How about both? Far too often we use prayer as an excuse to not do what we are supposed to do. When we have a problem we “pray about it,” which is great, but if we are unwilling to act appropriately in response to whatever God shows us about our situation, why are we praying? [...]

This morning I was standing in church for the first time in a while (it’s difficult to stand or sit for long periods of time since the accident) and as I usually do, I was reflecting on the lyrics I was singing. Every song spoke of hope. Lyrics such as “you are stronger” encouraged my [...]

Every time I read Proverbs something “new” reaches out and grabs my attention. Tonight was no exception. From the first half-sentence I was caught . . . My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, (Already time to stop, re-read and reflect…) Receive and treasure . . .  Do [...]

Last week I read part of a friend’s blog about the incredible journey he has been on over the past several years. It hasn’t been an easy one. He has suffered so much. But his words spoke to my soul and encouraged me. I would like to share them – exactly as he wrote them [...]

A few days ago I watched a video clip of three or four women sitting in a circle, playing their guitars and singing a praise song together. It was beautiful. They were so engaged in worship, they didn’t care about anything else. I began to think back to the times in my life where I [...]

“My dear family, when you find yourselves tumbling into various trials and tribulations, learn to look at it with complete joy, because you know that, when your faith is put to the test, what comes out is patience.” (James 1:2-3 KNT) It is difficult to maintain an attitude of trust when faced with difficulty, but [...]

Happy Christmas Eve! In a time of political and social unrest, God came to earth in the form of a child. A “Prince of Peace” was born in the midst of chaos and confusion. He could have come as a warrior/king but instead he came as a child. Babies are helpless—he put himself in our [...]

I’ve been reading a new translation of the New Testament and it has brought such a freshness to my daily times in the word. I usually read the NASB or the ESV (the NASB has always been my favorite because it seems to be the most literal. I fear doctrine rather than a desire for [...]

I’ve been contemplating why Christians feel they need to have “answers” for everything that happens in life. I’ve even heard people make trite comments about the recent election, as if making a religious statement will somehow help them accept the results. The problem with constantly offering answers is that it can be confusing to those [...]

One day after we returned from two weeks of music ministry overseas we received a call from RZIM (Ravi Zacharias International Ministries) asking if we would be available to do the music for their annual Founder’s weekend event. The group they had originally scheduled to be there was no longer going to be performing so, [...]