On any given day, reading the headlines will make you wonder if the darkness has finally won. Whether news of wars, earthquakes, military coups, sexual scandals, gun violence, financial malfeasance, another outbreak of that illness, a godless agenda continuing to gain traction among the masses, or any other of myriad news stories that make our … Continue reading A Better Way: Responding to the Darkness
Author: Cindy Matson
On Being a Humble Burden-Bearer
What burdens are you bearing on behalf of your brothers and sisters in Christ? Health problems, difficult marriages, infertility, children with special needs, aging parents, financial difficulties—the list is endless of burdens that we may be shouldering alongside our fellow believers. But are you carrying that load with the humility the task requires? As Paul … Continue reading On Being a Humble Burden-Bearer
For the Weary
Busy. Tired. Worn out. Burnt out. If you ask someone how they’re doing, and don’t hear “fine” in response, chances are pretty good you heard some form of the list above. We are a society that thrives on being “on-the-go,” involved in everything from soccer and PTA to community service and church ministry. Even if … Continue reading For the Weary
Learn Humility from Children
Have you learned anything from children—either yours or someone else’s? If you’ve had any interaction with kids, the answer is probably yes. I’ve learned a lot in my three short years of parenting, including the names of construction vehicles (I can now distinguish between a backhoe and an excavator!), the make and model of every … Continue reading Learn Humility from Children
Watch Out for Futile Thinking
If you have a pet that sheds, you’re familiar with the concept of futility. I grew up with two pure white cats who loved to nap on anything that would provide contrast to their snowy fur. Therefore, all dark clothing in our house was embellished by a smattering of white cat hair. Trying to get … Continue reading Watch Out for Futile Thinking
How to Help an Unbelieving Friend in the Valley of Suffering
It wasn’t a normal after-practice conversation. It had nothing to do with jerseys, jump shots, or defense. My player had something else entirely in mind. Slowly a few details came out: her friend’s family (of unbelievers) had very suddenly and unexpectedly entered a very deep valley. To them it probably felt more like falling off … Continue reading How to Help an Unbelieving Friend in the Valley of Suffering
Faith That Works, Love That Labors, and Hope That Endures
Knickknacks, bric-a-brac, gewgaw—whatever name you want to give it, it all serves the same purpose: nothing. Well, except for dust-collecting, I suppose. Okay, maybe that’s a bit harsh. If you’re a collector of knickknacks, I apologize. I’m sure they’re lovely. But you must admit, they don’t do anything but sit there looking pretty, taking up … Continue reading Faith That Works, Love That Labors, and Hope That Endures
Four Reasons Scripture Memory Might Just Be My Favorite Spiritual Discipline
I know you probably think that I’m bananas for claiming to like memorizing Scripture. And yes, I am more than a little bit nerdy. I admit that. But hiding God’s Words in my heart isn’t about having an outlet for my nerdy tendencies. Like exercise, Scripture memory is always work. And most of the time … Continue reading Four Reasons Scripture Memory Might Just Be My Favorite Spiritual Discipline
God’s Mercy Means There Are No Hopeless Cases
Do you feel hopeless today? The Respect for Marriage Act. Mid-term election results. Orwellian rhetoric from politicians. Animated movies openly advocating for what God calls abominable. Everywhere we turn, our culture is headed in the wrong direction. Perhaps you’re still praying for our nation, praying for revival, but maybe it feels hopeless. I must admit … Continue reading God’s Mercy Means There Are No Hopeless Cases
When Faithful Obedience Feels Futile
“Why do we need to wash the dishes? They’re just going to get dirty again anyway.” Perhaps your kids have asked you this. I remember making the query to my mom in my younger days (probably on a night I was supposed to wash dishes). Of course, we understand that what feels pointless to a … Continue reading When Faithful Obedience Feels Futile