For the last five years, this has been my favorite song. In 2014, MercyMe produced Flawless. I try to listen to the song every day. It brings hope to any of us who have flaws. “No matter the bumps, no matter the bruises, no matter the scars, still the truth is – the cross has…
I’m nostalgic. When possible, I still enjoy driving by my childhood home, my first church, and the high school where I spent the best six years of my life. Do you often think about “the good ‘ol days”? If so, you’re in good company. King David often looked back. He said, “I thought about my…
On January 31, 1971, Alan Shepherd brought a golf club to work, along with a couple of balls. But Shepherd’s “work” was a little unusual. He was the commander of Apollo 14. Six days later, his work would have him on the surface of the moon. It was then, 50 years ago today, when Shepherd…
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in four girls and one is six boys are sexually abused by the age of 18. Psychologist and trauma specialist Susanne Babbel writes, “Thirty-five percent of child sexual abusers were once abused themselves.” With that, the cycle of abuse continues. God puts a premium on children.…
A scientist told God, “We no longer need you. We have advanced to the point that we can create anything we need with our own ingenuity.” God said, “You want to put that to a test?” The scientist said, “Sure. What do you have in mind?” God said, “Let’s each make a man, just like…
Have you every seen a magician pull a rabbit out of thin air? Or out of a hat? Let me give you some inside information. The rabbit was already there. When the magician distracted you, he was able to grab the rabbit from behind the table and trick you into thinking the rabbit must have…
In his groundbreaking book, Unwanted, Dr. Jay Stringer writes, “The more an individual acts out, the more likely he is to deprive himself of meaningful relationships and self-care because he will not feel as if he deserves that.” But this cycle must stop. God is clear: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers…
We find this interesting little verse tucked away in the middle of the Psalms. “Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen” (Psalm 77:19). What do you do when you can no longer see God’s footprints? We want his path to always be clear. We…
I have attended several AA meetings as a part of my recovery plan. For many, that makes sense. But for me, it may seem odd. You see, I don’t drink. Never have. So why would I attend AA meetings? First, I was required to as a part of my Master’s work in recovery. Then my…
Your current sexual behavior is the predictable result of your childhood experiences. Most likely, your early childhood was littered with isolation. Or trauma. Or abuse. Or all three. And that explains how you got here. However, that does not excuse why you’re staying here. Let me be clear. You owe no one an apology for…