Scripture reading for today: Jonah 1 - 4 "Coming to believe" in step two is clearly a process; more closely resembling a journey than an arrival at an important destination. I am making a concerted effort to set aside all the thoughts, dreams, and expectations I have harbored about how this journey will look. I have chosen to put them in a box and tie a ribbon around them. I am asking God to … [Read more...] about February 27
February 26
Scripture reading for today: Instead of reading Leviticus, thumb through it and note the chapter headings. If you have any charts, glance over them (my NIV translation has some great summaries in chart form), notice all the rules and regulations that helped guide the Israelites in their pursuit of holiness. God handed Adam and Eve some life principles/guidelines when he presented them with the … [Read more...] about February 26
February 25
Scripture reading for today: Habakkuk 1 - 3 Yesterday I suggested that perhaps our "coming to believe" is stunted by our preconceived notions and baggage from our past. Common preconceived notions among children who have grown up in unhealthy families include: my feelings don't count, my feelings are wrong, my thoughts are crazy and/or wrong, and I don't matter and have no value. None of these … [Read more...] about February 25
February 24
Scripture reading for today: Obadiah, Nahum 1-3 Consider taking "coming to believe" very seriously. We've been discussing it all month. But I am convinced that few of us have given our "believing" the serious consideration it deserves. I also have a theory as to why we are deficit in the believing department. For many of us, our families of origin have taught us to ignore the cries of our own … [Read more...] about February 24
February 23
Scripture reading for today: Acts 27 - 28; Psalm 116 Paul's life reminds me of an Indiana Jones movie. Beaten, imprisoned falsely, shipwrecked, snake-bitten--a lot of bad stuff happens to Paul. I wonder if he ever felt frustrated about all this action and adventure. Anxiety isn't the only emotion that reveals hidden pockets of unbelief. Resentment, hostility, and anger also can be toxic … [Read more...] about February 23
February 22
Scripture reading for today: Acts 25 - 26; Psalm 115 I met a high school senior recently for an expensive cup of coffee. I smiled as my young friend exclaimed, "I can't wait to get to college! I am going to have so much freedom! I am so tired of my parents ordering me around all the time!" I smile because I know her parents. They do take their job as parental units very seriously. I do know her … [Read more...] about February 22
February 21
Scripture reading for today: Acts 22 - 24; Psalm 115 ...Anyone who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NIV How different would our daily lives be if we believed this statement? "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever … [Read more...] about February 21
February 20
Scripture reading for today: Acts 20 - 21; Psalm 114 "As Paul spoke on and on, a young man named Eutychus, sitting on the windowsill, became very drowsy. Finally, he fell sound asleep and dropped three stories to his death below. Paul went down, bent over him, and took him into his arms. "Don't worry," he said, "he's alive!" Then they all went back upstairs, shared in the Lord's supper, and ate … [Read more...] about February 20
February 19
Scripture reading for today: Acts 18 - 19; Psalm 114 "I have been through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened." (Mark Twain) Anxiety disorders afflict about 19 million Americans and that number is climbing. Anxiety is a prevailing emotion--unlike fear, which is a spurt of emotion that disappears as soon as the threat is neutralized. Anxiety is a feeling that … [Read more...] about February 19
February 18
Scripture reading for today: Acts 16 - 17; Psalm 113 Our need for restoration is profound. All sorts of life events can lead us to conclude that maybe we're losing our minds. Have you ever waited up for a child who is out long past curfew? How does it feel to discover that someone you love has betrayed you? When life is moving along at a nice clip and your yearly physical reveals a … [Read more...] about February 18