Prayer is awesome. Until the answer I feel God leading me to is exactly the opposite of what I want to do. Then I think it kinda sucks. I've often been that guy who makes up my mind about something that I want, but then act like I haven't so I can ask God for His wisdom and … Continue reading When Prayer Sucks →

I'll be the first to admit that some of the stories and characters in the Bible seem more fitting for a kid's bed time story than a truthful account of human history. And I'm a pastor. Here is an honest list of Bible references that my 21st century brain just can't get wrapped around. These are some … Continue reading Unbelievable →

One of the more difficult questions we face as believers focuses on the creation of evil. It's a natural stumbling block since we're told that God is pure good but simultaneously told that He created everything in the universe. That would mean evil desires and temptations were created by Him as well, right? But how … Continue reading The Creation of Evil →

The reasons and excuses to not believe in Jesus can be daunting if they are all we feed ourselves. There are plenty of scientists and brilliant minds out there who give legitimacy to the little questions we have that doubt the existence of God when we hear about the latest terrible natural disaster or horrific crime on the news; … Continue reading To the Logical Unbeliever: →

Many people have heard Philippians 4:13 thrown around as if it's the superhero's Bible verse. "I can do all things through Christ..." is such a positive idea and it sounds so awesome. Why not use it to pump ourselves up when we're facing a difficult task? Verse twelve, however, is the context that has a little bit … Continue reading Contentment →

As always, this is me processing, not preaching. Faith in God has all kinds of purposes. It's there to serve us in multiple ways through our inevitable rough patches of despair or anxiety. It's a source of hope and confidence that our troubles are temporary. The awareness that God is working with a much bigger picture than what … Continue reading When our Faith Doesn’t Help Us →

As always, this is me processing, not preaching. The Old Testament prophet Isaiah used many adjectives to describe God. The most interesting example, I think, is found in chapter six of his book of prophecies. He describes a moment when he saw God on His throne and heard the six-winged seraphims nearby shouting to each … Continue reading A Holy Perspective →

If we're completely honest, our motivations for following Christ and being obedient to His way can't all be selfless in nature. Our first motives for obedience, which are the awe for God's holiness and the thankfulness for what He's done, should each be powerful motivators for never-ending obedience, but they don't keep us from veering off God's … Continue reading The Fallback Motive for Obedience →

Please know that this article is the result of my own processing, and is not a proclamation that I have it all together. Each of my last three articles about relationships have not been hastily-written and thoughtlessly-posted, but rather have been written with a lot of careful and heartfelt consideration (with counsel from trusted community). You may not agree, … Continue reading The Two-Headed Dragon →

Please know that this article is the result of my own processing, and is not a proclamation that I have it all together. These two most recent articles about relationships ("without the destination" and this one) have not been hastily-written or thoughtlessly-posted, but rather have been written with a lot of careful and heartfelt consideration (with counsel from trusted community). … Continue reading The Person I Want… →