Strive or Surrender?

The world always told me to strive, and I listened. I studied hard through years of education and I worked diligently all my life. Even The Church encouraged me to strive: in Bible reading, prayer, and service. These are all good things, yet striving in itself never...

Godly Generosity

When I think of generosity, my mind quickly goes to money. However, Jesus reminds me that generosity is expressed in many wonderful ways. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 NIV How do I express to others the...

The Paradox of Love – Grace and Truth

I used to think that love was a "balance between grace and truth" – as if they could be separated. Sometimes, I communicate with EITHER grace OR truth, but not both. The result is a relationship built upon harshness, hurt, and harm, rather than...

Spiritual Fitness

I enjoy the discipline of physical exercise because it fits my "to-do list" mentality. Yet, when I apply this same mentality to my spirtual life I often fall short. For instance, reading through my Bible in a year does not necessarily produce growth....