For most of my adult life, King Solomon has been a constant conversation partner. It’s strange to say it, but he has always been there. Frustrating me. Tormenting me. Staggering me with his decisions. Surprising me with his sin and wisdom. Did you know that about 6 percent of the Bible is either written by or about King Solomon? I don’t know about you, but that surprised me. If you ask the same...
As a Christian woman, how do you make sense of your sexuality and sexual temptations? Questions about desire, pornography, masturbation, sex outside of marriage, or even struggles within marriage can feel confusing and deeply personal. It’s scary to open up about these issues, not to mention confusing at times to know what’s right. The world around us is loud with persuasive voices that tell us...
It’s coming up to that time of year where I stand in front of my church and overshare about my own struggles: “I have been going to a Bible study for the last forty years because without it I would be insane.” Those who know me well nod their heads. When I was twenty-five, the Lord picked me up, turned me around, and set my feet on his solid ground. I had a long seven-year odyssey away from faith...
Is faster always better? Obviously, no. But that truth only tells us that patience is sometimes a virtue. It doesn’t help us sort out when slower might be better. Consider these two lists: List One: Life challenges when efficiency in change is best (fast is better). List Two: Life challenges when patience in change is best (slower is better). What would you put on each list? Here are some...
As we face trials of various kinds in this world, Scripture gives us a wealth of reassurance, helping us understand both God’s general purposes in our suffering, as some specific truths we can hold onto when we don’t understand what’s going on. James tells us that we should consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of any kind, because trials are essential to our growth in Christ. Without...
