a better hope

Self-sufficiency, independence, and self-reliance are things God has been dealing with me about. Imagine God taking away the thing that has driven you and guided you your whole life. Imagine where that puts you and how you feel about yourself and the world. It's quite a shock. But, we are the sheep of His pasture, and He is the One who guides. He knows best. That's something it took me many years to learn. I'm learning it now. Self-sufficiency leads to ruin. I'm glad I'm no longer on that path. If anyone actually reads here, please pray for me, as this is very difficult. God is telling me to rest in Him and let Him take the wheel. That doesn't sound so bad, but for someone like me it's scary. Pray I learn to trust. I've been through so many storms. I've been in many battles. But this is what makes me tick. This is at the very heart of me. God knows what He's doing. This is for the best. God, do what You have to do. I trust you. Remove whatever in...

  The story of the woman with the alabaster box has been preached around the world in every country, just as Jesus said it would. It is a very important depiction of a believer's relationship with Jesus, as I will try to reveal. It is a special story I hope to do justice. Below is the excerpt from Luke (Luke 7:36-50), though it is found in each of the gospel accounts. It appears there are two similar, separate accounts of two different women.  One involves Mary , brother of Lazarus. She is named. This woman is not named, though she is designated a sinner (aren't we all?). This particular account occurred about a year before Jesus was crucified. It could be she knew Jesus would die for her sins. We don't know. What we do know is she knew Jesus was the Savior. She was genuinely repentant and full of love for Jesus. But, there is more to the story. Let's begin. *** 36  And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's hous...

  The book of Jonah isn't very long, yet it contains a brilliant little story that is often overlooked. We've been taught the story since Sunday school, but how much have we pondered what actually happened and the ridiculousness of this story? Read on if you'd like to take a moment to consider the reality of what happened in this story of stubborn Jonah.  Here is the story if you'd like to re-read it before we begin . This is not an exhaustive treatise; just observations on this little book. I've often thought that if I were ever to be like one of God's prophets, I would most resemble Jonah, as he was full of anger and bitterness. I'm no longer full of anger, though, as I spent much time being humbled in my walk and also because I've forgiven much. Why was Jonah so angry with God and the Ninevites, anyway? He was angry with the Ninevites because they were mortal enemies of his people, the Jews. They persecuted and pillaged and killed the Jews for quite s...