Putting on a uniform means something. Whether it’s a soldier donning his dress uniform for a formal event, a quarterback putting on his jersey and helmet before the big game, or an employee putting on the uniform supplied by his business, the uniform carries significance. That special clothing transforms the wearer from an individual with … Continue reading Walking Worthy of the Gospel Starts Inside the Church House.
Author: Cindy Matson
As Image-Bearers, We Must Keep Creating
“We may get to a point one day when students don’t write papers.” I'm a language arts teacher, so when my principal said that in a staff meeting recently, my mind kicked into gear: “What does that mean for teaching English?” “What would it look like to live in a world where no one knew … Continue reading As Image-Bearers, We Must Keep Creating
Weakness is NOT the Enemy
“Pain is weakness leaving the body.” While you may associate this slogan with the United States Marine Corps (which we hope is filled with strong, able-bodied soldiers), society at large has adopted the mantra to say that our ultimate goal ought to be strength. Our a strongly individualistic American culture values the ability to “take … Continue reading Weakness is NOT the Enemy
What’s So Wonderful About the Word?
“What’s so wonderful about God’s Word?” I’ve tried to ponder this question as if someone, hot latte in hand, had asked me across the Starbucks table. In reflecting, I did what any sane person would: I made a list. And, while I make no claim that it’s perfect, what I want to share with you … Continue reading What’s So Wonderful About the Word?
I Started a Bible-Reading Plan. Now What?
Ah, January! The enchantment of Christmas has passed, the temperatures have dropped well below freezing (and for some of us, well below zero), snow has blanketed the ground, and the grind has begun again after a blissful vacation with family and friends. ‘Tis the season for resolutions, improvements, and life-changes. This year, you decided to … Continue reading I Started a Bible-Reading Plan. Now What?
Five Standout Books from the Second Half of 2025
Each year at this time, I like to look back over the books I’ve read since June and pick my favorites. Because of a busier schedule this fall, I haven’t read as many as in years past (and I have not read a five-star work of fiction in quite some time!); so this season’s list … Continue reading Five Standout Books from the Second Half of 2025
How Long, O Lord? Advent Lament
Chemo therapy that requires a six-week period of sequestering, beginning just days before Thanksgiving. Going weeks without pay because of the government shutdown. Fighting an uphill battle against a pernicious cancer and dealing with debilitating pain from an inoperable tumor. A horrific car wreck involving two cars full of teenagers, two of whom lost their … Continue reading How Long, O Lord? Advent Lament
Is Your Heart Closed Off?
Fraught. Complicated. Tenuous. On-again-off-again. Volatile. While these words might describe many teenage romances, they also aptly characterize the Apostle Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian church. Scripture reports that Paul spent 18 months in Corinth, evangelizing and discipling (Acts 18:1-17), made one “painful visit” during which he dealt with ongoing sin issues (2 Cor. 2:1), and … Continue reading Is Your Heart Closed Off?
You’re Responsible for Growing in Holiness
The clock may say zero, but the game goes on. If you’re a soccer fan, you know that a game isn’t over until the referees blow their whistles. Unlike basketball in which the play-clock stops when the ball goes out of bounds or for substitutions and other stoppages of play, in soccer, the play-clock never … Continue reading You’re Responsible for Growing in Holiness
Images of Hope
What do incense, letters of recommendation, and a blazing light have in common? If you answered (and I’m sure you did!) that they’re all metaphors that Paul uses in 2 Corinthians 2 and 3 to help describe the Gospel, you win! Though Paul had spent much time in Corinth and written the church there multiple … Continue reading Images of Hope