Life in Exile

Fragmented stories lead us to forget that we are part of a much larger, more important Grand Narrative. We are all part of the story: God's Story of Redemption and the Returning King.

Knowing what God hates helps us to live by what He loves. Proverbs helps us to see the difference.

When is the last time you asked a missionary how you can pray for them? It's a question worth asking as you love and support them in Kingdom service.

Solomon warns us in Proverbs to beware of those who come to us with crooked speech and distracting body actions. They're up to no good.

A recent critique of the work of C.S. Lewis leads to this post on the certainty of Christ in view of the fallibility of man.

Solomon calls us to look to the ant for some important life lessons.

Can we trust God in our hurt? Is PTSD real for those in ministry? Trauma and spiritual warfare go hand-in-hand and leave scars, but they can also build our faith.

The marriage relationship is a sacred and precious thing; given to us for our joy and delight. Stay faithful and be true to your spouse.

If Zacchaeus could overcome all that hindered him from seeking Jesus, then you can too. In the end, it's just a willingness of heart.

Solomon warns us of the bitter consequences of sin. Avoid the allure of evil by staying far away.

Do churches have an expectation of return on investment in supporting missionaries? Should they? How do we speak into this issue as we share?

To live lives pleasing to God, we must guard our hearts with all vigilance. What does that look like? Proverbs gives us some practical help.

Is the end near? How do we live? Like a panicked Chicken Little or a person confident in the hope of Christ? Peter has some words to guide us.

In Proverbs 4, Solomon shares words of wisdom, given to him by his father, David. In them we see the need for and benefits of wisdom and insight.

How do you handle feelings of inferiority as a woman in Christian service? Are you really less than your husband in the eyes of the Lord?

There are some dos in walking with wisdom, but there are also some actions we want to avoid. Both are important in walking with our confidence firmly in the Lord.

There are many voices, each with their own opinions, on current events in our world. Who do we listen to? How do pray? Where is the Lord in the midst of war?

By keeping our eyes on God's wisdom and discretion, we can walk with confidence and rest in peace. As we do, the world takes notice.

Explaining our life and work on the field can be difficult and intimidating when some supporters are looking at their return on investment.

Proverbs reveals how wisdom is present at Creation, providing order and purpose to every area of the universe. This same wisdom is given us by God.

What do you do when political differences harden your stance against fellow believers and make you question your faith? God can restore a crushed faith.

What are the traits and actions of the person who loves God and follows Him? We can find some answers in Proverbs 3.

Here are some questions to ask when you get discouraged about discipleship efforts in missionary service.

Proverbs 3:1-6 provides three sets of actions to guide our lives, as we acknowledge His steadfast love and faithfulness.

A recent winter storm made me reflect on whether we prepare out of wisdom or fear. Where do we focus when storms come, on the storm or on the Lord?

Proverbs 2 reveals a special shield over our lives. It is not a what but a who. God is our shield of righteousness. He is our source of protection.

Even missionaries can feel like imposters when sharing with churches and other groups about work on the field. It's okay to be real.

The benefits of listening to God's Wisdom are wonderful, but the consequences are devastating. Do not reject God and His Wisdom.

I've let confession and repentance slide over the years, as I've lived as a "good" Christian woman. God has reminded me that there are no "respectable" sins.

What does it benefit us to turn from sin and live by the wisdom of God? Proverbs tells us that it leads to a Spirit-filled and dread-free life. What could be better?

How do I find the balance between what people think I'm doing in mission service and what I know to be the reality? How do I overcome feelings of unworthiness?

As noisy as this world may seem, there is a voice that rises above it all: The voice of Wisdom. The question for us is: Are we listening?

Visits with old friends is a beautiful glimpse into eternity where we will enjoy catching up on all God has done in and through their lives.

Walking in the Wisdom of the Lord means saying no to the enticement of sin. Solomon's words to his son are words we need to heed today.

As we move into a new year of life and ministry, what is your plan for growing in Christ-likeness?

The focus of Walking in Wisdom in this post is the home, the cornerstone of wisdom for every child.

In a world of increasing deception, let us covenant together to grow in the knowledge of understanding of God's Word.

In this new Friday Focus, we will walk together through highlights from the book of Proverbs, growing in the God-given wisdom so needed for navigating this life. Welcome.

As I prepare for a new year of Mission Monday blog posts, I'd love to hear from you! Let me know what topics you'd like covered or any questions I can address. Thanks!

The Words of an old Christmas hymn reflect the true experience of one who came to know the One who saves.

The child Mary would deliver came into the world with a specific purpose: His death for our salvation. His purpose gives purpose to our lives.

Christmas hymns can have deep theology and cause us to ponder the greatness of the child. Today, we meditate on his all-sufficient merit from a line of Charles Wesley's hymn, Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.

When we're tempted to look to outside sources for help in times of trials, return to Jesus, the Lion-King, who fights for us.

The words of familiar Christmas hymns, like O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, can become a prayer when we take them to heart.

This is an excerpt from my new Advent devotional, When You Don't Feel Like Celebrating. Isaiah pulls our attention to the great feast the Lord is preparing.

Are you feeling in a fog this Christmas? Overwhelmed with parties and gift-shopping? Spend a silent night with God.

I pray that this poem I wrote in 1999 will inspire you to pray for the nations to know the Savior this Christmas Season.

The grief walk brings both unexpected duties and blessed reunions.

Corrie ten Boom understood all about what it means to "trust the engineer." In the dark days of grief, I too learned and continue to learn how to trust the Lord, the Engineer of my life.

Carol reflects on how death has been swallowed up in victory through Christ as she reflects a decade later on the loss of her husband.