Bloodthirsty, vicious, fearsome, violent, wicked, indomitable—these are just a few of the words that describe the ancient Assyrian empire. Though Israel was just a bump in the road to these pillagers, it was a bump they desperately wanted to own. So they started breathing down the neck of God’s chosen people. As they felt the … Continue reading God Can’t Wait to Forgive You
Author: Cindy Matson
Ours the Cross, the Grave, the Skies: Our Union with Christ Makes Easter Worth Celebrating
If you wrote one song every single day of the year from now until the year 2047, you would have written approximately the same number of hymns as Charles Wesley. Of course, when you write over 8,000 hymns, not all of them are home runs, but a few live on even today, nearly 250 years … Continue reading Ours the Cross, the Grave, the Skies: Our Union with Christ Makes Easter Worth Celebrating
I Am Thirsty
I had quite possibly the best summer job a college student could have. Basically, I got paid to get a fantastic tan (and some epic tan lines!). For five summers, I worked as a “flower girl” for the University of Wyoming. Our crew would spend a couple of weeks tilling several dozen flower beds, an … Continue reading I Am Thirsty
A Better Way: Responding to the Darkness
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
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