Psalm 10:12-18 lays out God’s plan for defeating evil, and it’s pretty simple: “defending the fatherless [orphan] and the oppressed” (10:18).
The War on Advent
Advent is a reminder that we still wait for the Messiah. As a people who live in the “now and not yet” of the kingdom of God, we await the return of Christ.
Engaging Depression
People battling depression need loving words, emotional support, encouragement, and presence. While medicine and counseling are often vital in winning the battle against depression.
Pick a Side
It is in these times when it is most imperative that I remember my true calling as a Christian – to love each and every person as Jesus does.
A Lesson to Learn Before the Next Election
When the next election comes, it may be bitter and divisive. The candidates and their policies will not reflect Jesus. That is how the world works. Remind your people it will be okay. Set the example.
Holiday Sufferers
We would prefer is a simple greeting, a heartfelt smile, and freedom from having to relate a “spun” or flat out untruthful rendition of what we got for Christmas or what wonderful family gathering we had.
Treating Depression
Is there a cure for this pain? Is there a way out of this darkness? Is there light that will break through these clouds? Is there hope for a better future? Yes.
Blue Skies, No Rainbows (Part 1)
We are only strong because our relationships have withstood conflict. And we can only grow from the conflict if we are willing to engage. So the choice is ours: engage or withdraw.
Healing the Wounds of Political War through Advent
Many churches feel as if they have been through war. Advent offers the possibility of helping to heal the wounds of war in our midst.
A Meditation on Psalm 23
So today I will say yes instead of no to what is gained in darkness. I will take my hands off my ears and stop closing my eyes to the invitation to intimacy that is found uniquely in darkness.
Reframing Depression
We must debunk these myths in order to understand depression more fully. Only then can we intervene in ways that will truly be helpful.
Healthy Responses for Church Leaders: What is “Health” Anyway?
I think a lot of how we think of pastoral care is actually care that’s happening at the intervention level of spiritual health.
You Want Me to Do What?!
Spiritual growth is considered work, then it becomes work, instead of wonder-filled. So, I would like to suggest one spiritual discipline that is likely missing from your life: PLAY.
Thanksgiving as Color Vision
When we neglect to give God thanks, our hearts become darkened, and we perceive everything in shades of grey. Our minds spin in futility, unable to grasp the reality of colors beyond our grasp.
Unpacking Depression
Reclaiming your true self is something you can only do by drawing close to God. Counseling, support, and medicine alone won’t do it. It is only by drawing near to God that you will find yourself again.
Dimensions of Leadership
Mission, context and purpose are significant for congregational leaders, yet each of these things can quickly and easily be lost in the rapidly changing world we inhabit.
Where's the Water?
I have come to realize that the moments when I felt the most overwhelmed were the times I was neglecting my time with God.
Electing to Follow Jesus: Prophets of Justice and Mercy
We’ll take a look at the gap between perception and reality, the difference between the state’s job and the church’s, and how justice and mercy shape Christians’ prophetic stance.
Confessions of an Exhausted Volunteer
Ultimately, I am praising God for inviting all of us to partner together to fulfill God’s purposes; we were never called to shoulder the work on our own.
Approaching Depression
I know single people whose lives are full of vibrant community. I know married people who feel empty. There are lonely people in every situation in life: single, married, rich, poor, old, young, etc.