“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
Author: Cindy Matson
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
What If Psalm 1 Isn’t Actually About You?
The Lion King is about lions; but it’s not really about lions. Remember the Titans is about football; but it’s not really about football. Titanic is about the Titanic; but it’s not really about the Titanic. The Life of Pi is about a guy on a boat with a tiger; but it’s not really about … Continue reading What If Psalm 1 Isn’t Actually About You?
“You Are Enough”…And Other Lies the Gospel Refutes
“Just do it.” “If you dream it, you can achieve it.” “Believe in yourself, and the world will believe in you too.” “Embrace yourself.” “You are enough.” Slogans like these came into vogue during the 1990s self-esteem movement, but they have proven to have significant staying power. They reinforce the most prominent idol of our … Continue reading “You Are Enough”…And Other Lies the Gospel Refutes