prophet Daniel as a declaration of...
Two Lions in the Den: A Call to Stand Blameless
Scripture paints vivid imagery to help us understand spiritual truths, and one of the most striking metaphors in the Bible is that of the lion. Interestingly, the Bible refers to two lions—Jesus Christ, the Lion of Judah, and Satan, the roaring lion. Both bear power...
Nebuchadnezzar: The Folly of “Common” Faith
In the opening chapters of the Book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar stands as a haunting example of what might be called "common faith"—a faith that only turns to God when every other option has failed. It’s a type of belief that acknowledges God's power, even praises...
Childlike Perspective: A Reflection on Psalm 104
Have you ever listened to a child talk about something they love? Maybe it’s dinosaurs, or their dog, or a trip to the zoo. They go on and on—words tumbling over each other in excitement. They don’t worry about being eloquent. They just can’t help it. Their joy spills...
Childlike Perspective: A Reflection on Psalm 73
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."— Psalm 73:25–26 (NIV) Psalm 73 is blunt. It’s honest. It begins with confusion and frustration—but...
Childlike Perspective: Rediscovering Psalm 40
"He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him."— Psalm 40:3 (NIV) We often read the Bible through the lens of our grown-up experiences—through layers of hurt, failure, doubt, and cynicism. But...
Faithful with Little: Lessons from a Dishonest Manager
Scripture Focus: Luke 16:1–13 Jesus never shied away from tough truths. In Luke 16, He drops a parable that can make us scratch our heads: the story of the dishonest manager. At first glance, it seems like Jesus is praising shady behavior. But look closer—this isn’t...
Confess and Believe: The Heart of Salvation
As believers, our mission is to boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, standing firm in the truth of Scripture and calling all people to repentance and faith in Him. One of the clearest and most powerful verses in the New Testament about salvation is Romans 10:9:...
The True Current Landscape of Christianity in America: A Call to Minister with Love and Patience
In the United States, Christianity has long been a cornerstone of cultural identity. Yet, recent research paints a concerning picture of the faith's current state. According to the 2025 American Worldview Inventory conducted by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona...
Take Every Thought Captive: A Call to Action in Christ
In today's world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant barrage of thoughts that seem to flood our minds—many of them negative, fearful, or even sinful. People often say, “I can’t control my thoughts,” as if they are helpless in the face of their mental...
God’s Provision: Understanding Philippians 4:13 in Context
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."— Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) This verse is one of the most quoted and beloved scriptures in the Bible. It's plastered on coffee mugs, t-shirts, gym bags, and motivational posters everywhere. At first glance, it...
Feed My Sheep: A Reflection on John 21:17
In the final chapter of the Gospel of John, we find a moment both tender and profound—Jesus and Peter, face to face, after the resurrection. The setting is simple: a charcoal fire on the shore, a meal shared, and then a conversation that cuts deep into the heart. John...
“All Is Vanity”: Meaning in a Wind-Chasing World
“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” – Ecclesiastes 1:2 (ESV) When King Solomon penned the opening words of Ecclesiastes, he wasn’t simply sharing poetic despair. He was speaking from the deep well of a life lived long, lavishly,...
Speak Evil of No One – A Call to Christlike Grace
“To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”— Titus 3:2 (ESV) There’s something incredibly sobering about the clarity of this verse: “Speak evil of no one.” Not “some.” Not “just those who deserve it.”...
You Cannot Overcome the Spirit
There’s a lie that’s been whispered into the hearts of too many believers—a toxic, tormenting thought that somehow, after all Jesus has done, we can somehow do something to lose our salvation in Him. That even after being born again, Spirit-filled, and sealed by the...
When Kings Stay Home: The Danger of Ignoring God-Given Responsibility
"In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army... But David remained in Jerusalem." — 2 Samuel 11:1 (NIV) There’s a subtle but striking detail tucked into the opening of 2 Samuel 11 that often...
Receive the Prodigal Son: A Call to Welcome the Lost
In Luke 15, Jesus tells a story that many of us know well—the parable of the prodigal son. This is a story that speaks not only to the heart of God but also to the hearts of those who have ever felt lost, broken, or unworthy. It’s a story that teaches us about grace,...
