Most Christians understand that salvation changes our eternity. We know we're forgiven, justified, and reconciled to God through faith in Christ. Yet many of us struggle to understand how the gospel speaks to Wednesday morning temptations, recurring sins, discouragements, and doubts. We believe Christ saved us, but we often live as though growth in holiness depends primarily on our own effort. When we fail, we become discouraged. When we succeed, we become self-reliant. We kn

Peace |pes| noun. a freedom from disturbance; tranquility This week, I was far from undisturbed. My daughter is taking a lifeguarding course in the city and my dad had graciously offered to take her. There were storm watches in place all day, but only as they drove these supercells took shape. They arrived safely, but my dad remained in the parking lot, watching dark clouds move toward them, even as they rotated (a tornado had already been sighted 40 miles away). As I cared f

How free are you with your tears? Some of us are much more comfortable with them than others. But even as they flow, we apologize, we're stricken with shame and vulnerability, thus hiding ourselves away, as though they're a signal of weakness, a banner of defeat or a judgment of immaturity. In Free to Weep: Finding the Courage to Grieve and Embracing the God Who Heals, Brittany Allen shows us there's no need to minimize our tears, for when we do we're robbing "ourselves of th

One of the more surprising moments in counselling happens when I ask about physical health. Sleep, exercise, diet. There’s often a pause, sometimes even confusion. What does that have to do with anxiety? But over time, it becomes clear that how we care for our bodies shapes far more than we tend to admit. Many of us have been taught to think of the Christian life as something that happens primarily in the heart and mind. We focus on beliefs, and spiritual disciplines, while t

We all want joy. Not just the fleeting kind that comes and goes with a good day, but something deeper, more steady. And yet, for many of us, joy can feel just out of reach. We read the call in Scripture to “rejoice always,” and wonder why it doesn’t seem to come naturally. Life is full. Responsibilities press in. We carry the weight of family, work, ministry, and responsibilities no one else sees. There are still many good moments, to be sure. A shared laugh, a beautiful suns

There’s a pressure many of us carry in our walk with God—the sense that we should be doing more. Reading more, praying more, showing up more consistently. We often measure our faithfulness by what we accomplish, often with the best of intentions. But what if spiritual growth doesn’t begin with striving, but with rest? What if abiding in Christ is less about keeping pace and more about staying rooted? What would change if we believed our spiritual growth wasn’t personal impr

We all want the best marriage we can have, right? In Married For God: Making Your Marriage the Best it Can Be , Christopher Ash reminds us of the purpose of marriage, and contrary to what the world or our emotions tell us, it's not for our satisfaction. Not something you'll common hear. But laying the foundation on the goals and purposes of God, will lead us toward joy and hope filled relationships. Married For God: Making Your Marriage the Best it Can Be | Book Review Conte

There are moments when I’ve wondered whether I’m just a little too much—or a little too different—for the people around me. Whether it’s the things I love, the way I think, or how I process the world, I’ve felt the fear of being misunderstood. But what if being fully known didn’t lead to rejection, but to love? Tim Keller captures this tension beautifully: “To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully

"A man who loves the world grows, little by little, to be a stranger to God and Christ. We cannot simultaneously have our eyes on both heaven and earth. Suppose we are between two men or two mountains; the nearer we draw to one, the further we go from the other." On a trip to Zambia, to see the majestic Victoria Falls, we also had the opportunity to visit the Chobe National Park in Botswana. Leaving from Livinstone by bus, we traveled across the Kazungula bridge to enter Bots

I’m always on the lookout for solid Bible study resources. Whether I’m teaching my kids, writing for the blog, or leading a Bible study, understanding the context of a passage—its audience, themes, and place within the book—is essential. The right resources make it possible to grasp God’s Word fully so we can apply it faithfully to our lives. Too often, though, we study in a rush or in isolation, which can leave us feeling stuck. When I find something genuinely helpful, I lov

As a woman who loves the Lord and genuinely delights in serving His people, I often find myself longing for clarity about how my gifts fit within the life of the church. A Place For You: Reframing Christian Womanhood by Kendra Dahl was a welcome encouragement. Her thoughtful, biblically grounded reflections helped me see my place—and the places of the women around me—with fresh gratitude and courage. So, let's dig into the details! What Is Biblical Womanhood? A Review of A P

Discover God’s faithfulness in the story of Ruth. A Bible study review on finding grace, hope, and redemption in life’s unexpected seasons.

This month’s roundup features books that inspire faith, stir a love for God’s Word, and offer stories full of hope, courage, and heart. Whether nonfiction or fiction, each one invites you to reflect, rest, and be encouraged.

In 1, 2, 3 John For You, Sam Allberry offers a warm, verse-by-verse look at John’s letters, helping believers find assurance of faith and grow in love and obedience. This accessible commentary blends biblical insight with practical application for everyday life.

Most of us who serve in the church know the quiet struggle: juggling endless tasks, preparing lessons, making decisions, and sometimes...

Whether Bible reading feels like a brand-new, daunting task, or whether it’s become a familiar habit, Before You Open Your Bible was a...

Summer always feels like a chance to slow down, even if just a little. The longer days, the warmer evenings—they invite us to linger, to...

When was the last time you sat still—without an agenda—simply to be with God? Even our Bible reading and prayers, as important as they...

What does it really mean to keep your heart aflame for God? In A Heart Aflame for God , Matthew Bingham takes us back to the Puritans—a...

If you’ve ever wrestled with whether Christians should read stories with magic, you’re not alone. From The Chronicles of Narnia to Harry...