Can I Be a Christian if I Struggle with Anxiety?

The Bible literally says to not be anxious (Philippians 4:6-7), so can I be a Christian and struggle with anxiety?

Mindsets of Victory

The lesson at present is victory — specifically gaining it over unwanted behavior (or wanted behavior that shouldn’t be wanted). What should our mindset be?

Passages of Encouragement

I don’t know about you, but things have been crazy lately. Here are some passages that have been encouraging to me lately, and they bear repeating — from my heart to yours: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be […]

The Impact of My Morning Devotions

A few weeks ago, I started to notice a direct correlation between my devotional time and productivity in the rest of the day: if I had zero (or very rushed) devotional time, my productivity suffered greatly. Now, I no longer live by salvation by devotions, so it wasn’t that I was guilt-tripped. This phenomenon confused me: where was this correlation coming from?

My Favorite Miracle

The Bible is filled with miracles. Even the first chapter of the first book contains the miracle of the creation of the world — that certainly did not naturally come about. The journey of the children of Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land, the work of prophets, and even the life of Jesus is […]

What the God of the Old Testament Wants

I remember sitting in his office. I remember a church member peeking in, “Pastor, there’s someone on the phone for you.” He told her to take a message because he was busy, was having an important conversation. That conversation was with 17-year-old-me. I treasure the memories of those hours. I wish I remembered how he […]

The Longest 26 Days of My Life

It started out innocently enough. I just asked my brother how life was in Hawaii. Simple. So simple. Then he tells me he’s on the last few days of a detox. I’m intrigued. He tells me all of the health benefits. I’m more intrigued. He tells me where to find the resources, says he feels great, […]

Missed Experiences

I am endlessly fascinated with the Israelites. I know the stories — especially the big ones: Passover, Red Sea, 10 Commandments, lots and lots of disobedience and captivity… But there’s something about the details that bring new light with nearly every read. In Deuteronomy 5, Moses repeats the 10 Commandments in the hearing of all […]

Our Worst Fears: Even Through That

See, most of my anxieties are so ridiculous, so extreme, so convoluted, that when I can finally think rationally again they completely dissipate. As soon as my mind is clear for a moment, they evaporate. It’s wonderful. However, this one line of thinking won’t go away.

‘To Your Brothers, As to You’

When the children of Israel were entering the Promised Land, the tribes of Reuben and Gad took a liking to the land on the east side of the Jordan, when God was guiding the people to the west side of it. When these two tribes approached Moses about the possibility of them staying in this […]