God, Father, Lord—These names typify our communication with and about him. We know His name is to be honored, not said in vain (Exodus 20:7). It is to be “hallowed,” revered in our prayers (Matthew 6:9). Yet, God’s name signifies so much more. God invites us through Scripture to see how His name declares who He is. And as we faithfully ponder His majestic, holy, and awesome name (Psalm 8:1; 111:9), we see how He not only reveals His character, but also His promises to us. Here are four names that embody the Lord’s attributes and assurances: 1. He is Jehovah-Raah: The LORD My Shepherd God’s Word illustrates the desperate need of sheep for a shepherd. Because sheep are prone to … [Read more...]
6 Ways Jesus Handled Opposition
I opened God’s Word with a heavy heart, feeling the burden of opposition. A friend had recently attacked my character due to a difference of beliefs. Stunned and hurt by this, I quickly recognized my unpreparedness in facing this attack. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit prompted me to seek the Lord and the truth of his Word. I opened my Bible and was led to Hebrews 12:3, which answered my prayer for relief: “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Six Ways Jesus Handled Opposition Jesus, the Man of Sorrows (Isaiah 53:3), experienced opposition far worse than my situation. But in his eyes, it’s not irrelevant, for all … [Read more...]
My Anxiety, God’s Word
It’s easy to assume that someone as outgoing and passionate about Jesus as I am wouldn’t suffer from anxiety. But that’s not the truth. Throughout my life, I have suffered through several seasons of intense panic, anxiety, and subsequent depression, which really began intensifying in my college years. The panic attacks have rendered me absolutely ineffective, and in my mind, "lifeless." In my lowest seasons, I could barely speak or move. The world around me was moving, but I was not. I was physically present, but mentally and emotionally, I was checked out. I could have a conversation with you for an hour, but couldn’t recall one sentence you spoke. It's as if my real self was buried … [Read more...]
When Mother’s Day Hurts
For many, Mother’s Day feels more like a day of mourning than a day of celebration. It stands as a reminder of what many have lost. Perhaps it’s a woman who lost her child through miscarriage, stillbirth, illness, or tragedy. Maybe it’s a woman who recently lost her mother. Perhaps it’s a woman who is estranged from her mother, or a mother challenged by a rebellious child. It may be an infertile woman who is pleading and praying for the gift of motherhood. Maybe it’s a woman who had an abortion long before she came to Christ. No matter the circumstance, the pain and suffering experienced in your congregation on Mother’s Day may make celebration seemingly impossible. I have been that woman … [Read more...]