Several years ago I served in our church’s MOPS leadership, and my title? Prayer coordinator. I was asked to lead our leadership team in this key area, and I was happy to do it. And while the year went well, I had not always had such a passion and eagerness for prayer. Just ten years […]
For When You Need the Approval of Others :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 23-24}
I’ll admit it. I’ve been guilty. Longing for the approval and compliments of others… Wanting them to acknowledge the good I do and the way I serve… And if you’re gut-level honest, you’re probably been guilty too. Because most of us, as human beings, struggle with the issue of significance. We long to matter—to be […]
The Change of Learning to Love Like He Loves :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 20-22}
I am so far from perfect. And I won’t lie. There are many people who annoy and irritate me. People who are inefficient and unresponsive, and not likeable at all. Then there are people who offend me or hurt me, sometimes intentionally. And it is so difficult to tolerate them, exert patience with them, and ultimately love […]
Selfishness is Sin, But Grace Gives Life :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 18 & 19}
I struggle with selfishness. I often think my way is the best way, and many times I just want what I want. I am sometimes less than happy for the success of others, because I wish it was mine. And when I’m hurt by someone, it’s tempting to wish they were hurting too. But this […]
The Thorns Beneath the Smile {Why Our Answers Should Simply Be Yes or No} :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 16 & 17}
I’m a liar. And you are too… Oh maybe not in obvious ways, but they’re lies just the same. You know… Like when a friend says you should get together sometime, and insists how much you mean to her, but the meeting never ever happens. Yeah, that. Or when you run into that person in […]
3 Steps For When Your Heart Faces the Pain, Brokenness, and Devastation of Divorce :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 15}
No matter what, divorce is painful. It hurts. And its consequences never really end. I know—because twelve years ago I got divorced. I know first-hand the pain and its consequences, especially when adultery is involved. And while I’ll share those details with you another time, suffice it to say, God hates divorce from the spouse […]
Because a Life of Holiness Demands My Soul, My Life, My All :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 14}
Two summers ago I taught a women’s bible study based on the book Every Woman’s Battle, by Shannon Ethridge. After one of the sessions, I received an email from a woman admitting that in her mind, she had been comparing her husband to other men. She acknowledged how this had created ruts of discontent, and even anger in her […]
Holiness is a Matter of the Heart :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 13}
I’ve always been a rule-follower—a child who chose to obey because the thought of someone not being happy with me was unbearable. And over time, I learned that if I followed the rules and performed well, I’d please others and feel loved. And I began to apply this to my relationship with God. I can […]
What to Do When Someone Is Upset With You :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 12}
Keeping short accounts makes for a life full of peace. And that is a truth that will never change. Several years ago, my husband and I became aware that a couple in our church had a problem with us. We were shocked and surprised to learn of the situation and saddened it had been happening for so […]
For When You Encounter Prickly People :: Sermon on the Mount {Week 11}
Some people are like a cactus, mostly prickly with an occasional flower blooming amidst their thorns. And those kind of people challenge me, because I’m a people pleaser. It’s pretty much guaranteed that if I know there’s a problem between you and me, I will pursue you, no matter whose fault it is. In fact […]
