Discover Hope

Does God have a preference in calling the insecure? I’ve been rereading the story of Moses, one of the greatest leaders known to humankind. Moses’ leadership was exemplary: a beneficial model that has – and continues to – inspire and demonstrate valuable leadership principles for leaders throughout the world. The story of Israel’s deliverance from…

Recently a friend of mine asked me: “At what point can you say ‘It’s done’?” She knows me well. She was referring to my relentless persistence to scrutinize every word, sentence, and paragraph in something I’ve written. My tendency to make things better extends beyond writing. It’s not that I’m a perfectionist; I struggle with…

“Just hang in there!” His words were meant to encourage me. They didn’t. The burden was heavy. I had carried it for many years. I knew he meant well. I smiled. “What else can you do?” I replied. We’ve all heard phrases from well-meaning friends who try to bolster our spirits when life is hard.…

Are you inclined to make things more complicated than necessary? In full disclosure: I’ve spent too much of my life overthinking, redoing, and complicating matters, rather than embracing simplicity. Perhaps that behavior is spurred by a deep sense of inadequacy. Have you ever wondered why at the end of Jesus’ ministry on this earth he…

The dream woke me. My heart was beating rapidly. I was now awake. “Where did that come from?” I thought. Have you ever had a dream or recollection trigger something from the past? I don’t claim to understand dream therapy. It’s easy for me to shrug off dreams or those random, out-of-nowhere memories. But this…

“The hits just keep coming!”  “I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place.” “Will life ever get easier?” “How much more can I take?” We often hear statements like these from those who struggle. Possibly, you have uttered similar comments. I know I have. Maintaining a bright, positive outlook in times of adversity requires…

“Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.” – Ephesians 6:18 (NRSV) There’s been a growing awareness within me of the importance of praying for our leaders and parishioners. Perhaps this consciousness is spurred by my conversations…

Psalm 37:7 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. — Colossians 1:11 (ESV) A few years ago, I spoke with a friend of mine. It was more than a casual conversation. It was deeper than “How’s the weather in your neck of the…

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68 ESV) Where do we go when life doesn’t make sense? Who do we turn to when we have more questions than answers? Do you ever feel alone? A close observation of the life-rhythm of Jesus reveals…

“Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.” — Psalm 2:11 (ESV) “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the…