Navigating life’s crossroads can often be intimidating. The uncertainties and risks of choosing the right path can lead to “analysis paralysis,” where deciding seems impossible. However, maintaining a biblical perspective can provide unique insights and confidence as we navigate critical times. The Bible is a treasure trove of wisdom and guidance regarding decision-making. James 3:17-18 depicts this biblical principle well. “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, always gentle,…
The Unlikely Messenger: A Slice of Life with Debra Brown In 1997, my husband Allen, our young daughter Meredith, and I traded our usual summer beach vacation for a Memorial Day getaway to a ski resort in the Utah mountains. It had been a challenging year, and we needed a change of scenery. I’d envisioned hiking, shopping, and cool mountain air, not snow. But frigid air welcomed us, and snow blanketed the ground. We hadn’t packed for it, so we…
“Your forgiveness is like sweet, sweet honey on my lips. Like the sound of a symphony to my ears. Like holy water on my skin, hey!” This is the chorus to the song Holy Water by Franni Cain and We The Kingdom. This song highlights that feeling when we accept Jesus, and we allow His sacrifice to wash over us, that lightness it brings to our hearts, and the peace we experience. And this is the first step we take…
Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, “agape love.” This describes the God-like, unconditional love that keeps no record of wrongs and gives without expecting anything in return. It is the love God has for us and what we are called to show others. Humanly speaking, agape love does not make sense: loving enemies, forgiving the unforgivable, and showing kindness to the unlovable. It is not natural. It is supernatural and it’s needed in this divided world. The Apostle Paul captures it…
Sometimes we find ourselves in a quiet and challenging place—the hidden corners of our hearts. This season is a time to reflect on sacrifice and prepare for the cross. Lent also invites us to bring our hidden wounds into God’s light, trusting that He can heal what we have carried for so long. We all carry broken pieces—old grief, harsh words, or mistakes we can’t forget. Often, we try to hide this pain and keep busy, hoping it will fade.…
In this fourth week of Lent, we focus on mercy. During Lent, we reflect on God’s grace, confess our faults, repent, and accept His compassion. Receiving mercy is the beginning; after experiencing God’s forgiveness, we must share that love with others. Mercy is more than an idea to think about. It is a way to live. It means seeing others with grace, choosing to forgive instead of holding grudges, and being generous instead of selfish. Clothing Ourselves in Compassion In…
