The story of Jesus healing the paralyzed man in Mark 2 has long confused me.
God
Weaknesses
I’ve been painfully aware of my weaknesses lately. Continue reading
A Theology of Blessings
How do you feel when you see others receiving blessings you feel have been denied you? What do you do when your faithfulness to the Lord is met not with granted requests but with frustrated plans and deferred hopes? Do you patiently wait upon the Lord and trust his love for you, or do you grow bitter? Do you rejoice with those who are rejoicing, or do you resent those who possess what you desire?
Satisfy
Nothing here will satisfy me.
Still, these treasures tempt me, try me.
Trust in them will truly guide me
Straight into the grave.
Only you can satisfy me.
Perfect Father, purify me.
Set me free and ever guide me.
Only you can save.
Photo by Adam Birkett on Unsplash
What to Write
Have you ever felt self-conscious about your notes in a journaling Bible? Continue reading
Thanksgiving
You give us the ability to give,
For all we have to give, in truth, is yours.
The very breath we breathe, the days we live,
Our daily bread — each comes from heaven’s stores.
Lord, let us not forget that all is grace,
That we have earned not one of all our joys,
And let us fix our eyes upon your face
Above all earthly troubles, tasks, and toys.
Forgive us when we want more than your love,
And fit us to receive and be content.
Yours is the universe and all thereof.
The proof of your provision is Advent.
In thanks, we rest and look toward the Son,
Dependent on the independent one.
Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash
Thankful for Discipline
I don’t particularly enjoy discipline. In fact, I’m not sure anyone really enjoys discipline. But I’m incredibly thankful for God’s discipline in the lives of his people.
Weather
The rain one day will end.
The broken skies will mend.
Hope then in he who maketh all things new.
For though your heart may rend,
His presence doth transcend
All storms of life, and he will see you through.
Photo by Joel Bengs on Unsplash
Discernment and Peace
“I don’t have peace” may be four of the most frustrating, painful, and beautiful words you can say in the context of discerning God’s will for your life.
Nebuchadnezzar
Behold the beast king, the once man who was
Once full of reason, robed in royal hues,
Wretched and ragged now, soaked by the dews
Of seven seasons. Behold him who does
Not remember the ways of his fathers,
Driven to dwell with the beasts at the word
Of him who rules over human and bird,
Over kingdoms and rulers and bothers.
Behold the beast king, his reason restored,
More human now than e’er he was. He sees
That he is but a steward of decrees,
Humbly admitting he cannot afford
With all his wealth the cost of arrogance.
The king learned his own need for reverence.
as i learn to walk 