How to Read the Bible the Right Way

How to Read the Bible the Right Way

I am convinced that Satan is on a mission to make us believe the Bible is centered on us. But this could not be any further from the truth. Why We Often Read the Bible Wrong There is a wrong way to read the Bible, and it is done when we make ourselves the focus of...
A Prayer Shaped by Bethlehem’s Humility

A Prayer Shaped by Bethlehem’s Humility

You, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. Micah 5:2 A Prayer Rooted in God’s Unexpected Ways Nicholas lived and served in...
Rest as a Spiritual Rhythm

Rest as a Spiritual Rhythm

As I mentioned earlier, most of us aren’t natural morning people. We’re wired to seek comfort and rest, gravitating toward the warmth of our blankets rather than the chill of early morning air. Perhaps this is part of our survival instinct as human beings. Why Rest...
Mental Health, Faith, and Compassion

Mental Health, Faith, and Compassion

Mental Health Myths in the Church “Just pray more.” “Just ask God for healing.” “If you had more faith, you’d get better.” Why Mental Health Is Not a Faith Failure These trite statements are common responses within the church to mental health challenges. Such...
Thirst, Vulnerability, and the Shepherd’s Way

Thirst, Vulnerability, and the Shepherd’s Way

How can the thirst of a Savior become the salvation of a sinner? The Meaning of Thirst in the Ministry of Jesus John’s gospel recounts the occasion of a thirsty Jesus sitting by a well. His lips dry, tongue sticking to the roof of His mouth. It’s hard to imagine God...
Women Leadership, Faith, and Calling

Women Leadership, Faith, and Calling

What Do Leadership, Women, and Work Have to Do with It? Some of you may remember the song “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” by Tina Turner. Tina was reflecting on an abusive relationship, noting that love wasn’t enough to keep things together. Tina was married to Ike...
How Stress Impacts the Body and Soul

How Stress Impacts the Body and Soul

Stress is ubiquitous in contemporary life,1 and the word gets tossed around as if we all understand what it means. Most of us routinely talk about the daily kinds of stress we experience—in our work, finances, parenting, commuting, and social concerns. Then there is...
Grace Receives Sinners and Reveals God’s Heart

Grace Receives Sinners and Reveals God’s Heart

Right in the middle of the gospel of Luke we step into some interesting family drama. Jesus tells a story about a father who has two sons. And what we find is God’s heart toward those in need of grace. Because this story in situated in the middle of the gospel (Luke...