In Christ Alone

A few nights ago, I found myself really bothered by something I saw on social media. It wasn't anything bad or sinful, and my husband didn't understand why it even bothered me. I wondered too why it bothered me. Perhaps it wasn't the content that annoyed me. Perhaps it was my own disgust at social media. I love pictures and hearing from people who don't live in my house, but I have replaced real relationships too often with virtual ones. Scrolling through posts and updates, it's easy to detach myself from the fact there are real people on the other side of those posts. If I'm in a bad mood, I often translate that into how I read their posts. Sometimes it's like inviting a fire hose into your house when you know you probably shouldn't open the door. I find myself resenting people I love, misreading their intentions.  In the past, I haven't stayed away terribly long, but this time feels different. I have seen the pattern of resentment/jealo...

It's really not good to be left alone with my thoughts all day. I have had more time alone in my thoughts during this pandemic than ever before, or so it feels. I have come to realize (again--this is a recurring lesson) that my thoughts and feelings are not God. Alone in my thoughts, I start thinking the worst about others, about myself, about God. I start wondering if God is even listening. I wonder if I have been doing what I am supposed to be doing. I start over-analyzing. It's a vicious cycle. I like knowing what's coming and why things happen as they do. I have been alive long enough and a Christian long enough to know we don't often know why things happen the way they do. We know ultimately that God works all things for our good and His glory, but it's hard to see that sometimes in the moment. It is hard to simply trust in God's loving care.  There are a lot of voices fighting for our attention. Information overload is a common occurrence. It...

  "I press on toward the goal for the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14 Had life gone according to plan, right now we would be in Northern California enjoying a lovely fall day with my niece and nephew, parents, and brother and sister-in-law. Life didn't go according to plan though. While everyone has their own take on Coronavirus and how seriously it should or shouldn't be taken, we decided for the sake of everyone, we would forego our original Thanksgiving plans. We will see them again, so there is comfort in that. Since we couldn't go, we spent yesterday decorating for Christmas. This is the first year I have ever decorated for Christmas before Thanksgiving. 2020 has been anything but normal, so I'm all for bringing a little Christmas cheer early. I was pretty sad when our plans were canceled, but I am making the most of sudden free time by cleaning my windows and blinds and blasting worship music. Cleaning blinds sounds boring, yes, but...

It's an odd time to be alive here in the U.S. We have a worldwide virus causing fear, an election that still has yet to be fully resolved, a nation divided by name-calling and opposing ideals. It's not like you can escape it. Every time you even take a peek at the news, you see it. Emotions are running high. People speak before thinking. Or maybe they do think, but anything posted or quoted comes across as glib or uninformed. What we say cannot be erased sometimes. It's forever saved. Be careful then what you say. How should we as Christians live? We have the high calling to be light in an ever darkening world, to proclaim Christ, to tell others that this life is not all there is. We cling to the hope found in Christ, knowing He is sovereign over every nanosecond and every corner of the world is under His control. For some, this brings dread, for others disdain, but for those who love Him, comfort.  How others respond is not something you have control over. Reme...

Philippians 1:21 "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Paul referred to himself as a slave to Christ numerous times. If you don't know much about Paul, he was radically transformed by Christ. He had been one of the biggest opponents of the Christian faith, killing many and overseeing the deaths of many more. His conversion was one I'm sure the disciples never saw coming, but that is how God works in His grace and kindness: transforming His enemies into sons and daughters. Paul's life post-conversion was wholly committed to Christ. He was imprisoned, beaten, rejected, and endured trial after trial, but still, he counted all of it worth it for the sake of Christ. We are not apostles, but we are to be like Paul wherever we find ourselves. We are slaves to Christ. Our servitude is not oppressive. It is not joyless. It is not something we are trying to break free from. We have been bought by the blood of Jesus. It is our highest privilege to be...