Finding Hope in Trials: Remembering All That God Has Done for Us
When we’re walking through the fire of trials, it can often feel as though we are surrounded by darkness. The weight of our struggles, the pain of our loss, and the confusion of our circumstances can cloud our vision and cause us to question the goodness of God. Yet,...
Reviving the Slain: A Call to Action from Ezekiel 37
In Ezekiel 37, we encounter one of the most powerful and vivid prophecies in the Old Testament: the vision of the valley of dry bones. This passage speaks not only to the restoration of Israel but also to the greater spiritual battle between the forces of darkness and...
Phinehas: Standing Up for What’s Right, Even When It’s Hard
In the Book of Numbers, Chapter 25, we encounter a moment that stands as a powerful example of courage and decisive action in the face of overwhelming sin. This moment, involving Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, reveals the importance of standing firm for what is...
Jephthah’s Vow: Man’s Failure, Not God’s Cruelty
When we read the story of Jephthah in the Book of Judges, it's hard not to feel a deep sense of tragedy. The vow he makes before going into battle is puzzling, and his eventual sacrifice of his daughter is heartbreaking. But what stands out most is that this moment is...
Nothing New Under the Sun – Ecclesiastes 1:9 and God’s Everlasting Control
As we navigate the complexities and challenges of our modern world, it can often feel as though things are at their worst. With news cycles filled with despair, injustice, and heartache, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. We may even begin to wonder if the world is...
Why We Struggle to Understand the Bible: A Look at John 8:43 and the Power of Repentance
In John 8:43, Jesus asks the Pharisees, "Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word." This powerful statement not only challenges the Pharisees but also speaks to us today about the barriers that prevent us from fully...
Finding Faith in the Midst of Lament: A Reflection on Psalm 88
Psalm 88 is often considered one of the darkest and most sorrowful psalms in the Bible. It’s a heartfelt lament, a raw cry from the depths of human suffering. The psalmist, believed to be Heman the Ezrahite, pours out his soul before God, describing his overwhelming...
The Gospel of John 8:19 – Preaching Truth, Not Engaging in Debates
In John 8:19, when the Pharisees question Jesus about His identity, He responds with a powerful declaration: "You know neither Me nor My Father. If you knew Me, you would know My Father also." This profound statement highlights a key aspect of Jesus’ mission and,...
Finding Hope in John 16:33: Jesus Has Overcome the World
In a world filled with challenges, uncertainties, and heartache, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Life often seems to come with an endless stream of trials, and as believers, we sometimes wonder how we can possibly navigate through it all. But in the midst of these...
The Humble Request: Understanding the Heart Behind Mark 7:29
In Mark 7:29, we encounter a remarkable moment of faith and humility. The scene involves a Gentile woman—referred to as the Syrophoenician woman—who comes to Jesus seeking deliverance for her daughter, who is possessed by a demon. Initially, Jesus seems to deny her...
His Plan, Not Mine: Embracing God’s Greater Miracle
In Mark 5:35-43, we encounter a deeply moving story of faith, doubt, and the power of God's will. Jairus, a synagogue leader, approaches Jesus with a desperate plea to heal his dying daughter. His request is urgent, as time is of the essence. Yet, what happens next...
Rebuke the Storm
Rebuke the Storm: Understanding Jesus’ Authority and the Power of Faith In Mark 4:39, we read an incredible moment of divine authority where Jesus calms a fierce storm. As the wind and waves rage, the disciples panic, fearing for their lives. In response, Jesus simply...
Understanding Jude 1:5 – The Lord is Judge
Jude, a small yet mighty book, is written as a letter to Christians warning against false teachers and ungodliness. In verse 5, Jude shares a powerful reminder that judgment belongs solely to Jesus Christ and that He alone will judge those who lead others astray. This...
Mordecai’s Faith and the Divine Opportunity
In the midst of a crisis, Mordecai stands as a beacon of unwavering faith in God’s providence and sovereignty. The story of Esther is often celebrated for its dramatic turn of events, where the fate of the Jewish people is saved by a young queen’s courage. But behind...
Finding Comfort in the Rod and Staff: A Reflection on Psalm 23
Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages in the Bible, offering comfort and peace to those who seek it. Known for its beautiful imagery and reassuring words, it is often recited in times of distress or uncertainty. But within this powerful psalm lies a particular...